DIY Tips for Effective Reupholstering: A Comprehensive Guide

Transforming your old furniture into a new piece can breathe new life into your home decor. Reupholstering not only saves money but also adds a personal touch to your furniture. In this article, we will guide you through the process of reupholstering wingback chairs, step by step, and share some valuable tips along the way.

Understanding the Basics

The first step in reupholstering is to assess the piece you want to work on. Look at the structure and the current upholstery to determine the best approach. For instance, if the furniture has separate seat cushions, it’s a good idea to tackle those first. In my experience, wingback chairs often have separate seat and back cushions. This makes them easier to start with as you can handle smaller sections first.

Removing the Old Fabric

Once you have broken down the piece into manageable parts, the next step is to remove the old fabric. Start by taking out the seat cushions. The fabric is likely held in place by staples. A multitude of staples (about 200) need to be carefully extracted. Utilize a staple puller, pliers, and possibly a screwdriver and diagonal cutters to get the job done efficiently.

Taking Apart the Cushions

With the fabric removed from the seat cushion, you can then use it as a pattern and cut new fabric. If you encounter separate seat and back pieces, it’s crucial to iron them and use them as templates. This ensures that the new fabric fits perfectly. When you reassemble the seat cushions, add fresh batting around the foam. This step is crucial for maintaining the cushion's comfort.

Handling the Rest of the Pieces

Once the seat cushions are reassembled, move on to the back and armrest pieces. These pieces might require minimal sewing, especially if they have rope edging. These parts should be carefully detached and reattached. Use the old patterns as a guide and make slight adjustments to fit new pieces.

Repairing and Replacing

The back and the front pieces on the arms often require replacement of metal bars. In my case, I reused the existing metal bars rather than replacing them, as I couldn’t find suitable replacements. Make sure to add new batting to cover the old foam, ensuring that the new fabric is secure with staples.

The Finishing Touches

The final step involves attaching the closure pieces. While it might be tempting to always replace these, sometimes reusing them works just fine. However, if you find that the closure pieces don't fit correctly, it might be necessary to make new ones.

Proper Equipment and Technique

Using the right tools is crucial for successful reupholstering. I highly recommend a power stapler, either air-powered or battery-operated, over hand staplers. A hand stapler or one that uses typical hand staples may not provide the reliability you need. For my project, I used an air-powered stapler with 1/4 inch wide 18 gauge staples, and they worked perfectly.

Conclusion

Reupholstering your furniture can be a rewarding and cost-effective project. By following this comprehensive guide, you should be able to transform your old wingback chairs into elegant and comfortable pieces. Remember to start with smaller sections, like the seat cushions, and be patient in the process. With a bit of practice and the right tools, you can achieve professional-looking results.