If your dining room is starting to feel old and unappealing, you may be ready to make a change. Of course, a fresh coat of paint and new artwork can help re-style your dining space, but you can’t forget about the furniture. However, if you are working on a budget, buying a fancy new dining set may be out of the question. Instead, upcycle your existing pieces. If your dining chairs have upholstered seats, recovering the cushions with a trendy, new fabric can make a huge difference. Here’s how to do it!
Materials Needed
- 1/2 yard of fabric for each seat
- 1/2 yard of batting for each seat
- Two-inch foam for comfort (enough for each seat)
- Fabric scissors
- Temporary fabric pen
- Tape measure
- Staple gun and staples
- Screwdriver
- Utility knife
Once you’ve collected your materials, it’s time to get started!
Step one: Remove original seat cushion. Using your screwdriver, remove the cushion from the chair. Then, remove the fabric, batting and foam from the seat.
Step two: Cut new foam. Using the seat as a template, trace the shape onto foam with your fabric pen and start cutting with your utility knife.
Step three: Cut new fabric. Place your freshly cut foam and seat (foam side down) on top of your fabric. Be sure to place your fabric pattern side down. With your fabric pen, trace a line three inches out from the foam and cut with your fabric scissors.
Step four: Cut and attach batting. Using your new fabric cutout as a template, trace and cut batting to fit. Using your staple gun, and with foam and seat in place (foam side down) attach batting to seat. Be sure to pull taut to the seat as you go. Trim excess batting.
Step five: Attach fabric. Just as you attached your batting, use your staple gun to attach your new fabric. Be sure to pull taut to the seat and keep it snug around the corners to eliminate tucks along the top side of the cushion.
Step six: Reattach seat to chair. Now that your seat is re-covered with a new fabric, use your screwdriver to attach it back to the chair. Be sure to use the original hardware, like screws and nuts.
Now, your outdated chairs are like new! In no time, this simple DIY project can refresh your space while sticking to your budget.
