Do you have any seats in your home that are worn out or in need of an update? I had three bar stools, a chair, and a couple of benches that needed help! Now they look brand new! Ready to see how easy it is to reupholster seats and stools!
I know, the idea of reupholstering furniture can seem daunting!
**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support. (disclosure policy)
Honestly, I’ve never tried to reupholster a large piece of furniture like a couch.
But reupholstering seats and stool cushions is very simple!
When you see how easy it is, I’ll bet you’ll want to makeover some of the items in your home!!
The Before and after
When we moved, we brought a bunch of furniture that did not match the new house!
I had the choice to buy all new things(and spend a ton of money) or makeover what I already had!
I was up for the challenge and knew I could make over items over for a fraction of the price!
Want to see the dramatic results I achieved reupholstering furniture myself?
bathroom chair
This is a chair in our primary bathroom! I reupholstered it during our no-demo master bathroom makeover, to see the post click here.
guest room stool
Next, we have a stool that sits in front of a small desk in our guest room. One of these days I’ll paint the desk and the stool! Until that time comes, I keep telling myself it’s okay because it’s shabby chic!! Oh well, at least the cushion looks great!!
Laundry room bench
This storage bench resides in our laundry room! I made it over to store our pet supplies, click here to see the post!
We use this table and chair set on our back porch! If you’re curious about how I painted this set and added a clock face stencil to the top of the table, click here!
Wow! Isn’t it amazing how fabric can change the whole look of a piece of furniture!
Are you excited to learn how to do this?
Fabulous! Let’s get started!
Round cushions are a little bit harder to reupholster than square or rectangular ones. So, I choose to show you the steps using our round bar stools!
Gather items to reupholster seats and stools
Gather the following items to complete this project:
- Bar stools
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Nail puller
- Pliers
- Material-I used black faux leather I purchased at Hobby Lobby
- Manual staple gun or an air tank with a pneumatic stapler
- Staples
- New foam- optional
- Batting- optional
Prep
Before you reupholster, you have to remove the seat and the old fabric!
This is not the first time I’ve reupholstered these stools.
The first time, I was lazy and just put the new fabric on top of the old fabric.
I do not suggest doing that! The original fabric is falling apart and is gross.
And now, I have an extra layer I have to remove!
Detach the seat
Use a screwdriver to remove the seats from the bar stools.
remove the fabric
They make a tool specifically to remove staples and it makes this part of the job easier!
Unfortunately, I don’t own one (yet!)
What we do own is a nail puller! It’s more difficult to use because it’s thicker than a staple remover. But it works! I used the hammer underneath the nail puller to help with tension.
Sometimes, one side of a staple will not lift away. When that happens, you can use the pliers to remove it.
Next, I removed the black fabric covering the underside of the seat. Then I removed the original fabric.
Clean the wooden seat
Vacuum the wood seat to remove all debris and dust.
Determine if you need to replace the foam cushion. My cushions were still fine to use!
Steps to reupholster seats and stools
Now comes the fun part! Putting our stools back together!
measure fabric
I laid the seat on the new fabric.
Then, I made marks 3 inches out, continuing around the entire seat.
cut fabric
Cut the fabric. As you can see, you don’t have to cut a perfect circle.
iron fabric
I am using a faux leather type fabric that does not have any wrinkles, so I could skip this step.
However, if you are using fabric and it’s wrinkled, take the time now to steam or iron the wrinkles out!
Staple fabric
If you have a square or rectangle seat, you simply staple the fabric all the way around. When you get to a corner, fold the fabric in, like you would wrap a gift.
Round seats are a bit trickier!
You have to put small pleats in the fabric as you work your way around the seat.
Pull the fabric towards you to make the small pleat and then staple the fabric directly on top of the pleat!
Continue around the seat.
add a finishing touch to the stool
To finish the stool and cover the wood, add a round piece of fabric to the bottom!
I was able to re-use the original backing.
reattach the cushion
Reattach the cushion to the bar stool!
Can you believe how easy that was?
Do you have any seats or stools you need to reupholster in your house?
Let me know in the comments below!
If you’re enjoying the blog, please sign up for our email list, so you never miss a post!
Until next time, follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram!
Blessings, Donna and Rich
more DIY inspiration
- How to Turn a Basket Into a Light Fixture
- Install a Tile Backsplash in the Kitchen
- How to Age Terra Cotta Pots and Add French Flair
- Create a Wood Flower Wreath in Minutes
- How to Transform Ceramic Items with Spray Paint
Items to help you complete this project
Click on the picture of the item you wish to purchase.
**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support. (disclosure policy)
Such an amazing transformation, Donna, these all look so good! I love how you gave each one fresh life with new seats. They’re all fabulous! Hugs, CoCo
Thanks! It’s an easy way to completely change the look of a piece of furniture! Take care, Donna
Donna – you have got to be one of the busiest people I know. You are always working on some pretty serious time intensive projects and then fitting in some reupholstery projects “in between”. Amazing. Thank you for the info about upholstering round seats – they definitely are tricky.
You’re welcome, Anna! I love doing DIY projects, whether small or large! Thanks, Donna
Donna, I enjoyed this post so much and I wanted you to know that this post will be featured on Tuesday Turn About Link Party this week! Pinned to our Tuesday Turn About Pinterest board.😊 Thanks for sharing your upholstery makeovers and I hope to see you at the party this week! 😊
Thank you, Cindy! It’s such a privilege to be featured on Tuesday’s Turn About! I appreciate it! Hope you have a fabulous week! Blessings, Donna
Hi Donna! This was such an informative post. Your photos are really helpful -especially the close up shots where you are using tools. I’m with you! I would ten times rather makeover an existing piece of furniture than go out and buy new stuff. Plus, it seems that older furniture is just better quality. Thanks for such a helpful post!
Thanks Anna! It’s so fun to makeover furniture and I’m excited to get started on three furniture transformations in my guest bedroom! Glad you enjoyed the post! Blessings, Donna