How to Reupholster a Chair for Beginners
Have you ever looked at an old, worn chair and thought, “you could be beautiful again”?
Whether it’s a treasured armchair in your living room or a simple dining chair that’s seen better days, learning how to reupholster a chair allows you to transform the familiar into something fresh and full of charm. With just a little imagination, your favourite fabric, and a dash of patience, you can create a truly personal piece that feels as if it’s always belonged in your home.
Here’s everything you need to know about reupholstering a chair…
Why reupholster a chair?
Reupholstering allows you to rediscover the charm of old furniture rather than replacing it. Just because a chair has a faded seat or the fabric is tired, that doesn’t mean it has reached the end of its life – only that it’s ready for a new chapter. By updating the upholstery, you retain the craftsmanship and structure of the piece, while introducing fresh colour, pattern, and personality.
Reupholstering is also good for the planet. It helps to cut down on waste and extends the life of well-made furniture rather than sending it to landfill. Restoring a sturdy frame with eco-friendly fabrics like our linen unions (a blend of 40% organic cotton and 60% linen) eliminates the need for new resources, while giving something old a beautiful new purpose.
How easy is it to reupholster a chair?
The answer all depends on your chosen piece. Dining chair seats, for instance, are a great starting point for beginners. Thanks to their simple shapes and removable seat pads, you can easily experiment with different patterns and textures, without the need for professional tools.
More intricate armchairs or wingbacks may require a bit more practice (and patience!), but the results are deeply satisfying. With a little care, a steady hand, and the right fabric, you can create something that feels completely new yet beautifully familiar.
Choosing the right fabric for your reupholstery project
Selecting the right fabric is one of the most enjoyable parts of the reupholstery process. Start by considering where your chair will sit and how it will be used. For example, a seat that’s kept in a sunlit kitchen may benefit from a paler print that won’t show fading, whereas your favourite fireside armchair might call for something softer and more inviting.
Large-scale designs and bold colours work beautifully on big chairs or statement pieces, especially when the pattern can flow uninterrupted across a wide surface. These designs are perfect if you want to create drama and have your chair become a real talking point in a room.
See below a statement living chair covered in our By the Sea fabric in Teal & Charcoal – a bold, vibrant pattern that’s impossible to ignore.
On the other hand, smaller-scale designs are ideal for dining sets or furniture with intricate frames. They’re easier to align, more forgiving on curves, and gentle enough to complement other patterns such as cushions and curtains.
See below a collection of dining chairs upholstered in various colourways of our Dotty Check fabric. They’re wonderfully cohesive and look right at home in this calming kitchen room scene.
How to reupholster a chair seat: a step-by-step guide
- Prepare your workspace. Choose a clean, flat surface with good lighting, and have a screwdriver, staple gun, sharp scissors, fabric, and padding at the ready. Lay down an old sheet or dust cloth to protect the area.
- Remove the seat from the chair frame. You can usually do this by unscrewing it from beneath. Check that the frame is still sturdy and tighten any loose joints before continuing.
- Carefully strip away the old fabric, prising out any old staples or tacks with a flat-head screwdriver or staple remover. Try to keep the old fabric pieces intact, as these will serve as your cutting templates.
- Inspect the padding and webbing. If the seat feels saggy or the foam has deteriorated, replace it with some fresh wadding, foam, or natural fibres. This will make the chair more comfortable and supportive.
- Cut your new fabric using the old cover as a pattern. Allow at least 5cm extra all around for folding and stapling underneath.
- Position and secure the new fabric. Lay it flat, centre your pattern if it has a motif, and then stretch and staple from the middle of each side outwards, alternating sides to keep the tension even. Make sure you fold the corners neatly around your chair’s shape.
- Check your finish. Flip the seat over to ensure the top is smooth and taut. Trim away any excess fabric underneath for a tidy result.
- Reattach the seat, admire your handiwork, and enjoy your “new” chair!
Give your chair a second lease of life with our beautiful fabrics
Our timeless collection of nature-inspired fabrics are perfect for upholstery projects of all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re reviving a much-loved armchair or updating a set of dining seats, our handcrafted fabrics are guaranteed to stand the test of time in busy everyday spaces. From bold botanical prints to dainty floral motifs, we guarantee there’s a design to suit your style!
Explore our full fabric collection and get ready to give your chair a new chance at life.
We sell fabrics exclusively designed by Vanessa Arbuthnott, along side small, bespoke collection of Made to Measure items which includes curtains, blinds, sofas, footstools, chairs, headboards, and quilts, all handmade specially for you by master crafts people.
