Have you ever looked at your wingback chair and thought it could use a makeover? Recovering your wingback chair is a great way to give it a new lease on life and update your home decor without breaking the bank.
With a little bit of effort and some basic tools, you can recover your chair in no time and have a beautiful, custom piece that you can enjoy for years to come.
Before you start, you’ll need to assess the condition of your chair and choose the right fabric for your project. Once you’ve done that, you can remove the old upholstery and prepare the chair for new upholstery.
From there, it’s just a matter of attaching the new fabric, adding finishing touches, and maintaining your recovered wingback chair.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a beginner, recovering your wingback chair is a fun and rewarding project that anyone can tackle.
Table of Contents
Assessing the Condition of Your Chair
Now, before we dive into the fun part of recovering your wingback chair, let’s take a quick moment to assess its current condition.
First things first, check for any damages to the frame. Look for cracks, chips, or any signs of wear and tear. If the frame is damaged, it’s best to repair it before proceeding with the reupholstering.
Next, inspect the cushioning. Sit on the chair and see if it feels comfortable. If the cushion is flat or lumpy, it’s time to replace it. You can find replacement foam at most craft stores or online. Make sure to measure the cushion before buying new foam to ensure a proper fit.
Lastly, examine the fabric. Is it stained or faded? Are there any tears or holes? If the fabric is in good condition, you can simply reupholster over it. However, if the fabric is damaged, you’ll need to remove it before applying new fabric. Take note of the fabric’s pattern and texture so you can choose a new fabric that complements the chair’s style.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to assess the condition of your wingback chair and prepare it for a stylish new look.
Choosing the Right Fabric
Selecting the appropriate material for your seating piece is crucial in elevating its overall aesthetic appeal. When choosing the right fabric for your wingback chair, it’s important to consider the style and design of your home.
If you have a modern and minimalist interior, a bold and patterned fabric may clash with the overall look of your space. On the other hand, if you have a traditional or classic home, a neutral or solid-colored fabric may not add much visual interest to your wingback chair.
Aside from style, you must also consider the durability of the fabric. A wingback chair is a heavily used seating piece, especially if it’s in a common area of your home. Therefore, the fabric should be able to withstand wear and tear, stains, and spills. Leather, for instance, is a popular choice for wingback chairs as it’s durable and easy to clean. However, if you prefer a softer and more comfortable material, consider using velvet or linen.
Another factor to consider is the color of the fabric. If you have pets or small children, it may be best to avoid light-colored fabrics as they’re more prone to stains. Instead, opt for darker colors or patterns that can hide dirt and spills. However, if you want to brighten up your space, a colorful and vibrant fabric can add a pop of color and personality to your wingback chair.
Ultimately, the fabric you choose should not only enhance the look of your chair but also suit your lifestyle and needs.
Removing the Old Upholstery
Before you can start giving your seating piece a fresh new look, you’ll need to remove the old upholstery. This can be a daunting task, but with a little patience and the right tools, you can do it yourself.
Start by removing any buttons, tacks, or staples that are holding the fabric in place. You can use a flathead screwdriver or pliers to do this.
Once the buttons, tacks, or staples are removed, carefully pull the fabric away from the chair. You may need to use a seam ripper to remove any stitching that is holding the fabric together. Be sure to save any foam or batting that is still in good condition, as you can reuse it later. If the foam or batting is worn or damaged, you’ll need to replace it.
After you’ve removed all of the old upholstery, inspect the frame of the chair for any damage or needed repairs. This is the perfect time to make any necessary fixes before reupholstering the chair.
Once the frame is in good condition, you can move on to selecting and attaching your new fabric. With a little effort, you’ll have a beautifully reupholstered wingback chair that looks brand new!
Preparing the Chair for New Upholstery
After removing the old upholstery, it’s important to inspect the chair frame for any necessary repairs before attaching new fabric. This step ensures that the chair will remain sturdy and functional for years to come. Look for any loose joints or broken pieces that need to be fixed before continuing with the project. Use wood glue and clamps to repair any broken parts and allow the glue to dry completely before moving on.
Next, you’ll want to add new padding to the chair. Start by measuring and cutting foam to fit the seat, back, and arms of the chair. You can use a serrated knife or electric carving knife to cut the foam. Once you have the foam pieces cut, secure them to the chair using a spray adhesive. Make sure to smooth out any wrinkles or bumps in the foam for a professional-looking finish.
After the foam is securely in place, it’s time to add the new upholstery fabric. Lay the fabric out on a large flat surface, with the wrong side facing up. Place the foam-padded chair on top of the fabric, making sure to center it. Begin to pull the fabric taut over the chair and staple it to the frame, starting at the center of each section and working your way outwards.
Make sure to continually check the fabric for any wrinkles or bunching as you staple it in place. Once you’ve covered the entire chair frame, trim any excess fabric and add any finishing touches, such as decorative piping or buttons.
Attaching the New Upholstery
Now it’s time to get creative and add some personality to your revamped piece by choosing a fun and bold fabric for the new upholstery. Start by measuring and cutting the fabric to fit the chair, leaving a few extra inches on each side to ensure a snug fit.
Then, use a staple gun to attach the fabric to the chair, starting with the back and working your way down to the seat. To really make the new upholstery pop, consider adding some decorative elements like piping or tufting. These small details can add a lot of character to the chair and make it truly unique.
Another great way to add some personality is to mix and match fabrics, using one pattern for the back and another for the seat. This can create a fun and eclectic look that’s sure to impress. As you work on attaching the new upholstery, take your time and make sure everything is smooth and even.
Don’t be afraid to make adjustments as needed to ensure a perfect fit. With a little patience and creativity, you can transform your old wingback chair into a stunning piece that’s sure to become the focal point of any room.
Adding Finishing Touches
To really make the new upholstery stand out, it’s important to add some finishing touches that bring the whole piece together. One way to do this is by adding nail head trim around the edges of the chair. This adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the piece, and can also help to hide any imperfections in the upholstery.
Another finishing touch that can really make a difference is adding decorative buttons to the back of the chair. This adds a pop of color and texture to the piece, and can also help to create a more cohesive look. You can choose buttons that match the upholstery, or go for a contrasting color or pattern for a more eclectic look.
Don’t forget about the legs of the chair. If they are scratched or worn, you may want to consider refinishing them to match the new upholstery. This will help to create a more polished look overall, and will ensure that your wingback chair looks as good as new.
With these finishing touches, your newly recovered wingback chair is sure to be a showstopper in any room of your home.
Maintaining Your Recovered Wingback Chair
Maintaining the newly upholstered piece requires regular cleaning and upkeep to ensure its longevity and continued elegance. The first step is to vacuum the chair regularly to remove any dust or debris that may accumulate on the upholstery. It’s best to use a soft brush attachment to avoid damaging the fabric.
If there are any spills or stains, it’s important to clean them up immediately to prevent them from setting in and becoming more difficult to remove. Another important aspect of maintaining your recovered wingback chair is to rotate the cushions and pillows regularly. This will help to distribute the wear and tear evenly, preventing any one area from becoming too worn or flattened.
If the cushions or pillows are removable, it’s a good idea to fluff them up every so often to keep them looking full and plush. It’s important to protect your wingback chair from direct sunlight, which can cause the fabric to fade over time.
If possible, position the chair away from any windows or use window treatments to block out the sun’s rays. By following these simple maintenance tips, you can keep your newly recovered wingback chair looking beautiful and elegant for years to come.
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