7 Tips for Better Chair Makeovers

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It’s not often you can score TWO matches of something at the thrift store! When you do, GRAB IT UP!

1. When in doubt, paint it white.
   Yeah……I know……we can’t all be Martha Stewart when it comes to DIY. Sometimes we’re just not that creative in putting colors together. If you’re in doubt about how to make your chair makeover pop, choose white. Really, you can’t go wrong with white! It’s sooooo uplifting and bright and cheerful, and it makes anything look fresh!

•  Choose fabric that compliments the chair’s style.
  You can choose any fabric you like. That’s part of being creative! But check out any geometric, whimsical detailing in your chair and maybe find some fabric that plays upon those characteristics. At least it will look like you put some thought into your fabric choices, if not the paint color selection

Notice the pattern in the fabric sooooorta matches the shape in the back of the seat? I also painted the inside edges of the lattice a shade of grey in an attempt to do a little 3D effect. Hmmm….not sure if it worked. LOL.

1. Invest in a staple gun.
   The best thing about making over small chairs like this is all the tools you really need are a staple gun and some scissors. Staple guns aren’t too expensive (maybe $20??). This is your best option for securing the new fabric to the chair. Forget furniture nails.
2. Add new batting or stuffing.
   You can reuse the old interior materials, especially if it “fits” the old chair perfectly, or if cheaper to do so. But, it might be pretty old and yucky and you might need to replace it. Either way, don’t be afraid to add new layers, especially if you want your new chair to be a bit more more comfy, or if you just need to cover up the old ratty one.
3. Use the old cover as a template.
   Even as nasty and dirty as I’m sure the old fabric is and you can’t wait to put a match to it and wash your hands in bleach, you should still hold on to it for a sec and use it as the template for the new cover. You will save yourself a TON of time by cutting it the right size instead of having to measure and make an error!
4. Don’t forget to paint the bottom of the chair!
   You’re probably thinking, “Um….why??” Well, because, do you reallllly want your painted furniture looking like painted furniture? Okay, in some instances you do, but you could be pretty embarrassed if someone has to bend on all 4′s, or you happen to turn the chair over when you’re moving furniture and–eeewwww!–”what the hell is that underneath?! Why’s it look so old and crusty?!” Uh…yeah. So, just keep it professional looking and paint the bottom and any areas where you think someone might just peep that. LOL
5. Use a paint sprayer.
   If the chair you’re painting has some intricate detailing, don’t use a brush. You’ll just make a bit of a mess. And that’s sort of what I did with this chair in the lattice pattern on the seat back: paint went on too thick in certain areas and gathered up on the edges. A paint sprayer (or spray paint!) would have alleviated this problem. (FYI, I hate spray paint because of its smell; that smell lingers, too!). Buy a paint sprayer so you can use your choice of latex paints, preferably environmentally friendly brands).

Does anyone have any pics of simple, easy chair makeovers they’ve done?

Leave a comment and let me know what you’ve done. Or, better yet, go to my Facebook page and post a pic of it on my wall to share with me and the others! I love seeing what everyone else is doing