Reupholstering Seats: Furniture Upholstery Tips for a Fresh Look

Reupholstering your seats can breathe new life into tired furniture. Whether it's a beloved armchair or dining chairs, fresh fabric and padding can transform the look and feel of your space. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, offering practical advice and tips to help you achieve professional results at home.

At Sitting Around we can help with minor upholstery jobs or put you in touch with a local upholsterer. If you would like to DIY Please read below for help and tips.

Essential Furniture Upholstery Tips for Beginners

Before diving into the project, it’s important to gather the right tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Fabric: Choose durable upholstery fabric that suits your style.

• Staple gun and staples: For securing fabric tightly.

• Screwdriver: To remove seat cushions or frames.

• Pliers: To pull out old staples or tacks.

• Scissors: For cutting fabric.

• Foam padding: If the existing padding is worn out.

• Batting: To smooth out the foam and add softness.

• Measuring tape: To measure fabric and foam accurately.

  
  

Start by removing the seat from the chair or furniture piece. Use the screwdriver to detach screws holding the seat in place. Carefully remove the old fabric by pulling out staples or tacks with pliers. Take note of how the fabric was attached, as this will help when you reattach the new fabric.

Preparing Your Seat for Upholstery

Once the old fabric is removed, inspect the foam padding. If it’s flattened or damaged, replace it with new foam cut to size. Lay batting over the foam to create a smooth surface and add extra comfort.

Measure the seat dimensions carefully. Add an extra 10-15 cm on all sides to allow enough fabric for stapling. Cut your new fabric according to these measurements.

Before attaching the fabric, position the seat on a flat surface. Place the fabric face down, then the batting and foam, and finally the seat base on top. This layering ensures the fabric will be taut and smooth when stapled.

Preparing seat base with foam and fabric for upholstery

Step-by-Step Seat Reupholstering Process

Now for the main event. Follow these steps to upholster your seat like a pro:

1. Start stapling at the center of one side: Pull the fabric tight and staple in the middle.

2. Move to the opposite side: Pull fabric taut and staple again.

3. Repeat for the remaining sides: This helps keep the fabric evenly stretched.

4. Work towards the corners: Fold fabric neatly at corners and staple securely.

5. Trim excess fabric: Leave about 2 cm beyond staples to prevent fraying.

6. Check for wrinkles: Adjust staples if needed to smooth out fabric.

   
   

Take your time with the corners, as neat folds make a big difference in the final look. If your seat has curves or unusual shapes, use small, careful folds to maintain a smooth surface.

Finishing Touches and Maintenance Tips

After reattaching the seat to the furniture frame, give it a final inspection. Make sure the fabric is tight and secure. If you notice any loose areas, add extra staples.

To keep your newly upholstered seats looking great, regular care is essential. Vacuum fabric surfaces weekly to remove dust and debris. For spills, blot immediately with a clean cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage fabric fibres.

For more detailed advice on maintaining your furniture, check out this seat reupholstering resource.

Finished reupholstered chair seat with smooth fabric

Revitalise Your Furniture with Confidence

Reupholstering seats is a rewarding DIY project that can save money and add a personal touch to your home. With the right tools, patience, and these furniture upholstery tips, you can transform old seats into stylish, comfortable pieces.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Start with smaller projects to build your skills before tackling larger or more complex furniture. Enjoy the process and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful with your own hands.