diy folding chair redo

Today I’m sharing a folding chair makeover tutorial. My sister has 2 metal folding chairs that have seat and backpads on them (they’re not ALL metal). She’s using them in her home office as her desk chairs for now. They were all black – metal and cushions – so we had to make them pretty. 

Here’s how to give them a makeover:

I had bought some fabric at Joann’s a long time ago. I think it was $6 for 3 yards. Plenty for 2 chairs. And I’m not sure the photos do it justice but the material has a pretty tan, textured background with some gold leaf-like details and black script writing. This pattern works great for her office – the tan picks up the wall color and the black script adds a whimiscal touch.

What you’ll need:

Spray paint (about one can for 2 chairs)
Fabric (less than 1/2 yard for each chair)
Staple gun (about $10 anywhere that sells basic tools)
screws from each chair and a screwdriver

Start by removing the pads from the chair. Set screws aside.

Spray paint the chairs. I used Rustoleum Hammered Silver. I love the Hammered finish because it adds a slight texture to the metal. While the paint is drying, you can upholster your cushions. You might need 2 or 3 coats and make sure to get chair at all angles. I also sprayed painted the back cushion screws since you see them when the cushions are put back on.

Lay the cushion on the fabric, then cut a piece of fabric big enough to pull around it. Staple it down right over the top of the existing fabric. Make sure to keep it pulled tight. At the corners, fold the fabric over in small increments so you don’t have big puckers. If you’re using a fabric with a pattern, keep flipping the cushion over as you go to make sure you’re keeping the pattern straight. Since mine had writing on it, I had to make sure it was straight and right side up!

Trim any excess fabric and reattach the cushions. To attach the seat cushions, just attach the screws back in where they originally were.

Now you have pretty, party-ready chairs or in our case, office-ready chairs! Folding chairs are great to have around for when you have extra guests. I suggest making a few over in different patterns and colors – what a fun surprise when you take them out at your next party!