Reupholstering 101

Remember my vanity table makeover from last week? This is the stool that's supposed to go with it. Sadly, mine's been falling apart since I got it.

photo of stool that's floating in mid-air and not falling apart from target.com

It's been sitting dismantled and leg-less for months.

It has such pretty details



It would be a shame to just throw it out or give it away to charity.



So time for a makeover! It would better make for extra seating or an ottoman in our family room, anyway.

This is how I reupholster a simple cushion project like this.

First, remove all the screws and hardware.

Put the screws in a Ziploc bag a LABEL IT! I've had disassembled furniture for days because I couldn't remember what I did with the screws.

Have your hand model cover up your labeling while you take a picture. It'll help.

Lay the seat on your fabric and trim 3-4 inches around it.

I mark the middle of the seat so I know how to line up my fabric. I knew I wanted the plaid to repeat evenly over the cushion. If you're using an all-over pattern, don't worry about it.

After I've found the center and lined up my fabric, I use packing tape to hold the fabric in place so it's tight and it doesn't move or shift.

Then I work on getting super tight corners. This will be a very technical description,...promise.



First, I puff out the corner.

Then I pinch it together.

Then I twist it as tightly as I can.

Then I pull it taut and tape it down, too.

Then you're ready to take your staple gun and staple the fabric securely and tightly to the seat. Use plenty of staples, but don't go nuts. If you change your mind or want to re-reupholster later on, it's a pain having too many staples in the way.

I don't have a fancy shmancy or a super industrial strength staple gun. I got this Stanley "light duty" one at Target for $8, and it works great for projects like this.



On with the makeover.

Now for a coat of black satin spray paint. (No, I don't live in a junk yard. I have a 2 year old. With lots...and lots....and lots....of toys. And they are everywhere.)

When I paint table or chair legs that can be detached, I always stick them through a cardboard box so they stand and I can coat them evenly.

Looking good reassembled (with epoxy glue to hold the legs this time), but not quite what I had in mind.



Nothing a few swipes of sand paper can't fix.

Much better.



The photographer I hired brought an apprentice to the shoot.

Love it!

Shabby Chic to French country just like that!

I promise once you do it, you will be on the lookout at every garage sale, flea market and thrift store for any chair or stool with a cushion to reupholster. It's addictive!

And of course, today I'm wishing a very happy birthday to the woman I want to be when I grow up. Martha, you're the best!