If you’re looking to spruce up an old glider chair that has seen better days, why not tackle a DIY project and reupholster it? This is a great way to add personality to your décor while breathing new life into something old. Even if you don’t have any experience with reupholstering furniture, the process isn’t as daunting as it may seem.
With easy-to-follow instructions, some basic fabric supplies, and a little bit of elbow grease, you’ll be on your way to reupholstering a glider chair successfully! By the end of this project, you might find yourself inspired by similar future projects.
So if you’re ready for a fresh look in your living space or simply want to learn some basic restorative craftsmanship, this post has covered you. Read on for our guide on how to reupholster a glider chair, so you get excellent results!
What Will You Need?
To start your project, you’ll need to gather the essential supplies. Here’s a list of items that you’ll need:
- Fabric for upholstery (enough to cover the entire chair plus some extra)
- Upholstery foam padding
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Staple gun and staples
- Measuring tape
- Needle, thread, buttons (optional)
- Hammer
- Tacks (optional)
Now that you have everything you need to get started let’s get into how to reupholster a glider chair.
10 Easy Steps on How to Reupholster a Glider Chair
Step 1. Remove Old Fabric
Remove the glider chair’s old fabric. Take out all the screws and nails holding the old fabric in place, then carefully remove them from the chair. Be careful not to scratch or damage the chair’s existing surface.
Step 2. Measure and Cut Foam
Measure and cut new foam to fit the glider chair’s seat, backrest, and armrest using a measuring tape, scissors or rotary cutter. Be sure to leave about an inch of extra room for each piece of foam. If the seat or armrests have curves, then don’t forget to add extra room when cutting the foam pieces.
Step 3. Place Foam
Place the new foam pieces onto the chair and mark where each piece of foam should be stapled to the furniture frame with a marker or pencil. Once you have marked all spots, remove the foam and set it aside. Don’t forget to keep the cut-out pieces of foam for later use.
Step 4. Cut Fabric
Next, measure and cut the fabric to fit the chair’s seat, backrest, and armrest. Make sure to leave at least one inch of extra fabric for each piece. If you are providing your own fabric, be sure to pre-wash it before cutting. Because you’ll be dealing with curves, make sure to leave extra room when cutting the fabric pieces.
Step 5. Staple Fabric
Begin stapling the fabric onto the chair frame. Start by stapling one side of the fabric and pull tightly across to the other side while you continue to staple in place until all sides are secured with staples. Make sure that each staple is secure and evenly spaced throughout. Be careful when stapling not to puncture the fabric or foam.
Step 6. Add Trim (Optional)
If you’d like to add trim to your glider chair, now is the time to do it. Measure and cut pieces of trim that will fit around the edges of the seat, backrest, and armrests. Place the trim onto the chair and mark where each piece should be stitched down with a marker or pencil. Once marked, remove the trim and set aside until needed later on in Step 9.
Step 7. Sew Buttons
Sew buttons into place if desired for aesthetic purposes or to give more texture/depth to your upholstery design (optional). It will take some time, but the results can be very rewarding. Be careful when sewing the buttons to not puncture your fabric, foam or chair frame.
Step 8. Use Tacks (Optional)
To add extra security and stability, you can use tacks to adhere the fabric to the chair frame. Make sure to hammer the tacks in evenly and not too close to the edge of the frame or fabric. You can also use tacks to create an interesting design around the edges of your chair.
Step 9. Re-Staple Trim (Optional)
If you decide to use trim, now is the time to re-staple it into place. A staple from one side across until all sides are secured with staples. You can use tacks around the edges to secure the trim further if desired (optional). Don’t forget to keep all the cut-out trim pieces for later use.
Step 10. Replace Glider Chair Cushions
Finally, replace the glider chair cushions with your newly upholstered fabric. Place them back into their original position and secure them with screws or nails. It will take some time, but the results are worth it. Your glider chair is now ready to be enjoyed in its new look!
Congratulations! You have now successfully reupholstered a glider chair. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and show off how creative you can be with furniture projects! Have fun experimenting, and be sure to share pictures on social media with us so we can see how great your project turned out.
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5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Do your research. Look for how-to videos, articles, and tutorials that explain how to do it. Become familiar with the process and how to use tools such as a staple gun, scissors, and upholstery fabric.
- Take your time. Reupholstering a glider chair can be a complex project, so don’t rush it. Make sure you take an adequate amount of time for each step, from dismantling the old upholstery to stapling the new fabric.
- Use safety precautions. Wear gloves and safety glasses when working with sharp objects such as staples or cutting tools. Be aware of how you are moving around when carrying pieces of furniture to avoid any potential accidents or injuries caused by falls or mishandling items due to fatigue or distraction.
- Choose appropriate fabrics for your glider chair. Make sure to pick durable fabrics that can last for a long time, especially if you have pets or small children in the household. Choose a fabric that is stain-resistant and easy to clean.
- Seek professional help when necessary. If you feel you’re in over your head at any step of the process, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from an upholsterer or a furniture repair specialist. This way, you ensure the job is done properly, and your glider chair will remain beautiful for years to come!
Reupholstering your glider chair can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be quite challenging if not approached with patience and care. Follow these tips and tricks to ensure your reupholstering project is successful!
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Don’t use fabrics that are too thick or heavy. Upholstering a glider chair with materials that are too bulky will make the chair difficult to move and could potentially cause damage.
- Don’t skimp on upholstery staples or nails – they’re essential for a secure fit!
- Avoid tight corners when stapling – they may look neat, but they can create weak spots which could rip over time.
- Refrain from using adhesives such as glue or tape to hold your fabric in place – these materials will not stand the test of time and could leave an unsightly mess behind if removed after some time has passed.
- Avoid using too shiny or reflective fabrics – this can cause blinding glare when the chair is in motion! Instead, opt for a matt-finished material that won’t be as distracting.
With these tips, you’ll be able to reupholster a glider chair with ease and confidence. Good luck!
Can You Reupholster the Chair Over the Existing Fabric?
Yes, it is possible to reupholster a chair over an existing fabric. You will need to remove the old fabric and inspect the frame for any needed repairs. Then, use a staple gun and new upholstery material to cover the chair frame. Make sure that you pre-shrink the fabric before applying it to the frame and secure it with staples.
Finally, replace any cushions or padding as necessary. This process can be completed with minimal effort and expense, resulting in a renewed look for your furniture!
Good luck with your next furniture makeover project! With patience, skill, and these how-to steps, you’ll be able to reupholster a glider chair in no time. Have fun!
Conclusion
Reupholstering a glider chair can be an intimidating task for the novice DIYer, but with this simple guide on how to reupholster a glider chair, you have all the essential tools to complete the process successfully.
Remembering patience is key when tackling big projects like reupholstering– with each step carefully planned out, you’ll be sitting in your brand-new glider chair in no time! From selecting materials to completing edges and tying knots, now you know exactly how to upholster a glider chair and make it look like new.
With thoughtfully planned details and clean lines, this project will be an inviting addition to any home. Whether attempting a minor makeover or giving your old furniture a facelift, this tutorial will brighten up your living space. So get out there and start reupholstering!
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