Slipper Chair Upholstery Makeover
Sometimes with DIY, I pretend like I know what I’m doing. For example, check out this chair in the corner of our living room. I mentioned on Instagram that it needed a little help. However, I’m not a seamstress, upholsterer, or a person who really knows anything about sewing/upholstery. But I definitely faked it to look like I do with this slipper chair upholstery makeover.
Here you can see how bad the chair was damaged.
Yeah. All of that was done by our sweet kitty, Rowan.
I’m not sure if it was the weave of the fabric that attracted him (it wasn’t very tight) or the sleek style of the chair *wink*.
The chair was also rocking some pretty creepy looking stains. Once or twice, our son had spilled a drink on the chair and even though I soaked up the liquid and cleaned the fabric, it remained stained.
Trying to clean it possibly stained it more!
This chair is pretty comfy and we wanted to keep it, so obviously, it needed some help. I started by un-velcroing the fabric on the bottom of the chair and removed the back and legs to dismantle the chair into pieces. Our pup, Harper, helped out too.
I hope not to offend those who do upholstery (am I using that word correctly?), but honestly, this project with pretty much just tucking, folding, pulling, and stapling the fabric (canvas drop cloth) around the base and back pieces.
And I must say that it looks a lot better!
Because I’m not the best with a sewing machine, I opted to just fold all of the edges under to make a straight line down the corners.
The back piece was another story. Even though I still folded everything, I had to sew the pieces together with a few quick knots of thread every few inches. I’m not really sure what this is called or if it is even a real technique that people use, but it worked for me.
This chair is by no means perfect, but I think it turned out pretty good for a girl with no upholstery skills whatsoever. The best part thus far is that the cat has left the chair alone!
What do you think of this chair’s new look? Did I totally ruin the good name of upholsterers everywhere by botching this up more? Or did it turn out reasonably enough to pass the test?
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2 Comments
Charlotte Lindsay
This project turned out great! I love reupholstering my furniture, it allows you to choose a fabric that fits your needs. I tend to find nice furniture at thrift stores and then upholster them, it is a great way to save money allowing you to splurge on other home decor.
Erin
Thank you so much, Charlotte! You are so right!