We’re back with another practical tutorial—this time showing an easy way to refresh an old chair by reupholstering the seat. The point: this is a simple, fast project that can completely transform a piece of furniture. Let’s get started.
The original white fabric on this antique chair had yellowed and picked up stains over the years. Emily (John’s sister-in-law) and I went to a local fabric store and picked out something bold and fun to update her family hand-me-down.
We bought two yards of sateen and chenille in an oversized damask pattern for about $18. Armed with scissors, a screwdriver, and a $12 staple gun, we were ready to work.
Step 1: Use a screwdriver to remove the seat from the chair. Lay the cushion upside down on the wrong side of the fabric, positioning the pattern so it’s straight and centered. Pull the fabric taut and staple it over the old covering, placing staples about every two inches for a secure, wrinkle-free finish. Every so often peek under the cushion to check that the front looks centered and smooth—this prevents surprises when you flip it over later. If something looks off, you can remove a few staples with the screwdriver and adjust. It’s forgiving and easy to fix.
Step 2: Pay special attention to the corners—this is the only slightly tricky part, though still straightforward. Treat it like wrapping a present: fold and tuck the fabric so the excess is hidden under the seat and the front remains smooth and wrinkle-free. Before stapling a corner, flip the cushion over to confirm you like how the front looks. Adjust folds as needed, then staple in place.
Step 3: Continue stapling around the entire perimeter until the cushion is securely covered. You can trim any excess fabric, but it’s often fine to leave it since it will be hidden once the seat is reattached.
Step 4: Screw the cushion back into the chair and admire the result. When the fabric is centered and taut, the chair looks like it received professional upholstery—yet the whole job took only minutes. Adding a few coordinating cushions behind the wooden chair back in neutral or complementary colors will complete the look.
For an even bigger transformation, consider painting the chair frame while the cushion is off. Crisp white, glossy black, or a soft sage green would all complement the patterned fabric. The options are endless—so grab your tools, get stapling, and don’t forget to take before-and-after photos. We love seeing a great makeover.