Giving old furniture new life with a DIY upholstery project can completely transform a space. Salvaging and repurposing worn pieces creates a one-of-a-kind focal point with character and savings. With some basic supplies, patience, and creativity, even upholstery novices can make showstopping DIY furniture.
Gather Inspiration and Supplies
The first step in any DIY upholstery project is finding inspiration. Look through interior design magazines, blogs, and Pinterest for upholstered pieces with shapes, colors, and patterns you love. This will help you choose the perfect fabric and visualize the finished product in your space.
Once you’ve found inspiration, make a list of necessary supplies:
- Furniture to be upholstered (chair, ottoman, headboard, etc.)
- Upholstery fabric, foam, batting, etc. Calculate 1.5 times the size of the piece
- Tools like a staple gun, scissors, foam cutter, etc.
- Protective equipment like gloves, respirator mask, and goggles
- Tacks, staples, or glue for adhering fabric and batting
Purchase quality materials from upholstery and fabric stores for best results. Avoid skimping on cheap fabric or tools.
Remove Old Upholstery and Prepare Frame
Before applying new fabric, completely remove old material from the frame using pliers and/or a staple removing tool. Take photos of upholstery details like pleats or skirts before dismantling to use as a guide later.
Carefully inspect the frame for broken or damaged areas and repair as needed with wood glue, brackets, etc. Lightly sand to remove old glue or rough edges. Fill any holes with wood filler and let dry completely.
Use a vacuum, brushes, and rags to thoroughly remove dirt, dust, and debris. Wipe wooden frames down with a clean, damp cloth. Let the frame dry entirely before moving to the next step.
Add Padding and New Fabric
Cut upholstery foam and batting to size according to your furniture dimensions, using an electric carving knife or serrated blade. Layer foam and batting on the frame, stapling every few inches to adhere. Wrap corners neatly and trim any excess.
Drape your new fabric over the batting and use a staple gun to attach the center first before moving to the sides. Stretch the material taut from all directions as you work to avoid puckers. Use a foam brush to glue fabric on hard-to-staple areas if needed.
For tufted pieces, use a manual tufting button press and strong thread to sew buttons through the batting and fabric. Space tufts evenly based on the look you want.
Use scissors to trim excess fabric, leaving at least 6 extra inches to fold under the frame. Staple folded edges neatly into place on underside.
Finishing Touches
Once upholstery is securely attached, use a rubber mallet to carefully tap any remaining staples flush with the frame. Lightly sand any rough edges.
Install any skirts, welting, trim, or other design details with fabric glue and small nails if desired.
Seal raw edges with fabric seam sealant or fray preventer liquid to stop unraveling. Let all glue and sealants dry fully before using the furniture.
Steam fabric or use an iron on low to remove any wrinkles. Style with pillows, blankets, or accessories to show off your new salvaged upholstery!
Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Upholstery Projects
What type of furniture can be upholstered at home?
Smaller pieces like chairs, ottomans, headboards, and stools make the best first upholstery projects. Larger items like sofas are very challenging for beginners.
What are the best fabrics to use?
Look for durable, tightly woven upholstery-weight fabrics like cotton, linen, microfiber, wool, polyester blends. Avoid loose weaves that will require lining. Leather and vinyl can also be used.
What kind of stuffing should I use?
Upholstery foam comes in different densities. Standard foam works for most surfaces, while firmer foam is good for cushions that need more support. Batting adds extra padding and shape.
How long does DIY upholstery take?
The upholstery process can take 20-40 hours for a chair. Work slowly and carefully. Rushing through steps can lead to mistakes. Take breaks to avoid fatigue.
What if I make a mistake?
Carefully removing staples or stitches to fix mistakes takes patience but avoids abandoning the project. Watch online tutorials to learn techniques. Practice first on scrap fabric.
How do I get a smooth, wrinkle-free finish?
Pull fabric very taut when attaching to the frame. After attaching, use an iron on low heat or a steamer to smooth wrinkles. Let the fabric relax overnight before final trimming.
Conclusion
Salvaging worn furniture and giving it new life with upholstery fabric, batting, and lots of elbow grease allows you to create custom pieces on a budget. While DIY upholstery requires time and diligence, the sense of fulfillment and unique results are well worth the effort. Approach the project with patience, follow safety precautions, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Soon you’ll have stunning upholstered furniture to enjoy for years to come!
