Reupholstering 101

This was my first experience with reupholstering. I was nervous, but also super excited to transform one of my antique finds into something that would look great in my house. This particular chair is for my desk. I found it for just over $20. 

Before

The first thing I did was flip the chair over and unscrew the 4 screws that were holding the seat on. The seat came right off. 

I took some pictures, especially detailed pictures of the corners so I could remember how the fabric was stapled onto the seat. That way, I could staple the new fabric the same way so that the seat would fit back onto the chair. 

The staples were easy to remove by prying them off with a flat head screwdriver. Turns out, this was not the original reupholstery. This was:

Um, gross. 

Next it was off to Hobby Lobby for some fabric and a staple gun! I chose a fabric that didn't have to be perfectly straight on the chair (like stripes). I wanted a pattern that would be forgiving if it got a little wonky while stapling. I ironed my fabric and laid the old piece of upholstery fabric on top and traced it so I could cut the exact size I needed.

Somebody was playing "soccer" while I was working. :)

Cut out and ready to be stapled!

Then I got to work! This was also my first experience with a staple gun. Those things are no joke. Seriously, watch your fingers. I stapled the center of one side, then the center of the opposite side, pulling the fabric taut as I went. 

Then it was time to do the corners (cue scary intimidating music). I referred back to the detailed pictures I took of how the fabric was originally stapled on there. I was definitely thanking myself for taking those pictures! One thing I made sure of is that I didn't staple over the holes where the screws would go when I put the seat back on the chair. 

Done with the stapling!

Then came the moment of truth...it fit back on the chair! I may have done a little happy dance.  I got some wood cleaner and went to work on the chair itself. Overall I am extremely happy with my first upholstering project. 

Yep, that's a toy car in the background. No fancy staged pictures here. Just keepin'  it real.