Giving old chairs a makeover is an extremely rewarding DIY project. Not only can you breathe new life into thrifted or handed-down furniture, but you get to customize it to match your personal style. With some creativity and elbow grease, you can transform tired chairs into beautiful showstoppers.

In this article, we’ll walk through 3 extreme chair makeover ideas to inspire your next upcycling venture. From a bold abstract paint job to a soft upholstered seat, we’ve got stunning makeovers to suit every skill level. Plus, we’ll share handy tips for DIY reupholstering so you can re-cover chairs like a pro!

Simple Yet Dramatic: Abstract Painted Chair

If you want serious wow-factor with minimal effort, an abstract painted chair is the way to go. This makeover takes a basic chair from blah to fab with some painter’s tape and acrylic paint. The result is a modern, eye-catching statement piece you’d pay big bucks for in a furniture store!

Supplies Needed

To paint a chair abstractly, you’ll need:

  • Fine grit sandpaper
  • Painter’s tape
  • Acrylic craft paint in 2-3 colors
  • Paintbrushes and paint tray
  • Polyurethane sealer (satin or gloss finish)
  • Drop cloth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a stunning painted chair makeover:

  1. Prep the chair. Lightly sand the chair with fine grit sandpaper to rough up the surface and help the paint adhere better. Remove any dust.
  2. Tape off sections. Use painter’s tape to block off geometric sections, stripes, or angles on the chair. Get creative with the patterns!
  3. Paint the base color. Paint the exposed parts of the chair using your lightest color. Allow to dry fully before moving to the next step.
  4. Paint contrasting colors. Carefully peel off tape to reveal sections for your darker colors. Use painter’s tape for clean edges if needed. Allow all paint to dry fully.
  5. Apply sealant. Brush on 2-3 thin, even coats of polyurethane, allowing drying time between coats. This gives the chair a glossy finish and protects the paint.
  6. Remove tape. Once the sealant has fully dried, gently peel off all remaining tape to reveal your crisp painted pattern!

With minimal cost and effort, you can give a basic chair a modern abstract look. The bold colors and sharp geometric shapes are sure to spice up any room!

Design Inspiration

If you need some painted chair ideas before getting started, here are a few cool designs to consider:

  • Bold horizontal stripes in complementary colors like navy and burnt orange.
  • A retro zigzag or chevron pattern with metallic gold and robin’s egg blue.
  • Painter’s tape diamonds or triangles in shades of cherry red, black, and white.
  • Simple blocks of sage green, pale yellow, and light blue.
  • Vertical gradients from dark to light (black fading to gray).

The design options are endless – go bold or minimalist. Let the tape be your guide!

Elevated Comfort: Upholstered Armchair

For a chair you can truly sink into, upholstering the seat and arms makes all the difference. With the right foam and fabic, you can transform an old wooden chair into a plush throne!

Adding upholstery may sound intimidating, but it’s very doable with some patience and these step-by-step instructions. Let’s turn a basic chair into a comfy stunner!

Supplies Needed

To upholster a chair, you’ll need:

  • Sturdy armchair frame
  • Plywood or batting to cover frame
  • High-density foam (at least 2″ thick for seat, 1″ for arms)
  • Upholstery fabric, 4-5 yards
  • Staple gun and staples
  • Scissors
  • Tacks

Optional: decorative trim, cushion fill

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to upholster a chair like an expert:

  1. Prep the frame. Remove any existing fabric or cushions from the chair frame. Use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges. Then clean the frame thoroughly.
  2. Add padding. Cut plywood or batting panels to size and staple them throughout the frame – this covers springs and creates a smooth base.
  3. Cut foam. Use a sharp knife to cut high-density foam pieces for the seat and arms. They should fit snugly over batting. Glue into place.
  4. Attach fabric. Lay fabric over seat foam, pulling it taut. Use a staple gun to attach underside of chair, working from center outwards. Repeat for arms and back.
  5. Trim excess. Once fabric is tightly attached throughout, use scissors to trim off any excess, leaving 1″ margins.
  6. Secure edges. Use a tack hammer to seam edges of fabric. Or use decorative trim attached with upholstery tacks to hide staples and seams.
  7. Add cushions. For extra plushness on seat and back, cut foam pieces for cushions. Wrap them in fabric and tack to the chair.

