Reupholstering furniture is a fantastic way to breathe new life into worn‑out chairs, ottomans, and other upholstery pieces. Whether you've inherited a vintage piece or found an old, beat‑up chair at a thrift store, a little DIY reupholstering can transform it into a stunning centerpiece. And while professional reupholstery can be expensive, tackling the project on a budget is entirely possible with the right tools, techniques, and a little creativity.
In this guide, we will walk you through how to reupholster chairs and ottomans on a budget while still achieving an elegant and professional look. Let's get started!
1. Why Reupholster?
Before jumping into the how, it's essential to understand the why. Reupholstering allows you to:
- Save Money : Buying new furniture can be costly, especially when looking for high‑quality, custom pieces. Reupholstering gives you the chance to keep your beloved furniture while giving it a fresh look at a fraction of the price.
- Reduce Waste : Reupholstering is an eco‑friendly choice. By reusing the existing frame, you keep materials out of the landfill, contributing to sustainability.
- Create Custom Designs : Reupholstering gives you the freedom to choose your fabric, colors, and finishes, enabling you to create a piece that perfectly fits your style and space.
2. Materials You'll Need
When reupholstering on a budget, choosing the right materials is key. You can achieve an elegant look without breaking the bank by opting for affordable, durable, and stylish materials.
- Fabric : Look for sales, clearance items, or even repurpose old fabric from clothing or curtains. If you're looking for high‑end options on a budget, consider buying cotton canvas, linen, or faux leather. Remember, fabric stores often offer remnant pieces at discounted prices, and online marketplaces can also have great deals.
- Foam : If the seat cushion needs to be replaced, foam is essential. You can buy foam by the yard or repurpose foam from other furniture pieces. Look for foam with the right density for comfort, but be sure to shop around for the best price.
- Batting : Polyester batting is used to soften the edges and create a smooth, padded finish. Check for sales or consider using recycled materials like old pillows or comforters.
- Staples and Staple Gun : A heavy‑duty staple gun is essential for securing fabric to the furniture frame. Make sure you have plenty of staples on hand, as this step requires a lot of precision.
- Piping (optional) : If you want to add a tailored, polished look, you can make your own piping using fabric strips and cord, or you can buy pre‑made piping at fabric stores.
3. Prepare Your Furniture
The first step in any upholstery project is preparation. While it may take some time, proper preparation is essential for achieving a smooth, professional finish.
- Remove Old Fabric : Start by carefully removing the existing upholstery from the chair or ottoman. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry out staples, and make sure you keep the old fabric intact so you can use it as a template for cutting new fabric.
- Inspect the Frame : Once the old fabric is removed, check the frame for any signs of damage. If the wood is loose or damaged, use wood glue or screws to reinforce it before moving forward.
- Clean and Repair the Frame : Clean the frame thoroughly, especially if it's been sitting for a while. If you want to give it a more polished look, consider staining or painting the wood frame. A fresh coat of paint or stain can transform the entire piece without adding much to your budget.
4. Choose Your Fabric
Choosing the right fabric is where you can get creative while sticking to your budget. The fabric you choose should complement the rest of your décor, but it should also be durable enough for regular use.
- Pattern and Color : When choosing fabric, think about your space and existing color scheme. If you're on a tight budget, opting for neutral or solid colors is a safe bet, as it will match most décor styles. However, adding a pop of color or subtle pattern can add sophistication and charm.
- Fabric Weight : Make sure the fabric is heavy enough to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Upholstery fabrics such as duck cloth, canvas, and certain linens are durable and often available at reasonable prices. For ottomans, velvet or faux leather can give a luxurious feel at a fraction of the cost of genuine leather.
5. Measure and Cut Fabric
Once you've chosen your fabric, it's time to measure and cut. This is one of the most critical steps in the reupholstery process.
- Use Old Fabric as a Template : Lay out the old fabric pieces flat on your new fabric and use them as templates. This method ensures that your new fabric will fit perfectly. If you're working on a chair, be sure to account for the curves and angles in the frame.
- Allow for Extra Fabric : Always add a little extra fabric on all sides to give yourself room to staple and adjust the fabric as needed. A 1‑inch allowance around the edges is usually sufficient.
- Cut Carefully : Use sharp fabric scissors to cut your fabric neatly. Be sure to cut slowly and precisely to avoid any mistakes that could cost you extra time or fabric.
6. Reupholster the Chair or Ottoman
With your fabric cut and prepared, it's time to reupholster. The key here is to work slowly and carefully, taking your time to get the fabric tight and smooth.
- Start with the Seat : For chairs and ottomans, begin with the seat cushion. Lay the fabric face down and place the foam on top. Fold the fabric around the cushion, pulling tightly as you staple it into place. Make sure to staple evenly along the edges, ensuring that the fabric stays smooth and wrinkle‑free.
- Work Your Way Around the Frame : For the rest of the frame, start at the center and work your way outward, stapling the fabric in place as you go. For chairs, be mindful of any pleats or folds that need to be created for a neat appearance. Pull the fabric taut to avoid sagging.
- Finish with Piping (optional) : If you're using piping for a more tailored look, sew it onto the edges before stapling the fabric to the frame. This will create a crisp, clean finish that elevates the overall appearance of the piece.
7. Final Touches
Once the fabric is secured, it's time to finish up with some final touches to give your reupholstered piece that elegant, professional look.
- Tidy Up the Staples : Use a staple remover or flathead screwdriver to press any exposed staples further into the wood frame for a clean finish.
- Add Decorative Accents : To make the piece look more polished, you can add decorative details such as buttons or a contrasting trim. You can also reattach any original accents, like wooden legs or tufted buttons, to give it a more cohesive look.
8. Save Money with DIY Techniques
Reupholstering doesn't need to break the bank. There are several ways to save money while still achieving a professional‑looking result:
- Use Repurposed Materials : Look for inexpensive or leftover materials from other projects. Reusing old pillows for batting or repurposing fabric from old clothing can save you a lot of money.
- Skip Expensive Fabrics : While designer fabrics can be tempting, opting for more affordable options doesn't mean sacrificing style. Many fabric stores offer quality alternatives at lower prices, especially if you shop for remnants or sale items.
- DIY Cushion Filling : Instead of buying new foam, consider repurposing cushions from old furniture. You can also add a layer of batting to soften the cushion without needing to replace the foam.
Conclusion
Reupholstering chairs and ottomans on a budget is a rewarding project that can elevate your home's décor without the hefty price tag. With the right materials, some patience, and a bit of creativity, you can create beautiful, customized furniture pieces that reflect your style. Whether you're refreshing an old piece or upcycling a thrift‑store find, these tips will help you achieve an elegant makeover that fits your budget. So grab your tools, pick your fabric, and start turning your old furniture into a statement piece!