How To Revamp Your Old Dining Chairs

If your bored of your old dining chairs but don't fancy splashing out on new ones, then why not try your hand at some furniture up-cycling and give your interior a fresh lease of life.

With a few simple steps and a little creative license you can transform your old dining chairs into chic and stylish custom designs.

Painting

A new coat of paint is a simple and effective way of giving your old wooden dining chairs a fresh and revamped appearance that will transform your interior.

1. Strip any remaining paint or varnish from your old chairs and sand the surfaces thoroughly.

2. Apply a spray or liquid primer to the wood and allow it to dry.

3. Apply 4-5 thin coats of your chosen paint colour ensuring that each coat dries thoroughly in between layers.

4. Finish your painted exterior with a coat of sealant or varnish to complete the final look.

Reupholstery

Tired and worn fabric can make a dining chair look outdated and shabby. Whilst it may look like a complicated job, reupholstering your existing chairs is an easy and eye-catching way to add a fresh splash of colour or pattern that will complement your interior decor and design

1. The most simple dining chairs to reupholster are those with removable seat pads.

- Detach the pad from the frame and remove the old fabric covering.

- Wrap your new fabric around the cushioned area and staple underneath using a staple gun.

-Place the cushioned pad back into the frame and your chair is transformed!

2. For chairs with in built seat pads and back rests:

- Begin by removing any tacks, studs or rivets and then slowly removing the old fabric from the foam, sponge or internal padding (start with the seat and then move to the arms and back).

-Use the fabric you have just removed as patterns to cut out the correct shapes from your new material.

-Staple your new fabric to the chair in the same order that you removed it, ensuring you keep the material as tight as possible and stapling every half an inch (on curves and corners you will need to fold the edges of the fabric underneath before stapling.

- Repeat this process on the outside of the chair if needed.

- If desired you can use hammered nail heads, piping or studs to cover the staples around the edge of the chair.

- Sit back and enjoy!

Wallpaper

With a vast range of bold and exciting wallpapers available on the market then why not co-ordinate your walls and your furniture with this fun and simplistic way of adding interest to your old or plain dining chairs.

1. Once you have sanded your dining chair frame, apply your chosen wallpaper using wallpaper paste or spray glue (you can use one print or a collection of scraps to create a more mismatched appearance).

2  When the wallpaper is dry complete this look by adding a coat of clear varnish for a protective and glossy exterior finish.

Decoration

For an added splash of customisation why not add some dining chair accessories that will compliment your interior look.

1. Create some Fabric Bows in complimentary colours and patterns and tie or glue them to the backs of your dining chairs

2 Tassels look wonderful hanging between the open sections of slatted back chairs and can be easily recycled from old curtain tie backs

3. Attach ribbon or fringing around the edge of your seat pad or back rest for a luxurious and creative finishing touch.