how to cover a chair with arms

If you have a chair with arms that has seen better days, don't throw it out just yet! Instead, consider covering it to give it a fresh new look. If you've never covered a chair before, don't worry. With a little time and effort, you can transform your old, worn-out chair into a beautiful piece of furniture that will serve you for years to come.

Steps to Cover a Chair with Arms

Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials. You'll need fabric, batting, a staple gun, scissors, a ruler or measuring tape, and a cutting mat or cardboard. Once you have everything you need, follow these simple steps:

Step 1 - Remove the old upholstery

Start by removing the old upholstery from your chair. This will give you a clean slate to work with. Use a staple remover to take off any old staples that are still holding the fabric in place.

Step 2 - Cut the new fabric and batting

Use your ruler or measuring tape to measure the dimensions of the chair seat and arms. Cut your new fabric and batting to fit these dimensions as precisely as possible. Use your cardboard or cutting mat to make straight lines and avoid cutting too much fabric.

Step 3 - Add the batting

Once you have cut your batting to size, use your staple gun to attach it to the chair. Work slowly and carefully, stapling the batting down on all sides of the seat and arms. Try to avoid making any lumps or bumps in the batting.

Step 4 - Attach the new fabric

Lay your new fabric over the chair and make sure it's straight and centered. Begin stapling the fabric to the chair from the center of the seat and arms outward, working your way around the chair in a clockwise direction. Don't forget to pull the fabric taut to avoid any wrinkles or sagging.

Step 5 - Finish the edges

When you've stapled the fabric to the entire chair, trim any excess material, leaving about 1/4 inch around the edges. Fold the edges of the fabric under and secure them with staples. If you want, add some decorative trim or piping to the edges to give your chair a professional look.

Conclusion

Covering a chair with arms can seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and a little patience, it's a project that can be accomplished in a few hours. Whether you're looking to give an old chair new life or just want to update the look of an existing piece of furniture, covering it with fabric is an easy and affordable solution. And best of all, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself!"