Recovering your dining room chairs can breathe new life into your dining space. Whether you’re dealing with wear and tear, or you simply want to match your chairs with a new décor theme, reupholstering is an exciting DIY project. With a little patience and the right tools, you can transform your worn-out dining chairs into standout pieces. This guide breaks down the entire process for different chair styles, including barrel back dining chairs and dining chairs with curved backs. Let's explore how to recover a dining room chair from start to finish!
Why Recover Your Dining Chair?
Dining chairs are some of the most used furniture in a home. Over time, fabrics become soiled, colors fade, and cushions start to sag. Recovering them is a cost-effective way to refresh their look without needing to buy new chairs. Not only does reupholstering provide a fresh appearance, but it also allows you to customize your chairs according to your style. It’s especially rewarding if you own unique chairs, like a barrel back dining chair or a dining chair with a curved back, as restoring these styles enhances their beauty while maintaining their character.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before starting, gather the following supplies:
Staple gun and staples
Screwdriver (flathead and Phillips)
Upholstery fabric
Scissors
Pry bar or pliers
Foam padding (if the cushion needs extra support)
Batting (for a smooth finish)
Measuring tape
Marker or chalk
Sewing machine (optional, for more complex shapes like curved backs)
Having these materials at hand will make the process smoother and faster. Now, let's begin step by step.
How to Recover a Dining Room Chair
Step 1. Remove the Seat from the Chair Frame
Start by flipping the chair upside down. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the seat cushion to the chair frame. If the upholstery continues around a barreled or curved back, take note of how it’s attached and slowly detach it. Keep the screws and any other necessary hardware in a safe place, as you’ll need them later when reassembling the chair.
Step 2. Remove the Old Fabric and Padding
Once the seat is disconnected, use pliers or a pry bar to carefully remove the staples or tacks securing the old fabric. Be patient during this step to prevent damage to the wood or frame underneath.
Save the old fabric pieces; they can act as a pattern for cutting your new upholstery. If the foam or padding underneath smells, sags, or is damaged, dispose of it and plan to replace it with fresh material.
Step 3. Assess the Frame and Cushion
Before moving forward, inspect the chair’s frame to ensure it’s sturdy. Tighten loose screws or joints, and if necessary, repair any damaged wood. If the existing cushion is salvageable, keep it. Otherwise, replace it with high-density foam, which ensures comfort and durability.
For styles like barrel back dining chairs or dining chairs with curved backs, closely examine the frame for supportive areas that will determine how the fabric should be stretched and attached.
Step 4. Cut the New Fabric
Choose an upholstery fabric that fits your dining room's style and is durable enough for regular use. Consider stain-resistant or water-repellent options, especially if children will be using the chairs frequently. Lay the old fabric flat and use it to trace the outline onto your new fabric. If you’re working with a dining chair curved back, consider how the fabric will stretch and ensure there's enough material to work around curves and folds. For barrel back dining chairs, you’ll need extra fabric to accommodate the rounded shape. Use scissors to cut your fabric. Always leave a few extra inches around the edges for adjustments during the stapling process.
Step 5. Secure the New Padding and Batting
If you’re replacing the old foam, cut a new piece to match the seat size. Place it on the cushion base, ensuring it aligns with the frame. Cover the foam with batting for a smooth, finished look. Secure the batting to the bottom of the seat base using a staple gun, pulling it tight across all edges. This step is especially important for rounded designs, like barrel back dining chairs, to ensure the layers sit evenly inside the frame.
Step 6. Attach the New Fabric
Now it’s time to upholster! Center the fabric over the seat cushion, making sure any patterns on the fabric align properly. Work with one side at a time:
Pull the fabric taut, and staple it underneath the seat base.
Move to the opposite side, pulling tightly to eliminate wrinkles, and staple again.
Repeat this process for the remaining sides.
Corners and curves can be tricky, especially for dining chairs with curved backs. To handle corners:
Fold the fabric neatly like wrapping a gift.
Staple in small increments to ensure a smooth curve.
For barrel back dining chairs, you may need to make small pleats or snips in the fabric to help it lay flat along the rounded sections. Be sure to hide these pleats in less visible areas. Use glue or hand sewing for an extra secure finish around tricky curves.
Step 7. Reassemble the Chair
Once the upholstery is complete, reattach the seat or backrest to the frame. Line up the screw holes, and use a screwdriver to fix the cushion securely back in place. For barrel back and curved-back chairs, you may need to reattach additional fabric to the rear frame using upholstery tacks or finishing nails. Check each screw is tight, but don’t overtighten, as this could damage the wood. Once fully assembled, your dining chair will look as good as new!
Tips for Recovering Barrel Back and Curved Back Dining Chairs
Patterned Fabric
For chairs with unique shapes like barrel backs, always keep fabric patterns symmetrical. Use the centerpiece of the fabric as your guide to ensure balance.
Stretch Evenly
When upholstering curved backs, stretch the fabric evenly to avoid bunching or sagging. Use clamps if needed to hold the material in place as you work.
Double-Check the Fit
Dry-fit the fabric before stapling ensures it aligns perfectly when stretched over rounded areas.
Use a Staple Remover for Mistakes
It’s common to make stapling errors on complex shapes like dining chair curved backs. Don’t hesitate to remove misplaced staples and start again.
Finishing Touches
Use upholstery trim, piping, or decorative tacks to hide staples or seams along the edges. This gives your chair a professional, finished appearance.
FAQ on Recovering Dining Room Chairs
How Long Does It Take to Recover a Dining Room Chair?
The time depends on the complexity of the chair’s shape and your skill level. A simple flat cushion can take as little as 20 minutes, while a barrel back dining chair may take 2-3 hours.
What Kind of Fabric Should I Use?
Opt for durable upholstery fabric in shades or patterns that complement your décor. Look for materials like polyester blends, cotton canvas, or fabrics treated to resist stains.
Do I Need Special Tools to Recover a Dining Chair?
A staple gun, screwdriver, and scissors are the essential tools. For more barrel back dining chair intricate projects involving curves or rounded backs, clamps and a sewing machine can be helpful.
Can I Recover a Chair Without Removing the Seat?
While it’s possible to reupholster directly onto the frame, it may not look as polished. Removing the seat ensures tighter fabric stretches and makes stapling easier.
How Often Should I Replace Cushion Foam?
Foam may need replacing every 5–10 years, depending on usage. Signs like sagging, poor support, or a musty smell dining chair curved back indicate it’s time for a refresh.
Final Thoughts
Recovering a dining room chair is a rewarding DIY project that can completely revamp your dining area. Whether you’re working on a simple seat or taking on the challenge of a barrel back dining chair or a dining chair with a curved back, the key is patience and attention to detail. Using the right tools and materials, you can end with a chair that looks and feels brand new.
This process not only saves money but also allows you to express your creativity and enjoy the satisfaction of breathing new life into well-loved furniture. Why wait? Grab your tools and start recovering your dining chairs today!
CONTACT US
Mob: +86 13556901339
Tel: +86 750 6128821
Fax: 6128819
[email protected]
Shachong Industrial Zone Of Daze Town, barrel back dining chair Xinhui District, Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province, China.