Be patient while attaching the fabric – slow and steady creates the smoothest finish. When done, you’ll have a tailored, elegant chair you can sink right into!

Design Inspiration

For fabric, consider these upholstery ideas:

  • Vintage-style floral print in warm, saturated colors
  • Textured boucle or nubby wool in neutral tones
  • Classic stripes or checkered patterns in contrasting hues
  • Rich velvet or chenille for dramatic luxury
  • Leather for an elegant, masculine vibe

Let your fabric be the star and keep the frame simple to let its beauty shine. Add nailhead trim or funky fabric tassels if desired!

Vintage Chic: Distressed Painted Chair

For boho charm with vintage appeal, a distressed painted chair fits the bill. With some sanding, paint, and elbow grease – you can transform a basic chair into a chic focal point full of character!

The key is adding layers of color, then sanding to reveal them. This faux worn look lets the wood peek through, adding visual interest and a story. Follow these steps to achieve it yourself:

Supplies Needed

  • Latex or acrylic paint in 3+ colors
  • Paint brushes
  • Fine and coarse sandpaper
  • Drop cloth
  • Rags
  • Clear polyurethane (satin or matte)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a distressed painted chair makeover:

  1. Lightly sand the chair with fine grit sandpaper to prep the surface for painting.
  2. Paint base color. Choose a pale neutral shade and apply 2-3 thin coats to provide coverage. Allow to dry completely.
  3. Add accent colors. Paint strips or edges with bolder accent colors, like robin’s egg blue on the seat and burnt orange on vertical supports. Let dry.
  4. Distress. Once all paint is dry, focus on areas you want the base color to show through, like the edges and surface cracks. Use coarse sandpaper to gently scratch away accent paint layers.
  5. Seal and protect. Brush on 1-2 coats of clear polyurethane, allowing drying time between coats. This adds sheen and durability.
  6. Add finishing touches. Wipe edges with rags to further distress. Paint on white for a sun-bleached look. Add darker paint to crevices for more depth.

The beauty of this project lies in the imperfections – don’t be afraid to play with different sanding techniques and paint layers to make it uniquely yours!

Design Inspiration

Some color combos that work beautifully:

  • Pale blue base with antique white and robin’s egg blue accents
  • Soft gray base with light pink and dark teal accents
  • Antique white base with pale yellow and cobalt blue accents
  • Weathered oak base with hunter green and brick red accents

Mix and match to your heart’s content – part of the fun lies in the experimentation. The more layers, the better!

DIY Reupholstering Tips and Tricks

Now that we’ve covered some inspiring chair makeovers, let’s get into the nitty gritty of DIY reupholstering. Follow these handy tips and tricks for fabulous results:

Choose the Right Fabric

Upholstery fabric is thicker and more durable than regular fabric. It also has a tight weave and usually contains synthetic fibers or blended natural/synthetic fibers to prevent stretching. Some good upholstery fabrics include:

  • Cotton duck – durable, woven cotton that comes in solids and prints. The most common upholstery fabric.
  • ** Microsuede** – soft, plush synthetic suede with a smooth finish.
  • Olefin – woven synthetic with vibrant colors. Resists stains/fading.
  • Polyester twill – affordable option with tons of color/pattern choices.
  • Leather – expensive but luxury choice. Opt for faux leather to save money.

Always purchase a few extra yards in case of mistakes! Calculate precisely, measuring every section you’ll cover.

Prepare the Frame

Before adding any new fabric, you need to prep the chair frame properly:

  • Remove any old fabric, staples, and tacks completely.
  • Sand to smooth rough spots. Fill holes/cracks with wood filler.
  • Vacuum away all loose particles.
  • Wipe with tack cloth to remove dust.

This creates a pristine surface for the fresh fabric to adhere to.

Add Padding

For a professional finished look with maximum comfort, padding is key:

  • Use batting, foam, or Dacron to pad the frame and give cushioning.
  • On seats/backs, use high-density foam cut precisely to size.
  • On more vertical surfaces like arms, use batting or medium-firm foam.
  • Wrap padding fully and staple into place on underside of frame.

