Are you tired of that old, worn-out armchair with wooden arms? Instead of throwing it out or buying a new one, why not reupholster it yourself?
Not only will it save you money, but it’s also a fun DIY project that can give your furniture a new lease on life. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of reupholstering an armchair with wooden arms.
From gathering your tools and materials to finishing touches, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to transform your old armchair into a beautiful, comfortable piece of furniture.
So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to give your armchair a makeover!
Table of Contents
Gather Your Tools and Materials
Before you can begin reupholstering your armchair, you’ll need to gather all of the necessary tools and materials. These items might already be in your possession or you may need to purchase them beforehand. Make sure to measure the dimensions of your armchair to determine how much fabric and foam padding you’ll need.
Once you have all of your tools and materials ready, it’s important to find a clean and spacious area to work in. Lay down a drop cloth or old sheet to protect your work surface. You may also want to wear gloves to protect your hands while using the staple gun and pliers.
As you gather your tools and materials, take the time to inspect your armchair and note any areas that need repair or replacement. If the wooden arms are damaged or broken, you may need to sand them down or replace them entirely before beginning the reupholstering process.
By being thorough in your preparation, you’ll ensure a successful and long-lasting reupholstering project.
Remove the Old Fabric
First, you’ll want to take a closer look at the current fabric covering the chair and identify any areas that may be secured with staples or screws. Use a pair of pliers to carefully remove any staples or screws that are holding the fabric in place.
Once you have removed all visible fasteners, gently pull the fabric away from the chair to reveal the underlying padding. Be sure to take note of the condition of the padding and any foam that may be present. If the padding is worn or damaged, you may need to replace it before proceeding with the reupholstering process.
You can purchase foam and padding at most fabric stores or online. Simply measure the dimensions of the chair and purchase enough foam and batting to cover the entire surface area.
Once you have removed the old fabric and inspected the padding, you can begin preparing the chair for its new upholstery. Use a vacuum cleaner or lint roller to remove any dust, debris, or loose threads from the chair. This will ensure that the new fabric adheres properly and looks clean and polished.
With the old fabric removed and the chair cleaned, you’re now ready to move on to the next step of the reupholstering process.
Cut and Attach the New Foam Padding
Now it’s time to cut and attach the new foam padding to your armchair.
Begin by measuring the dimensions of your chair’s seat and backrest. Once you have the correct measurements, use a serrated knife or electric carving knife to cut the foam to size.
Finally, secure the foam to the chair with spray adhesive or by wrapping it tightly with batting and stapling it to the frame.
Measuring and cutting the foam padding
Alright, let’s get to measuring and cutting the foam padding for our armchair with wooden arms! We want to make sure we have cozy cushions to sink into. First, measure the length and width of the seat and backrest of the chair. Make sure to add an extra inch to each measurement to account for any curves or edges. Once you have the measurements, use a sharp utility knife or electric knife to cut the foam padding to size.
It’s important to note that there are different types of foam padding available, each with their own level of firmness and durability. Take a look at the table below to compare some common types of foam padding and decide which one will work best for your armchair.
| Type of Foam | Firmness | Durability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-density foam | Firm | Very durable | High |
| Memory foam | Soft | Durable | High |
| Polyurethane foam | Medium | Average durability | Medium |
| Egg crate foam | Soft | Average durability | Low |
Once you have the right foam padding, it’s time to attach it to the chair. Use a spray adhesive to secure the foam to the seat and backrest, making sure there are no wrinkles or gaps. Your armchair is now one step closer to being reupholstered and ready for use!
Attaching the foam to the chair
To ensure a comfortable seat, it’s crucial to securely attach the foam padding to the chair using a spray adhesive.
Before applying the adhesive, make sure that the foam is cut to the exact size and shape of the chair. You can use a sharp knife to trim any excess foam if needed.
To attach the foam, apply a thin layer of spray adhesive to both the foam and the chair surface. Wait for a few minutes for the adhesive to become tacky before pressing the foam onto the chair.
Start from the center and work your way out to the edges, smoothing out any wrinkles or bubbles as you go.
Repeat this process for the backrest and armrests, making sure that the foam is securely attached to the chair.
Cut and Attach the New Fabric
You’ll need to carefully cut your new fabric to size, making sure it covers the chair’s seat, backrest, and arms. Here’s how to do it:
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Lay your new fabric flat on a large surface, pattern-side down.
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Place the old fabric on top of the new fabric, aligning the edges and using it as a guide for cutting the new fabric to size.
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Use fabric scissors to carefully cut the new fabric around the old fabric, leaving a few extra inches on all sides to ensure it fully covers the chair.
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Once the new fabric is cut to size, use a staple gun to attach it to the chair, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Make sure to pull the fabric taut as you go to prevent any wrinkles or sagging.
As you work your way around the chair, make sure to fold the corners neatly and trim any excess fabric as needed. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can have a beautifully reupholstered armchair with wooden arms that looks like new!
Stapling or Sewing the Fabric in Place
Once the fabric is cut to size, you can start stapling or sewing it in place. Pull it tight and create smooth lines that hug the contours of the chair. Stapling is usually the easier and faster option, but sewing can provide a more polished and professional look.
If you choose to staple the fabric in place, start at the center point of each side and work your way outwards. Make sure to keep the tension consistent and avoid any wrinkles or puckering. Use a staple gun to attach the fabric to the wooden frame, placing the staples about an inch apart and making sure to staple close to the edge of the fabric.
If you prefer to sew the fabric in place, use a heavy-duty needle and a strong thread to create a durable seam. Pin the fabric in place first, making sure it is taut and snug against the chair. Then, use a sewing machine or sew by hand to attach the fabric to the frame, following the same pattern as you would when stapling. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam for added strength.
Finishing Touches
Now it’s time to add those final details that will really make your chair pop! Start by trimming any excess fabric or threads that may be sticking out. This will give your chair a clean and polished look.
Next, consider adding some decorative elements such as piping or fringe to the edges of the chair. This will add some personality and style to your newly upholstered armchair.
Another finishing touch you may want to consider is adding some decorative buttons to the backrest of the chair. This will give it a classic and traditional look. You can either sew the buttons directly onto the fabric or create tufting by threading the buttons through the fabric and securing them on the other side.
Lastly, consider adding some throw pillows or a coordinating cushion to really tie everything together and make your armchair a cozy and comfortable place to relax.
Overall, the finishing touches are what will take your upholstered armchair to the next level. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch to make it truly unique and special. With a little time and effort, you can transform an outdated and worn armchair into a stunning piece of furniture that you’ll love for years to come.
Enjoy Your Newly Reupholstered Armchair!
Sit back and relax in your newly transformed chair, complete with all the finishing touches that make it uniquely yours. It’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor and bask in the satisfaction of a job well done.
Take a moment to admire the way the fabric drapes over the armrests, the way the cushions hug your body, and the way the wood grain shines in the light.
As you sink into your cozy armchair, let yourself be transported to a world of comfort and relaxation. Let the stresses of the day melt away as you feel the softness of the fabric against your skin and the support of the cushions beneath you.
This chair is not just a piece of furniture, it’s a sanctuary where you can escape from the chaos of the outside world. But it’s not just the physical comfort of the chair that brings joy, it’s also the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing a DIY project.
You took an old, worn-out armchair and transformed it into something beautiful and functional. You put in the time and effort to learn the skills needed to reupholster it, and now you have a piece of furniture that’s uniquely yours.
Every time you sit in your armchair, you’ll be reminded of your hard work and dedication.
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