AN UPHOLSTERY STORY: PULL UP A CHAIR

When you're raised by a mother who makes upholstery work seem more like a journey and less like a challenge, it's hard not to fall in love with this craft.

I'll never forget when I set eyes on these French style cane back chairs while cruising Home Goods. We'd just moved into our new home in 2017 and I hadn't found the right counter stools for our kitchen. This, after all, was a new concept since our last house only had room for a family size table and chairs when it came to meals. The vision of me serving our children meal after meal as they sit at our new kitchen island made my heart happy :) As you can see from the photo below, it wasn't long before each chair was riddled with stains. Now I know kids will be kids, but much of the staining seemed to occur when water reacted with (what appeared to be) a stain protector. As soon as the stain was gone, a large water mark remained. Yes, I fought the fabric but the fabric won.

THE BEFORE & AFTER

Fabric Selection

Obviously, the only way to eliminate a web of blotchy stains is to reupholster each stool. The question remained...which fabric would make the cut (no pun)? Chenille and velvet are very forgiving because the nap is consistent and bounces back easily. Perfect for regular spot cleanings. When it came to color choice, the darker the better. Subtle stains will go unnoticed while food particles will brush away with ease.

Tools of the Trade

As involved as upholstery work can be, there's really only a select number of tools needed. Well that, and a ton of patience. Below are the tools I used in this project. The cordless Arrow staple gun is a necessity! This brilliant tool makes fabric application a breeze and prevents your hand from cramping. I usually go with 3/8" staples. Long enough to hold and short enough to remove (if needed). A small set of fabric scissors and new razor blade will allow you to get up close and personal when cutting fabric away. This was my first time using a nailhead trim. I was a bit skeptical but soon grew to love this product! If you only knew how many hours of my life have been lost hammering individual tacks into wood.

Cordless Staple Gun / Fabric Scissor / Razor / Staples / Nail Trim

Prepping for Fabric

I always study each reupholstery project to determine what needs to be removed. More importantly, in what order. It's always smart to take photos if the project involves many layers/steps. In this case I removed the existing fabric trim with a strong set of pliers, as well as any remaining staples. Pretty straight forward.

Affixing the Fabric

After sizing the fabric I placed a few staples at the middle of all 4 sides. This helps secure the fabric as I move towards the corners. The goal is a smooth, somewhat tight fit with no buckles, creases or loose ends. It should fit like a drum.

Corner Detail Work

As I moved towards the dreaded corners, I spent most of my time mapping out how the fabric would wrap around each corner before stapling everything down. The area around both back corners required the most attention to detail. I had to cut at an angle to give myself enough slack to tuck and secure the remaining fabric.

Cutting it Close

Since I knew the nail trim would cover my line of staples, I had to cut as close as possible to that line so that no fabric was peeking from under the trim. This required a very sharp razor and/or small set of fabric scissors. I repeat, the sharper the better. Be extra careful during this step!

Step Five

And now for my favorite part. Adding trim! Not only does the trim cover up staples and the frayed fabric edge, it also marks the end of the project. If you are new to upholstery work, I highly recommend this trim. It's very forgiving.

And there you have it! From stain riddled to riddled with beauty. After a little attention to detail and DIY magic, these vintage inspired chairs now have a new lease on life. And to my kids...I know messes can and WILL happen, but these chairs are ready for ya. Come on down and take a seat.