Thinking about refinishing our dining room and need fabric advice.

You may remember I shared my dining room inspiration with you all: http://www.findingsilverpennies.com/2013/08/dining-room-inspiration.html I'm trying to decide on a fabric for the chairs. They are going to be used heavily by two little boys who love to eat meatballs and mexican! Am I right in thinking that outdoor fabric would be "forgiving" for stains?
  13 answers
  • Nancy Wagner Nancy Wagner on Aug 31, 2013
    Sunbrella fabrics are more forgiving than some. Not all outdoor fabrics are equal. Be sure to read the label and ask questions. Actually, upholstering chairs is relatively easy and not too expensive so you might want to think about re-upholstering again in a year or two. This would also allow for something a little bolder, if you like. You may be able to find a remnant at a discount price, too. The fabric width should accommodate two chair covers side by side so that if you do six chairs you shouldn't need much more than 1 1/2 - 2 yards. OR, now that I have looked more at your blog....have you thought of painting the existing cushions with Annie Sloan Paint? You could do your own grain sack look with stripes.
    • Finding Silver Pennies Finding Silver Pennies on Aug 31, 2013
      @Nancy Wagner Thank you so much for your advice! The chairs seats look flat but they are actually textured. I do have my eye on a sunbrella fabric Canvas Spa but I'm a little limited with pattern styles with indoor / outdoor. I may go with it and if I need to change down the line or want something with more of a pop I can. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question. x
  • Nancy Wagner Nancy Wagner on Aug 31, 2013
    I have a friend who painted an upholstered chair with the Annie Sloan Paint. It turned out very nice. Quite unusual. Nothing to lose if you want to try painting the existing seat covers. The texture might even be interesting especially if you use a different color a shade or so darker. I don't think I have read about the washability of the fabric but I would tend to think it could be easily wiped off.
    • Finding Silver Pennies Finding Silver Pennies on Aug 31, 2013
      @Nancy Wagner Yes, I work quite a lot with her paints but think I want to try a new fabric than the existing on the chairs. Thank you so much for your tips!
  • Kim Davis Kim Davis on Aug 31, 2013
    I have an upholstery shop and I would recommend a micro swede or any fabric with nanotex on it., I do not like sunbrella that well sometimes when it gets wet the colors come off on your cloths and it fades in the sun. Just saying.
  • Kim Davis Kim Davis on Aug 31, 2013
    by the way I have not heard of Annie Sloan Paint. I use automotive paint when I paint furniture (expensive sometimes but works well) But I will check it out. Thanks much.
  • Kim Davis Kim Davis on Aug 31, 2013
    can you use it in air brushes That is how I paint furniture it makes a better professional look
  • If it were me with boys, I would upholster the chairs with oil cloth. I've seen it done and it was beautiful and colorful. And just wipe it clean.
  • Pamela Jordan Pamela Jordan on Aug 31, 2013
    HAVE YOU THOUGHT OF USING RUSTOLEUMS NEW "NEVER WET" SPRAY TO PROTECT YOUR CHAIR FABRIC? JUST SAW AN ARTICLE ON IT & IT LOOKS VERY PROMISING!
    • Finding Silver Pennies Finding Silver Pennies on Aug 31, 2013
      @Pamela Jordan Hi Pamela, thank you for that information! Just looked it up and it looks amazing. Maybe I have to have another look at regular fabrics for the chairs then! Thank you!
  • Melissa Melissa on Aug 31, 2013
    I'm not familiar with "Never Wet" but I did you a fabric water resisting spray for my screen porch cushions. I've been very pleased with it. Rain, spills, etc. bead up on it. Bought it at Hancock's, but Walmart also has it.
  • Melissa Melissa on Aug 31, 2013
    You could always use the fabric of your choice, and then use a clear plastic covering over the boys' chairs. That would increase your options greatly!
  • Txvoodoo Txvoodoo on Aug 31, 2013
    Microfibers will be good, yes. Also, vinyl or faux leathers are really easy to clean! Onlinefabricstore has a bunch - their ostriches are pretty ( http://www.onlinefabricstore.net/vinyl-and-leather/vinyl-and-faux-leather/faux-leather.htm?N=9830+4294963204 ) and there are a lot more here: http://www.onlinefabricstore.net/vinyl-and-leather.aspx (I'm not an affiliate or employee, just a customer :D) You wouldn't need more than a yard per chair, and maybe even less since they all seem to be about 54" wide. I'd think, with kids, they'd be a good choice but still quite elegant.
  • Wanda sinnema Wanda sinnema on Sep 01, 2013
    Unless you really want to change the colors and decor you can always do covers that tie on the back of the chair, similiar to a pillow shame edge. That way with little boys (and some big ones) you could have something to toss in the wash..that would allow for different ones fot the seasons and for table runners..
  • CindyandGeorge Schaeffer CindyandGeorge Schaeffer on Sep 01, 2013
    I had little ones, 3 of them and I honestly had no problems. Once they joined the table they were given large paper towels for their napkins; which they quickly learned belonged in their laps. I then gave them another they could use on their mouths. A spray of "Out" works wonders on upholstery and carpets.
  • Devon Cretella Devon Cretella on Sep 04, 2013
    Try using canvas type drop cloths for your chair covers and curtains. Very inexpensive but a great look. You could also make a sleeve for your current chandelier chain to give it an updated look and then add some dried flowers or grapevines or something similar. Chalk paint is great but if you are really on a budget, you can make your own (there is a recipe on Hometalk, 1 cup any type paint, 2 tablespoons unsanded grout and just enough water to thin it out a bit). I have tried it and then used the Annie Sloan wax over the top and it works great. I am in the middle of pretty much the same reno!
    • Finding Silver Pennies Finding Silver Pennies on Sep 04, 2013
      @Devon Cretella Thanks, Devon! I actually have the chalk paint for the project already but I know many people like to make their own. I appreciate all your tips. x