If you’ve ever wanted to transform a plain, ordinary chair into something extraordinary and unique, then reupholstering it with wood trim is the perfect project for you. Not only will this DIY task give you an opportunity to customize the furniture piece of your choice, but it also adds texture and color as a result of using different fabrics.
Furthermore, by doing this yourself, you can save money on buying a new piece of furniture while simultaneously giving a vintage or outdated chair some much-needed love. Keep reading to learn how to reupholster a chair with wood trim!
Can You Reupholster a Wooden Chair?
Yes, you can reupholster a wooden chair. The wood trim of the chair will need to be removed before the re-upholstering process begins. Removing the wood trim may require some specialty tools or a professional’s assistance, depending on how the wood is attached to the chair frame.
Once you have removed the wood trim, you can begin to reupholster the chair. This can be done with either a fabric or leather covering and padding, either purchased or cut and applied yourself. Depending on your skill level, you may want to consider hiring a professional upholsterer to do the work for you.
Reupholstering an old wooden chair is a great way to add new life to an otherwise dated piece of furniture in your home. Not only does it give the chair a fresh look, but it also adds comfort and style as well. With patience, dedication, and proper tools – many of which can be found at local hardware stores – you can reupholster almost any wooden chair with ease!
10 Methods How to Reupholster a Chair with Wood Trim
1. Remove the Old Fabric
The first step in reupholstering a chair with wood trim is to remove the old fabric. Use a screwdriver to remove the staples that are holding the fabric in place. Be careful not to damage the wood trim when removing the staples. Once the fabric is removed, discard it. Although re-using it is possible, the old fabric is often too worn for re-use.
2. Cut the New Fabric
Once the old fabric has been removed, use it as a template to cut the new fabric. Make sure to add an extra inch all the way around so that you will have enough fabric to work with.
When adjusting the fabric for wood trim, be sure to cut it so that there is an extra inch of the excess along the bottom and sides. This will allow you to have some wiggle room when attaching the fabric to the trim.
3. Attach the Fabric to the Chair
Use a staple gun to attach the new fabric to the chair. Start in the middle of one side and work your way around, making sure to pull the fabric taut as you go. Use buttons or decorative nails to cover up the staple lines if desired. Once you’ve completed one side, move on to the next and repeat the process.
Secure the corners of the fabric by making an “x” with staples and then folding in each side. If the fabric is too bulky at the corners, use an X-acto knife to trim away excess fabric.
4. Trim the Excess Fabric
Once all of the fabric has been attached, use a sharp knife to trim off any excess fabric. Be careful not to cut into the wood trim. Also, be sure to leave enough excess fabric so that the staples will still hold. Once the extra fabric has been trimmed off, use a staple puller to remove any excess staples that may be left over.
If necessary, use a hammer to tap the staple puller into place. Finally, rub the entire chair down with a damp cloth to remove any excess glue or fabric particles.
5. Attach the New Buttons
If your chair had buttons on the old fabric, you would need to attach new ones to the new fabric. Use a needle and thread to sew them in place. Make sure that they are evenly spaced and that they are securely attached. If you are using buttons that have loops, be sure to knot the thread tightly around the loop and trim off any excess.
For a more finished look, you can cover the button with fabric and sew a cross stitch around each one for an added bit of detail.
6. Reattach the Wood Trim
Use a screwdriver to reattach any wood trim that was removed when taking off the old fabric. Make sure that it is securely in place so that it does not come loose later on. If the trim has any decorative elements, such as nailhead accents, ensure that they are properly aligned before securing it back onto the chair.
Once the wood trim is securely in place, you are done with the reupholstering project. However, it is a good idea to give the chair one last look-over just in case there are any missed details.
7. Add Foam Padding (optional)
If you want, you can add foam padding to your chair for extra comfort. Cut pieces of foam to fit snugly inside the chair and then staple them in place. Cover them with batting before attaching the new fabric so that they are not visible.
Make sure the foam is not too thick, as this can make your chair too uncomfortable. Once you’ve added the padding, you’re ready to cover the chair with the new fabric.
8. Attach Piping (optional)
Piping can add a nice finishing touch to your upholstered chair. You can purchase piping at most craft stores or make your own using bias tape and stuffing it with cotton batting. Sew it in place around the edges of your chair using a needle and thread or a sewing machine.
If you decide to use a sewing machine, use a zipper foot and go slowly, so you don’t leave any gaps.
