The swivel chair is a timeless piece of furniture, but its upholstery can become torn and stained over time. Parting with a beloved chair is sometimes out of the question, especially if it’s an antique. Reupholstering is a great DIY project if you want to keep your favorite swivel chair looking great. In this expert’s guide, we’ll delve into the top tips for reupholstering an old office chair.
Prepare the Chair
Before reupholstering your office chair, it’s important to adequately prepare it. This process involves:
- Removing the old fabric
- Gluing loose joints
- Filling in any cracks or holes
- Taking the chair apart
Disassembling the office chair makes it easier to attach the new fabric and access key areas. For instance, you may need to replace the gas cylinder so the lift mechanism works properly when altering chair height. The only way to access this is by taking the chair apart.
Pro Tip
When disassembling your chair, designate areas for each piece, and put small parts, such as screws and washers, into plastic bins. This prevents losing components once you reassemble the chair.
Purchase a Chair Base
The next step in the reupholstering process is to consider the type of base you should purchase. For example, do you need a stationary base or one that can rock or swivel? If you require a rocking or swiveling base, shop for one designed for this and mount it to the chair. Another tip for choosing a new office chair base is deciding whether you want wheels. This can be a great upgrade if you work in a space with a hard floor and move around a lot.
Select a New Fabric
The next step in reupholstering an old office chair is to select the perfect fabric to cover it. Consider the color, material, and overall look you want the chair to have. If you want something sleek and modern, aim for monochromatic fabric.
Before picking out a fabric, measure all areas of the chair you’ll need to cover. If you removed the current fabric, you could use this as a pattern for your size requirements and shapes to cut. Knowing how much material you’ll need before shopping helps you narrow your options by fabric type and price. The more material you need, the more money it will cost; likewise, some fabrics are higher-end and cost more. Decide how much you want to spend so you can narrow your options.
Material Types
Some popular choices include leather, vinyl, and various types of woven fabric. Consider the benefits of each material, such as leather’s durability and vinyl’s easy maintenance.
Begin Your Project
Once you have everything you need, it’s time to officially begin the project. Carefully cut out each shape to cover the chair, then attach it to the fabric by pinning it to ensure everything looks perfect. If it appears right, secure each piece of material using a staple gun. Finally, reassemble your chair and place it in your office so you can enjoy your refurbished piece of furniture.