Stretch Fabric Taut

As you attach the new upholstery fabric, always work from the center outwards and pull it very taut. The goal is smooth, wrinkle-free results:

  • Start at the middle of the seat. Staple underside while keeping fabric tight.
  • Move out towards edges a few inches at a time, stapling while pulling firmly.
  • For corners, use scissors to snip fabric so it lies smoothly before stapling.
  • Repeat process on back, arms, and sides. Keep tension high throughout.

Don’t be shy about pulling very firmly – the tauter the better!

Secure Edges

For polished edges that won’t fray or unravel over time:

  • Use a tack hammer to drive upholstery tacks around edges at 1″ intervals.
  • You can also use trim like gimp, nails heads, or cording to hide edges.
  • For leather, fold edges under and glue into place for seamless finish.

Taking time to properly secure the edges makes a huge difference in the final look.

Work Patiently

DIY reupholstering is challenging at first. Take it slow and steady:

  • Work in sections, completing one before moving to the next.
  • Use painter’s tape if needed to keep fabrics aligned as you work.
  • If fabric starts to sag or wrinkle, gently take out staples/tacks and re-stretch it.
  • Let glue fully dry between steps to prevent shifting.
  • Step back occasionally to check for smoothness and symmetry.

With some patience and practice, your upholstery skills will improve dramatically!

FAQs About DIY Chair Makeovers

If you’re feeling inspired to give your old chairs a makeover, you may still have some questions about the process. Here are answers to some frequently asked DIY chair makeover and reupholstering questions:

What types of chairs work best for makeovers?

The most common chairs to makeover are wooden seats – armchairs, dining chairs, stools, rockers, etc. Plastic lawn chairs are also easy to give new life with spray paint or fabric. Avoid very flimsy chairs.

What kind of paint is best for painting chairs?

For longevity, use latex or acrylic paint intended for furniture and woodcrafts. Stay away from wall paints which aren’t formulated for wear and tear.

Do I need to sand or prime before painting a chair?

Lightly sanding helps paint adhere better. Priming ensures an even base layer. For dark paint colors, prime with white or gray first for best coverage.

How do I get a smooth painted finish on chairs?

Use thin coats of paint built up gradually for the smoothest look. Sand gently between coats to remove any drips or rough patches. Finish with a clear sealer for protection.

What’s the best way to attach new fabric when reupholstering?

A staple gun with 1/2″ to 3/4″ staples is the quickest, most secure way to attach fabric to a chair frame. Use a hammer to add tacks around outer edges for extra hold.

Should I remove old fabric completely before reupholstering?

Yes, old fabric must be removed totally so the frame can be prepped properly. Use pliers to remove any stubborn staples or tacks still attached.

What fabrics work best for upholstering chairs?

Look for fabrics specifically sold as “upholstery weight” – usually a tight weave containing synthetics for durability. Stay away from loose weaves.

Can I reupholster with leather or vinyl?

Yes, leather and vinyl make fantastic upholstery materials that are easy to wipe clean. Faux leather is much more affordable yet looks quite realistic!

How do I create a “distressed” or “shabby chic” painted finish?

Distressing involves layers of paint sanded away to reveal wood tones underneath. Wipe paint with rags for a worn, timeworn look. Let some color show through cracks.

Conclusion

Bringing old chairs back to life is tremendously gratifying. With some imagination and DIY determination, you can customize chairs exactly to your taste and decor.

Plus, makeovers like adding fresh paint or upholstery save pieces from the landfills. You’ll breathe new life into old furniture while stopping it from heading to the junkyard – it’s a win-win.

Hopefully the makeover ideas and reupholstering tips presented here will inspire you and simplify your next furniture DIY project. Just grab a chair and get started! With the right prep work, materials, and techniques, you can work wonders.

Before long, you’ll have stunning chairs that look like you spent a fortune. But you’ll know you gave them a makeover yourself using budget-friendly supplies and your own two hands. That makes enjoying the finished piece even more rewarding.

So give those tired old chairs fresh purpose. Paint, upholster, distress – make them exactly what you need whether it’s functional seating or a stylish focal point. It takes a vision and a little DIY gumption, but the results are so worth it. You’ve got this! Now let’s get making over some chairs.