Buying new furniture can be quite expensive, and sometimes, it’s not quite necessary. If you’re tired of your old and worn-out recliner, don’t throw it away just yet. Reupholstering your chair is one way to give it a new look and extend its lifespan.
Don’t worry if you’re a beginner – reupholstering a recliner chair is not as hard as it may seem, and you don’t need any specialized skills. With some basic tools, patience, and the right instructions, you can give your chair a new lease of life, and we’re here to help guide you through the process of how to reupholster a recliner chair.
Can You Reupholster a Recliner Chair?
Have you ever found the perfect recliner chair for your living room, but the color or fabric just didn’t suit your style? Fear not, because reupholstering your recliner chair is a viable option! By simply removing the current fabric and replacing it with a new one, you can completely transform the look and feel of your beloved chair.
Not only can you customize the fabric to match your aesthetic, but reupholstering can also extend the life of your chair. Imagine snuggling up in your newly revamped recliner chair and admiring your handiwork. It may take some time and effort, but the end result is well worth it.
Why Should You Reupholster a Recliner Chair?
Recliner chairs are undoubtedly one of the most comfortable pieces of furniture in our homes. They provide a perfect spot to sit back, relax, and unwind after a long day. However, these chairs can easily become worn out and unattractive over time, especially with regular use.
If you’ve noticed your favorite recliner chair looks a little tired, don’t rush to buy a brand-new one. Consider reupholstering it instead. Reupholstering your chair can breathe new life into it while also allowing you to customize the look and feel.
Whether you want to change the color and pattern or restore the old one, reupholstering is a cost-effective way to make your chair feel brand new again. So, before you say goodbye to your beloved recliner chair, consider reupholstering to give it the makeover it deserves.
How to Reupholster a Recliner Chair: A Beginner’s Guide to Reupholstering
1. Gather the Tools and Materials
Before diving into reupholstering your recliner, you need to collect all the tools and materials that you’ll need. These include needle-nosed pliers, a staple gun, scissors, a rubber mallet, a tack puller, fabric, foam, batting, and decorative trim.
The fabric you use needs to be durable and easy to clean. You can choose between cotton, leather, vinyl, and other materials. Considering its size and shape, ensure you have enough fabric to cover the whole recliner.
2. Remove the Old Fabric
The next step is to strip the old fabric from the recliner. Using the tack puller, gently remove all the tacks and staples holding the old fabric together. Use the needle-nosed pliers to pull out any tacks that may be more stubborn. Be careful when doing this to avoid damaging the frame or padding beneath the fabric.
3. Replace Old Foam and Batting
After removing the old fabric, you may need to replace the foam and batting if they’re worn out or sagging. Cut the foam into the seat and backrest shape, then fix it to the chair using the spray adhesive. Cover the foam with a layer of batting and staple it in place with the staple gun.
4. Install the New Fabric
With the foam and batting in place, it’s time to install the new fabric onto the chair. Start by placing the fabric over the chair and aligning it properly. Use the rubber mallet to gently tap the fabric into place, ensuring it’s tight and wrinkle-free.
Begin stapling the fabric to the chair’s frame, starting at the center of the backrest and moving outwards. Proceed to staple the backrest, seat, and armrests, pulling the fabric tight as you work.
5. Finish and Add Decorative Trim
After stapling the fabric onto the chair, trim any excess fabric using scissors. To give it a professional look, add decorative trims such as braids, cords, or fringes along the edges of the chair. Use the glue gun or staple gun to attach the trim to the edges of the chair.
6. Add Covers
Add cushions or armrest covers to give your recliner an even more stylish and comfortable look. Measure the dimensions of each cushion, then cut pieces of fabric to fit and sew them together. Once you’ve created a cover for each piece, use the glue gun to attach it to the chair.
7. Enjoy Your New Recliner
Once you’ve finished reupholstering your chair, sit back and enjoy the results of your hard work! You can proudly show off your newly upholstered recliner to friends and family without breaking the bank.
Reupholstering a recliner chair is an easy task that anyone can do with the right tools, materials, and instructions. With this guide, we hope you feel confident enough to tackle the project independently and give your old recliner a new look!
5 Considerations Things When You Need to Reupholster a Recliner Chair
1. Fabric Choice
One of the most important considerations when reupholstering a recliner chair is the fabric choice. Different fabrics have different levels of durability and comfort, so it’s important to choose one that can withstand frequent use without becoming worn or uncomfortable. Additionally, some fabrics may be more expensive, so it’s important to consider your budget when selecting a fabric.
2. Upholstery Type
Another consideration when reupholstering a recliner chair is the type of upholstery you will use. Upholstery can range from traditional and batting to memory foam and down feathers. Each type of upholstery has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to research each option before making a decision.
3. Color Scheme
The color scheme of your recliner chair is also an important consideration when reupholstering. When choosing a color scheme, it’s important to consider the existing colors in your room and any patterns or textures you would like to incorporate into the overall look of the chair.
Additionally, certain colors may be better suited for certain types of upholstery, so this should also be considered when choosing a color scheme for your recliner chair.
4. Reclining Mechanism
The reclining mechanism of your recliner chair is another essential factor to consider when reupholstering it. Depending on your reclining mechanism, you may need to purchase additional parts or tools to ensure that everything works properly after reupholstering is complete.
5. Cost
Finally, the cost is an important factor when reupholstering a recliner chair as well. Depending on the fabric and upholstery you choose and any additional parts or tools needed for installation, the cost can vary greatly from project to project.
It’s important to research all materials and labor costs ahead of time to ensure that you stay within budget while still getting the desired results from your project.
Benefits of Reupholster a Recliner Chair
Reupholstering a recliner chair can be the perfect way to give it new life and revitalize your space. Not only can it be an affordable option compared to purchasing a brand-new chair, but it also allows you to customize the fabric and color to your liking. With reupholstering, you can update the chair’s appearance, giving it a fresh new look that matches your home’s decor.
In addition, reupholstering extends the life of the chair by replacing worn-out materials, which can also improve its comfort and support. It is environmentally friendly and provides a great sense of satisfaction and fulfillment to know that you’ve transformed your favorite chair into something uniquely your own.
Some Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Reupholster a Recliner Chair
Reupholstering a recliner chair can be daunting, especially if you have little to no experience in doing so. While it may seem easy to tear off the old fabric and slap on some new material, people often make common mistakes. One common mistake is not taking accurate measurements, resulting in either too loose or too tight fabric.
Another mistake is not properly securing the fabric, causing it to shift or sag over time. It’s also important to choose the right type of fabric, as some materials may not hold up well with constant use. However, with careful planning and attention to detail, anyone can successfully reupholster a recliner chair and give it new life.
Conclusion
Reupholstering a recliner chair is an easy and fun DIY project that gives your furniture a new look and prolongs its lifespan. With the right tools and materials, patience, and attention to detail, you can transform your old recliner chair into a stylish, comfortable piece of furniture.
So don’t throw away that old chair just yet– give it a new lease of life by reupholstering it. Thanks for reading our post about how to reupholster a recliner chair.
