How to Reupholster a Chaise Chair

Reupholstering a chaise chair can breathe new life into an old, worn-out piece of furniture, giving it a fresh and updated appearance.

This process involves replacing the fabric and padding and often requires some degree of disassembly. Whether you’re a novice DIY enthusiast or an experienced craftsperson, this guide on how to reupholster a chaise chair will take you through the essential steps to ensure a successful reupholstery project.

From choosing the right materials to mastering the art of stapling, we’ll provide you with all the tips and tricks needed to transform your chaise chair into a stunning centerpiece for your home.

What is Reupholstering?

Reupholstering is the process of replacing the fabric and padding on a piece of furniture, such as a chaise chair. It can be done for both aesthetic reasons, to update the look of the furniture, or for functional purposes, to repair damaged or worn-out upholstery.

You may choose to reupholster your chaise chair if the current fabric is torn, stained, or outdated. It can also be a cost-effective way to give an old chaise chair a new lease on life instead of buying a completely new piece of furniture.

Materials Needed

To reupholster a chaise chair, you will need:

Fabric:

Choose a durable and visually appealing fabric that fits your personal style and the design of your room. Consider the amount of wear and tear the chair will endure, as well as any specific cleaning or care instructions for the fabric.

Padding:

The padding provides comfort and support, so it’s essential to use high-quality materials. Foam is a popular choice for chaise chairs as it can be easily cut to fit the shape of the furniture.

Tools:

• Staple Gun
• Scissors
• Screwdriver (Depending on the Type of Chair)
• Pliers
• Seam Ripper

7 Steps on How to Reupholster a Chaise Chair

Step 1: Prepare the Work Area

Before you start reupholstering your chaise chair, it’s crucial to prepare your work area to ensure a smooth and organized process. Choose a spacious, well-lit area where you can easily move around the chair and have access to all your tools and materials. Lay down a drop cloth or old sheet to protect your floor and keep it free from debris and fabric scraps.

Make sure you have a sturdy table or workbench to place your tools and materials within easy reach. Having a dedicated, clean, and organized workspace will make the reupholstery project more efficient and enjoyable.

Step 2: Disassemble the Chair

Once your work area is prepared, the next step is to disassemble the chaise chair. Start by carefully removing any cushions or loose parts and setting them aside for later reupholstering.

Use a screwdriver to remove screws and detach any sections of the chair that can be separated, such as the backrest or legs. Be sure to keep all screws and small hardware pieces in a safe place, like a small container or bag, to avoid losing them.

Next, use a seam ripper or pliers to carefully remove the old fabric and staples. Take care to avoid damaging the chair’s frame during this process. As you remove the fabric, make notes or take photos of how it was originally attached, as this will serve as a helpful reference during reassembly.

Keep the old fabric pieces intact, as you can use them as templates for cutting your new fabric. Disassembling the chair thoroughly will make the re-upholstering process smoother and ensure a professional-looking result.

Step 3: Prepare the New Fabric

With the chair disassembled and the old fabric removed, it’s time to prepare the new fabric. Start by laying out your new fabric on a large, flat surface.

Using the old fabric pieces as templates, carefully trace their shapes onto the new fabric with chalk or fabric-marking pens. Be sure to account for any seam allowances and extra material needed for stapling, adding at least 1-2 inches around the edges of each piece.

Next, use sharp fabric scissors to cut out the new fabric pieces, following the lines you traced. If your fabric has a pattern, pay close attention to its alignment, ensuring that any stripes, motifs, or textures are oriented consistently across all pieces. Taking the time to accurately cut and align your new fabric will greatly impact the final appearance of your reupholstered chaise chair.

Step 4: Replace the Padding

With your new fabric cut to size, it’s time to replace the padding. If your chair has foam cushioning, use a serrated knife or electric carving knife to trim the foam pieces to fit perfectly into their corresponding fabric pieces.

For older chairs with sagging or flattened cushions, you may need to add extra padding or even completely replace the existing foam with higher-density foam for better support.

Once your foam is correctly fitted and placed on top of the seat or backrest frame, use spray adhesive or upholstery glue to secure it in place. Apply a thin layer of adhesive on both the foam and the frame, then carefully press them together, smoothing out any wrinkles or bubbles as you go. Allow the adhesive to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 5: Begin Stapling

Now that your new fabric pieces are cut and your padding is in place, it’s time to start stapling. Use a staple gun with heavy-duty staples to secure the fabric to the chair frame. Start at one end of a piece and work your way along its length, pulling the fabric taut as you go.

Avoid stapling too close to the edge of the fabric, as it can cause it to fray or tear. Instead, aim for about 1-2 inches away from the edge and space your staples evenly apart.

Step 6: Tuck and Fold

With the fabric securely stapled in place, the next step is to tuck and fold the excess material for a clean finish. Begin by carefully trimming any extra fabric, leaving about 1-2 inches beyond the staples for a secure tuck. For corners and curved areas, make small, evenly spaced cuts into the fabric to help it bend and fold without creating wrinkles.

Working in small sections, fold the remaining fabric under itself to create a neat edge. Use your fingers to press the folded edge flat against the chair frame, then staple it in place. When folding under itself, ensure the edges align evenly, maintaining a consistent look throughout.

Pay special attention to the chair’s corners and seams, as this will significantly impact the final appearance of your reupholstered chaise chair. If needed, use a blunt tool or butter knife to tuck the fabric into tight spaces or around intricate details.

Step 7: Reassemble the Chair

With the new fabric securely and neatly attached, the next step is to reassemble the chaise chair. Start by reattaching any parts that were detached during disassembly, such as the backrest or legs.

Use the screwdriver to replace screws and ensure all sections are firmly and safely connected. Refer to any notes or photos you took during the disassembly process to guide you in correctly aligning and attaching each piece.

Finally, add the cushions or any other elements that were removed at the beginning of the project. Take a step back and admire your newly reupholstered chaise chair, appreciating all the hard work and care you put into its transformation. The entire process may have taken some time and effort, but the result is a beautifully renewed piece of furniture that will bring joy and comfort for years to come.

Additional Tips

• If you are new to upholstery, consider starting with a smaller or simpler project before tackling a chaise chair.
• Take your time and be patient during the process, as rushing can result in mistakes that may impact the final appearance.
• Consider adding extra padding or batting to create a more comfortable and luxurious seat.
• Don’t be afraid to get creative with fabric choices, combining patterns and textures for a unique look.
• Once you’ve mastered reupholstering chairs, try other furniture pieces such as ottomans, headboards, or dining room chairs. The possibilities are endless! 

With these tips and steps on how to reupholster a chaise chair in mind, you are now ready to confidently tackle reupholstering a chaise chair. Remember to take your time, be patient, and enjoy the process of transforming an old piece of furniture into something new and beautiful. Now go forth and create! 

Conclusion

Reupholstering a chaise chair is a rewarding project that blends creativity, craftsmanship, and practicality.

By following each step on how to reupholster a chaise chair meticulously, from removing the old fabric to tucking and folding the new material, you can transform a worn-out chair into a stunning, like-new piece of furniture. This process not only breathes new life into your furniture but also allows you to customize it to fit your home’s decor perfectly.

Whether you’re an experienced DIY enthusiast or a beginner looking to try your hand at upholstery, the skills and techniques you acquire throughout this project can be applied to countless other pieces.

Ultimately, the satisfaction of admiring your beautifully reupholstered chaise chair makes all the effort worthwhile, offering a sense of accomplishment and a unique, personalized item to enjoy for years to come.