How to Reupholster A Simple Chair Cushion

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One of the easy DIY projects that I mentioned was reupholstering dining room chairs. Today, I want to show you just how easy upholstery can be. Learn how to reupholster a simple chair cover. I’m using a vanity stool to demonstrate this process, but it’s the same for simple dining chairs as well.

How to Reupholster a Simple Chair

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Supplies

• Staple gun (I use this pneumatic one with an air compressor now)
• Staple gun
• Fabric of your choice
• Screwdriver
• Scissors

I finally found a nice fabric for my daughter’s vanity stool. I wanted a soft fabric, similar to velvet. At Joann, I found a navy blue microsuede. Microsuede is not my favorite, but the price was right and the texture was right. Plus, the fabric is very durable for upholstery.

This is the before photo of her vanity stool. It’s fine, but I wanted a prettier color than the beige. I bought it from a thrift store, but you can get it here.. I spray painted the base gold.

Flip it over and unscrew the cushion from the base. The cushion is typically held in place with 4 screws in each corner.

Place the chair base to the side. I’m working on a tarp to keep the cushion clean, but also to protect the floor.

Lay the fabric face down and place the cushion on top of it. It’s not necessary to remove the old fabric, but you can if it’s gross. Then you can use the fabric as a pattern to cut the fabric precisely to size. Try to give yourself a few inches extra to work with and cut it to size.

Staple the fabric once on each of the 4 sides, pulling the fabric tautly. Be sure to leave the screw holes exposed.

Pulling the fabric tautly, staple each quarter of the cushion. Most dining chairs are not round, so it goes much easier. I pulled each section, trying to minimize each pleat. Go all the way around the chair, stapling. Be sure to leave the screw holes exposed!

Trim the excess fabric.

Screw the seat back on.

You’re finished! Stand back and admire your work. Wasn’t that easy? Now you know how to reupholster a simple cushion! The hard part is picking out the perfect fabric!

Here’s how to finished stool looks with the vanity. (Not shown: The Pokemon card explosion to the right of the vanity.) I think my daughter will be pleasantly surprised when she gets home. Maybe it will inspire her to clean her room! 😉

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