Simple Upholstery Projects: Revamping Chairs and Ottomans
Refreshing your furniture doesn’t always require buying something new. Sometimes, all it takes is new fabric, a staple gun, and a little creativity. Upholstery projects — especially for chairs and ottomans — are one of the easiest and most satisfying DIY home upgrades you can do.
Whether you’re updating a worn-out seat, matching your décor, or simply giving new life to an old piece, revamping furniture is affordable, beginner-friendly, and surprisingly transformative.
Let’s walk through how to get started.
Why Try Simple Upholstery Projects?
Reupholstering furniture offers several benefits:
- It’s budget-friendly compared to buying new pieces
- You can customize fabric, color, and texture
- It reduces waste and supports sustainable living
- It adds a personal touch to your home
Even a small project like recovering a dining chair can completely change a room’s look.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before starting, gather these essentials:
- Upholstery fabric
- Staple gun (manual or electric)
- Staples
- Screwdriver
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Measuring tape
- Pliers (to remove old staples)
- Foam or batting (if padding needs replacement)
For beginners, choose a sturdy fabric like cotton canvas, linen blends, or upholstery-grade polyester.
Project 1: Revamping a Dining Chair Seat
This is the perfect beginner project.
Step 1: Remove the Seat
Turn the chair upside down and unscrew the seat from the frame.
Step 2: Remove Old Fabric
Use pliers or a flathead screwdriver to carefully remove staples and old fabric.
Step 3: Check the Padding
If the foam is damaged or flattened, replace it. Add batting for extra softness.
Step 4: Cut the New Fabric
Lay your fabric face-down, place the seat cushion on top, and cut fabric leaving 2–3 inches extra around the edges.
Step 5: Staple Securely
Pull fabric tightly and staple one side. Then staple the opposite side while keeping tension even. Repeat for the remaining sides.
Fold corners neatly and secure with extra staples.
Step 6: Reattach the Seat
Screw the seat back onto the chair frame.
And just like that — you’ve transformed it.
Project 2: Updating an Ottoman
Ottomans are simple because they usually have clean, boxy shapes.
For a Basic Ottoman
- Remove the base (if detachable)
- Remove old fabric
- Replace padding if needed
- Wrap new fabric tightly around
- Staple underneath for a clean finish
For a Tufted Ottoman
If you want a slightly advanced project:
- Keep tufting buttons in place
- Carefully re-cover around them
- Re-secure buttons using strong upholstery thread
Tufting takes patience, but the result looks high-end.
Choosing the Right Fabric
Fabric selection affects durability and style.
For High-Traffic Areas:
- Microfiber
- Polyester blends
- Performance fabrics
For Decorative Pieces:
- Velvet
- Linen
- Patterned cotton
Choose darker colors or patterns if the furniture will be used daily.
Tips for a Professional Finish
- Always pull fabric tight before stapling
- Work from center outward to avoid wrinkles
- Use enough staples for secure hold
- Keep patterns aligned
- Trim excess fabric for a neat underside
If your first attempt isn’t perfect, don’t worry. Upholstery improves with practice.
Budget-Friendly Style Ideas
Revamping furniture allows you to experiment with trends without major investment.
- Neutral beige or gray for modern interiors
- Bold prints for statement pieces
- Floral or textured fabrics for vintage charm
- Faux leather for a sleek, contemporary look
A refreshed chair can instantly elevate your living room, bedroom, or workspace.
When to Call a Professional
While simple seat cushions are DIY-friendly, consider professional help if:
- The furniture frame is damaged
- Springs need repair
- The piece is antique or valuable
- Complex shaping is involved
For basic projects, however, most people can handle them at home.
Final Thoughts
Simple upholstery projects are proof that small changes can create big impact. Revamping chairs and ottomans not only saves money but also allows you to express your creativity. Instead of discarding worn furniture, give it a second life with fabric that reflects your style.
With a little patience and the right tools, you’ll discover that updating furniture is less intimidating than it seems — and far more rewarding than expected.