9. Add a Dust Cover
Making a dust cover for your chair will protect it from dirt and dust while you are not using it. Cut a piece of fabric that is slightly larger than the chair and use a staple gun to attach it to the underside of the chair. Make sure that all the staples are facing inwards, so they are not visible when the dust cover is on.
Although it is not necessary, you can also use a piece of batting or foam to add extra protection and cushioning. Once the dust cover is on, your chair is ready to be used again! Congratulations on your new, upholstered chair with wood trim.
10. Enjoy Your Newly Upholstered Chair!
Sit back and enjoy your newly reupholstered chair with wood trim! This simple project can add a whole new life to an old piece of furniture while making it look stylish and comfortable all at once. Try to find a fabric that matches your decor for the best effect. With a bit of patience and hard work, you can have a beautiful chair to show off in any room of your house.
And if you ever need to reupholster another chair, you can look back on this project and remember just how easy it was! Good luck, and happy reupholstering!
By following these steps, you have learned how to reupholster a chair with wood trim. Reupholstering furniture can be an enjoyable and rewarding project and can be done by yourself with a little bit of patience and dedication.
With the help of this guide, you now have all the knowledge necessary to reupholster any chair with wood trim. So, get out there and start creating your own unique piece of furniture!
Things to Consider When Reupholster a Chair with Wood Trim
When reupholstering a chair with wood trim, there are many important things to consider before beginning the project.
1. Decide the Type of Fabric:
Choose a fabric that is in keeping with the style of the chair and the overall décor of the room. Natural fabrics such as cotton or linen are good choices, but synthetic fabrics may also be used. Additionally, consider the weight and texture of the fabric; heavier-weight fabrics are more durable and stand up better to everyday wear and tear.
If you are reupholstering a chair with wood trim, choose a fabric that complements the color of the wood.
2. Choose a Durable Upholstery Foam:
Select a foam that is able to withstand the rigors of everyday use while still offering a comfortable seat. Upholstery foam comes in various densities and can be purchased at any local fabric or home improvement store. Consider the size and weight of the person who will most likely be using the chair; heavier people may need a higher-density foam for added support.
Also, think about the type of fabric you plan on using to make sure it is suitable for the foam.
3. Remove the Old Fabric:
Carefully remove the existing fabric from the chair, taking care not to damage the wood trim. Once all of the old fabric has been removed, use a cleaning solution to remove any dirt or residue from the chair. If the wood trim is in poor condition, you may want to sand it down and apply a new finish before beginning the reupholstery process.
4. Cut and Sew the New Fabric:
Once you have chosen the new fabric, measure it to fit the chair’s dimensions and use a pair of scissors to cut along the measured lines. If necessary, sew together any pieces that need to be joined in order for them to fit properly.
Make sure that the fabric is cut neatly and securely. While doing this step, remember to leave the extra fabric on each side so that it can be tucked and stapled underneath the frame of the chair.
5. Attach the New Fabric to the Chair:
Using a staple gun or upholstery tacks, attach the new fabric to the chair frame. Make sure that you pull the fabric taught as you go along in order to ensure a wrinkle-free finish. Start from the back of the chair and work your way around toward the front. Staple or tack every 3-4 inches along each side or as needed.
Is It Worth It to Reupholster a Chair?
When deciding whether or not to reupholster a chair, it is important to consider the cost and effort involved in the process. Reupholstering a chair with wood trim can be time-consuming and expensive, so it is important to weigh your options before committing to this task.
On the one hand, reupholstering a chair with wood trim can give you a brand-new look without having to buy a completely new piece of furniture. It can be a great way to update the style of your home and add value to an older piece of furniture.
Reupholstering also gives you the opportunity to choose the precise fabric, color, and pattern that best fits your style and needs. On the other hand, reupholstering a chair with wood trim can be costly, especially when you factor in the cost of fabric and supplies.
You will also need to invest a considerable amount of time into the process, as it requires multiple steps, such as removing old upholstery, cutting new fabric, and stapling the new fabric into place. When determining whether it is worth it to reupholster a chair with wood trim, you should take into account all of the factors involved in the process.
Consider how much time and money you are willing to invest in this project, as well as your desired outcome. If you have the resources and commitment to complete this task, then reupholstering can be a great way to get a newly-styled piece of furniture that you can be proud of.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned how to reupholster a chair with wood trim, you can take on this project with confidence. With a little time and effort, you can give an old piece of furniture new life. Be sure to take your time and sand the wood trim thoroughly before staining or painting it.
And when attaching the fabric to the frame of the chair, be sure to use strong staples or upholstery tacks. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to tackle this project and create a beautiful, new piece of furniture for your home.
