How to re-stuff and reupholster a really nice chair?

Cindy Rubin
by Cindy Rubin

We got this chair from friends years ago! The chair is a really comfortable chair. It was very expensive when new. Everyone loves the size... bigger than a club but smaller than a chair and a half. We even loved the fabric, pattern etc. I found the same fabric in fact at Hobby Lobby. The problem... live in a small town with No upholsterers to be found. The seat cushion needs some re-stuffing and the material will not clean up any more than it is (chair was not totally beige when we got it... yikes! Is it a project I can DIY? I'd love to try but is it too much for a nonprofessional?

  11 answers
  • Jan Jan on Feb 03, 2019

    if you sew you can do it. Start at the back and remove the back panel.Mark piece 1 mark as you go. Cut the new pieces out of the material you take off. It is that easy.

  • Pamela Pamela on Feb 03, 2019

    Making (sewing) new fabric would be great. OR look at some of the sites that show how to recover using hot glue gun! I was amazed that it really works and their chairs look great.

  • Pamela Pamela on Feb 03, 2019

    As far as adding to the seat cushion, you could open a seam and stuff in more batting or foam. Or maybe simply attach another layer of foam on top and put new material over it.

  • Yeager Yeager on Feb 04, 2019

    Do not over stuff if you replace any of fiber fill or batting and I strongly suggest replacing the cushion with new foam. Good luck

  • Kate N Kate N on Feb 04, 2019

    Listen to Jan, ( but I’m sure you’ll find tutorials on you tube). Most of the time there is very little sewing ( mostly cushions) but as Jan stated, take off the dust cover on bottom of chair first so you can see the staples where the fabric has been tucked under. Look at the back panel and remove the staples from the underside. Go slowly and you will find the (I think they’re called tack strips) on either side. You can reuse these. Label each piece and or take photos as you go. Each piece you take off, will be your pattern piece to use for your new fabric. ( I did leave my cushions to an upholstery place since I lack experience with sewing) Also, my hand strength is not great so if you have a man around that can hold the staple gun ( preferably a power stapler) tight against what your stapling while your pulling the fabric taut, that’s really helpful. But if a 50 year old grandma can do it do can you. You’ve got this.

    • Cindy Rubin Cindy Rubin on Feb 05, 2019

      You're Awesome! (I too am a fifty-something grandmother.... shhh) lol

      Any guesses on how much fabric it would take?

  • Brandy Walker Brandy Walker on Feb 04, 2019

    You can find many videos for helping with this process. I have done this several times an found it easy to start with the bottom skirt and dust cover and go from their with removing the pieces as you go (kinda Like a puzzle:)) I take each piece and mark it with a number as I remove it from the chair...1..2..3..4.. etc. Use each of these pieces as patterns to cut you fabric for your new pieces and start placing them back on the furniture frame with the numbers going backwards....4...3..2..1... etc. The first piece (#1) you removed with end up being the last piece you put back on (if that makes any since) I assure you it looks harder than it is :) You can do it! I would suggest looking at fabrics from this website ( I have used these for several projects) https://www.eluxury.com/collections/fabrics. I have been lucky to find a code BWFF20 for 20% off that does not expire :) Keep us updated on your progress!

  • I would do a slip cover and add more stuffing to the seat area. Unless you are already a very skilled sewist I don't think reupholstering yourself is going to work well.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Apr 17, 2021

    I know the original question was posted in 2019, but I would like to add that in replacing the foam for the seat cushion, be sure to purchase foam that is not only the correct thickness for a chair seat cushion like this one, but foam of the correct density.


    This is very important to ensure that the cushion continues to provide not only softness but adequate support as well.


    Here is a link explaining the difference between foam thickness and density:


    https://workroommarketplace.com/products/understanding-foam-for-home-furnishings

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Sep 01, 2021

    Quick temp fix is to place cushion under back and seat!

  • Deb K Deb K on Nov 02, 2021

    Hi Cindy, here's a link that can guide you, hope it helps, also I would use foam for the cushion.

    https://www.bhg.com/decorating/do-it-yourself/fabric-paper-projects/diy-chair-upholstery-guide/