How to Recover Dining Room Chairs

What is the best way to recover your dining room chairs? Whether your dining room chairs were inherited from a family member or you just didn’t have the money to buy new ones when you moved in, recovering them can be a great way to give them a new life. 

Not only will this save you money, but it can also be a fun project for you and your friends or family. Here are some instructions on how to do it.

How to Reupholster a Chair – For Beginners

What you’ll need:

• Old dining room chair
• New fabric of your choice
• Scissors
• Stapler
• Upholstery tacks (optional)
• Hammer (optional)
• Screwdriver (optional)

Instructions:

1. Remove the seat cushion from the chair. If it is attached with tacks, use a screwdriver to remove them. If it is stapled on, use pliers to remove the staples.

2. Remove the old fabric from the chair. To do this, simply use a screwdriver to remove any staples or nails that are holding the fabric in place. If there are any upholstery tacks, you can use a flathead screwdriver to remove them.

3. Cut the new fabric: Once the old fabric is removed, it’s time to cut the new fabric. You’ll want to cut it slightly larger than the piece of fabric you removed so that you have some wiggle room.

4. Attach the new fabric: Now it’s time to attach the new fabric. You can do this by stapling it in place or using upholstery tacks. If you’re using a patterned fabric, you’ll want to make sure that the design is facing the right way before you attach it.

5. Trim the excess fabric: Once the new fabric is attached, you can trim away any excess fabric. Be careful not to cut too close to the staples or tacks.

6. Replace the recovered seat on the chair. Your new dining room chairs are now ready to use!

How to Upholster a Non-removable Chair Seat

If your chair seats are not removable, you’ll need to follow a slightly different process. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Remove the old fabric: Just like with a removable seat, you’ll need to remove the old fabric first. Use a screwdriver to remove any staples or nails that are holding the fabric in place.

2. Cut the new fabric: Cut the new cloth a bit bigger than the piece of fabric you removed to allow for some wiggle room.

3. Attach the new fabric. Then, staple the fabric in place close to the seat edges, pulling the fabric taut as you go. Trim away any excess fabric close to the staples or tacks. 

5. Attach welting or trim around the edges: You may make double welting from the same fabric and then attach the welting or trim with hot glue around the edges of the seat to conceal the staples.

How to Recover Dining Room Chairs FAQ

Can dining chairs be recovered?

Yes, dining chairs can absolutely be recovered! This is a great way to save money and give your chairs a new lease on life.

How do you reupholster a dining chair without removing old fabric?

You may reupholster the chair in the same manner, but make sure the new fabric is darker than the old to avoid any visible contrast.

Can I reupholster a chair myself?

Yes, you can definitely reupholster a chair yourself! Just follow the instructions above and you’ll be able to do it in no time.

Closing on How to Recover Dining Room Chairs

Dining room chairs can be a great way to update your space without spending too much money. Whether you want to give new life to old family heirlooms or just need more seating for guests, recovering them is an inexpensive and easy project that anyone from the DIY novice to the professional upholsterer will enjoy doing. 

With these instructions on how to recover dining room chairs, you’ll be able to do it in no time at all!