Reupholstering chairs and ottomans is a fantastic way to breathe new life into your home décor. Not only does it save you money on buying new furniture, but it also allows you to showcase your unique style and personality. With fabric crafts, you can transform your furniture and accessories into stunning pieces that brighten up your home.
To start, you’ll need to choose the right fabric for your project. This depends on the piece of furniture you’re reupholstering and its use. For instance, if you’re updating a chair that sees heavy use, opt for durable fabrics like canvas or denim. If it’s an accent chair or ottoman that’s more for show than use, feel free to choose delicate fabrics like silk or velvet.
Next, remove the old fabric from your furniture. This often involves removing staples or nails, so be sure to have a good staple remover or pair of pliers on hand. Take care not to damage the underlying padding or foam, as you’ll likely be reusing this material.
Once the old fabric is removed, take a moment to inspect the padding and foam. If it’s worn out or damaged, now is the perfect time to replace it. You can find replacement foam at most craft stores or online.
When your furniture is stripped down and refreshed with new padding if necessary, it’s time to measure and cut your new fabric. Use the old fabric as a template, leaving extra room for seam allowances. Remember, it’s always better to cut too much than too little – excess can be trimmed away, but too-short fabric is a headache to deal with.
Now comes the fun part: attaching your new fabric. Start by laying out your fabric on the furniture piece and aligning it how you want it to look when finished. Then, using a staple gun, secure the fabric in place starting at the center and working your way outwards. Keep the fabric taut as you work to avoid wrinkles or loose spots.
Once all of your fabric is secured, trim away any excess with a sharp pair of scissors. If your chair or ottoman has any buttons or other detailing, add these back now.
The final step is finishing off the edges of your fabric with upholstery tack strips or piping cord for a clean and professional look. This step requires patience and precision but adds a beautiful finishing touch to your piece.
By reupholstering chairs and ottomans yourself, you can create one-of-a-kind pieces that perfectly match your home decor style. Plus, because you’re using materials you choose yourself, you can ensure that they’re eco-friendly and ethical – something that’s not always possible when buying new.
So why not give it a go? With some basic tools and materials – many of which you might already have around the house – you can start transforming your home today!
