Bold colored fabrics highlight the wooden frame of a dining chair.
Covering or upholstering wood dining room chairs is a relatively simple procedure that enhances comfort and appearance, making the surrounding space warm, cozy and inviting. The refurbishing technique allows you to salvage current chair frames and breathe new life into them, as opposed to purchasing new pieces of furniture and increasing costs. Select durable, easy-wipe fabrics that highlight and accentuate the natural tint of the wood chair frames. Depending on personal preference, use the same fabric for all the chairs for a monochromatic theme or cover each chair with a different fabric.
Instructions
1. Flip the wooden dining chair to expose the screws attaching the seat cushion to the frame. Using a cordless screwdriver, remove the screws to release the cushion from the frame. Collect the screws in a zipper bag or container and set aside.
2. Place the cushion face down on a clean, hard surface. Using needle-nose pliers or a staple remover, remove the staples or tacks attaching the existing fabric to the cushion. Work carefully to avoid tearing the upholstery fabric, because this serves as the template for the new fabric. However, skip this step if your seat cushion is not covered with fabric.
3. Replace the foam padding on the chair if it is damaged or worn out, exposing the bare base board. Place the board on a piece of high-density foam and trace its outline. Cut along the lines using sharp scissors.
4. Apply an even layer of adhesive over the board and press the foam in place to join them together. Let the glue dry for the time specified on its label directions.
5. Spread the upholstery fabric on a clean, hard surface. Center and lower the board, foam side down, on the fabric. Allow 2 inches of fabric all the way around the board to cover part of its back before cutting excess off with sharp scissors. Set the excess fabric aside to clear your workspace.
6. Pull the fabric along one edge of the board over its back, pulling it taut to prevent creases along its front. Insert a staple along the center of the fabric to secure it to the board. Continue inserting evenly spaced staples along the edge of the fabric to secure one side to the board.
7. Turn the foam covered board over and brush any creases that appear in the upholstery fabric with your hand. Flip it face down again and repeat the process of stapling the fabric along the opposite side of the board to its back. Pull the fabric taut and staple to prevent creases from forming on the fabric. Repeat the process of stapling fabric along the other two sides of the board in place.
8. Replace the seat cushion over the frame. Press it in place before replacing the screws that secure it to the wood frame. Repeat the steps for the remaining wood dining chairs you wish to cover.
Tags: fabric along, face down, seat cushion, upholstery fabric, along edge