Whether you’ve inherited a piece of furniture that doesn’t match your decor or want to breathe new life into an old favorite, reupholstering is a great way to update your space.
And when it comes to adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your living room, there’s nothing quite like a stylish and comfortable barrel chair. In this blog post, we’ll show you step-by-step how to reupholster a barrel chair, so you can create a one-of-a-kind piece that you’ll love for years to come.
Can You Reupholster a Barrel Chair?
A barrel chair can be a beautiful addition to any home, but what happens when the fabric becomes worn or stained? Reupholstering a barrel chair is an excellent way to give it a new lease on life and bring fresh style to your space. Not only does it allow you to choose your favorite fabric, but it also allows you to customize the look and feel of the chair to match your decor.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer to leave it to the professionals, reupholstering your barrel chair can be a truly rewarding experience. So go ahead, give your old chair a new look, and discover the transformative power of reupholstering.
Why Should You Reupholster a Barrel Chair?
If you have a barrel chair that has seen better days, you might consider replacing it. But before you do, you should know that reupholstering it can give your chair a new lease on life.
It is more cost-effective than purchasing a new chair and allows you to customize the look to fit your style and decor. Reupholstering can help preserve a sentimental piece of furniture or one with sentimental value. So before saying goodbye to your trusty barrel chair, consider giving it a makeover instead.
How to Reupholster a Barrel Chair: Transform Your Living Room with a DIY Reupholstered Barrel Chair
Step 1: Remove the Old Upholstery
Before reupholstering your barrel chair, you’ll need to remove the existing upholstery. Carefully remove any staples, tacks, or nails that are holding the fabric in place, and set the old upholstery aside. Once you’ve removed all of the old fabric, inspect the chair to make sure the frame is in good condition and repair any damage as needed.
Step 2: Measure and Cut the New Fabric
Next, you’ll need to measure the dimensions of your chair and cut your new upholstery fabric to size. Be sure to add a few extra inches to each side to allow for wrapping the fabric around the chair’s curves and tucking it neatly into the crevices. Once you’ve cut the fabric to size, place it on the seat and back of your chair to make sure it fits snugly.
Step 3: Secure the New Upholstery
With the new fabric in place, it’s time to start securing it to the chair. Begin by stapling the fabric to the bottom of the chair, and then work your way up, smooth out any wrinkles or creases as you go. When you reach the top of the chair, trim any excess fabric and tuck it neatly into any crevices for a smooth and professional finish.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Once the upholstery is securely placed, it’s time to add the finishing touches. You can add a layer of batting for extra cushioning or simply re-attach the seat cushion if it’s in good condition. Then, add any embellishments, such as decorative nailheads or buttons, for a custom, high-end look. Use a glue gun or fabric adhesive to attach these details.
Step 5: Reattach the Chair Back
If your barrel chair has a separate back piece, now is the time to reattach it. Use a staple gun to secure the fabric and any additional padding in place. Be sure to smooth out any wrinkles or bulges as you go for a professional finish. If the chair back is attached to the frame, simply staple the fabric in place along the edges.
Step 6: Add a Dust Cover
Add a dust cover to the bottom to protect your newly upholstered barrel chair and give it a finished look. Cut a piece of fabric to fit the bottom of the chair and staple it in place. This will not only prevent dust and debris from collecting under the chair but also give it a polished appearance.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Newly Reupholstered Barrel Chair!
Once you’ve completed all these steps, your barrel chair should look new again. Take a moment to admire your handiwork and enjoy sitting on your newly reupholstered piece of furniture. With proper care and maintenance, your barrel chair will continue to look beautiful for years to come. So, do not hesitate to try reupholstering a barrel chair yourself; it’s easier than you think!
5 Considerations Things When You Need to Reupholster a Barrel Chair
1. Choose the Fabric
When reupholstering a barrel chair, one of the most important considerations is choosing the right fabric. The fabric you choose should be durable and able to withstand wear and tear, as well as being comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. Consider your lifestyle when selecting a fabric; if you have children or pets, you may want to choose something that is more stain-resistant. Additionally, consider the color and pattern of the fabric; if you are going for a classic look, opt for neutral tones like beige or grey.
2. Measure Your Chair
Before purchasing any fabric or supplies for your project, it is important to measure your chair carefully to know exactly how much material you will need. You will also need to measure the cushioning on your chair to purchase enough foam or batting for your project. Consider any seams or pleats in the upholstery when taking measurements; this will help ensure that you buy enough material to cover all areas of the chair.
3. Select Your Supplies
Once you have chosen your fabric and taken measurements of your chair, it is time to select all of the necessary supplies for reupholstering your barrel chair. You will need scissors, staple guns, screwdriver sets, and pliers to complete the job properly. Depending on how intricate your project will be, you may also need additional supplies such as webbing, foam padding, batting, and tacks.
4. Prepare Your Chair
Before beginning work on reupholstering your barrel chair, it is important to prepare it properly by removing all old upholstery from the chair’s frame. This includes removing staples and nails from any previous upholstery jobs, as well as removing any padding or batting from inside the frame of the chair. Once all old materials have been removed from the chair’s frame, use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt or debris from the inside before attaching new upholstery materials.
5. Attach New Upholstery Materials
Once all preparations are complete and all new materials have been purchased and cut according to measurements taken earlier in this process, it’s time to attach them securely onto your barrel chair frame using a staple gun or hammer tacks, depending on what type of material was used for upholstery (e.g., leather vs. canvas).
Make sure that each piece is securely attached before moving on to another section to ensure that everything looks neat and professional once finished with this step in reupholstering a barrel chair!
Benefits of Reupholster a Barrel Chair
Are you tired of looking at that old, worn-out barrel chair in your living room? Before you head out to buy a new one, consider the benefits of reupholstering instead. You can save money, and reupholstering can give your chair a new lease on life.
You have the opportunity to choose a fabric that fits your personal style, and you can even add extra padding or make other alterations to create a more comfortable seat. Plus, by reupholstering, you are also helping to reduce your environmental impact by keeping furniture out of landfills. Don’t give up on your old chair just yet – let reupholstering work its magic and breathe new life into your home decor.
Some Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Reupholster a Barrel Chair
Reupholstering a barrel chair can be challenging, and it’s not uncommon to make a few mistakes along the way. One common mistake people make is underestimating the amount of fabric they need. A barrel chair’s unique shape requires more material than you might expect, so always err on the side of caution and purchase extra fabric.
Another mistake to avoid is forgetting to remove the old fabric completely before starting the reupholstering process. Leaving old fabric in place can lead to a lumpy finish and cause the new fabric to not sit correctly. Lastly, it’s important not to rush the process. Take your time and follow the steps carefully to avoid any costly mistakes. With patience, creativity, and some basic upholstery skills, you can successfully reupholster your barrel chair and have a piece of furniture that both looks great and feels comfortable.
Conclusion
Reupholstering a barrel chair is a great way to give a tired piece of furniture new life and style. With a little time, effort, and creativity, you can create a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your unique style and tastes.
By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you’ll be well on your way to transforming your living room with a DIY reupholstered barrel chair. Thanks for reading our post about how to reupholster a barrel chair.
