Sweet Seats: How to Reupholster Dining Chair Cushions for Non-Crafty People

Written By Alla Levin
January 11, 2019

How to Reupholster Dining Chair Cushions for Non-Crafty People

KEY POINTS

  • Start by decluttering and cleaning your home well before the move; sell, donate, or discard items to reduce what you pack.
  • Create a comprehensive moving checklist, including tasks like packing, address changes, and utility management, to stay organized.
  • Pack early, starting with rarely used items, hire professional movers for convenience, and label boxes clearly to ease the moving process.

Are your dining room chair cushions looking a little tired? Have you put off doing something about it?

You may know of many crafty people you can hire, but truth be told, anyone can learn how to reupholster a chair seat.

Remember, it’s good to learn something new every day. Stick with me, even if you’re not crafty, and learn how to reupholster dining chair cushions. We’ve got you covered!

The Ins and Outs of Reupholstering Dining Chair Cushions

You have these beautiful dining chairs. They’re sturdy, quality wood frames, but the chair seat covers have seen better days. Or maybe you just want to change up your decor. What an easy and fun way to update your dining room!

Supplies NeededHow to Reupholster Dining Chair Cushions for Non-Crafty People

  • Upholstered seat dining chairs
  • Fabric (enough for the number of chairs you have)
  • Lining (optional)
  • Clear vinyl (a good idea if you have young children)
  • Scissors
  • Tape measure
  • Staple gun
  • Staples
  • Drill or screwdriver

When choosing a fabric, you can scour eBay, Craigslist, retail fabric sites or stores. If you’re on a budget, make use of promo or coupon codes when making your purchase.

Step 1

Turn your chairs upside down to remove the screws that are holding the cushions to the chair frame. You can do this with a screwdriver or drill.

It’s easiest to place the chair upside down on a table or countertop for better access.

Step 2

Remove the existing fabric. If the fabric is in good shape and you think someday you might go back to it, you can leave it on and just place the new fabric over it and move to Step 3.

Step 3

Measure your chair cushions. Cut your fabric and lining (if using) into the correct size squares for your cushions. On average, you’ll need 28″ squares.

Be sure that when you measure your chair cushion seats, measure the thickness as well as add a couple of inches for the part that will be stapled underneath.

Step 4

Place your fabric with the good side down. Lay the seat cushion on top of the fabric.

This next part is best done with a partner.

Stretch the fabric over the cushion and begin stapling at regular intervals (a couple of inches) around the cushion, taking care to gather the corners neatly.

The corners can be done the way you would wrap a present. Be careful not to cover the screw holes.

Be sure to pull the fabric tight to allow for some stretching down the line.

Step 5

Follow the same process with the clear vinyl, if using. Otherwise, move on to Step 6.

Step 6

Check to make sure the screw holes are unobstructed. If not, take a minute to cut away the fabric.

Reattach your newly upholstered chair cushions to the chair frame, again using your screw gun or screwdriver.

Voila! You have a great new look!

DIY Your Way to Updated Home Decor: How to Reupholster Dining Chair Cushions

From dining chair cushions to new paint colors in your living room, you can DIY! Visit our site for advice on home decor, lifestyle, and many other topics.

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