Reupholster an old chair that has seen better days with this guide, instead of discarding it altogether. However, if the frame and seat are in good condition, a simple reupholstering could be the secret to completely revitalizing the look of the piece. With some new fabric that matches your style and a few easy-to-use tools, you can change the look of any chair — from a dining room chair to a comfy recliner — to suit your needs.
Remove fabric from the chair. Pry away any decorative piping or ribbon with a small chisel. If there is glue, scrape it away gently with the chisel. Pull the staples away from the chair to release the fabric. Reserve the fabric to use as a pattern for the new fabric.
Lay your pattern over the fabric and trace out the shape. To keep the fabric from shifting while tracing, pin it in place with straight pins. Cut out your new material and remove any pins. It is not necessary to cut too cleanly or finish the edges, as the uneven ends will be hidden underneath the chair.