Folding chairs have always been used on special occasions when you need some extra seating. They are usually black or beige and not all that pretty. This easy project will turn these useful – but unattractive chairs – into fun, chic pieces of furniture and all it takes is some remnant fabric and spray paint!
Last year I refinished 2 folding chairs when I redesigned this home office. They were used as permanent desk chairs and they look so pretty. Plus they’re cushioned so they’re comfortable too. l loved them so much that I decided to do a few more so I could have them as extra seating for my home. They’re perfect for a party but also look so cute in a girl’s room or play area for the kids.
What you’ll need:
Cushioned folding chair (I used chairs with both back and seat cushions – and they were attached with standard screws)
Spray paint (about one can per chair)
Fabric (less than 1/2 yard for each chair)
Staple gun (about $10 anywhere that sells basic tools)
Screwdriver
Here’s how to give them a makeover:
Start by removing the pads from the chair and set the screws aside.
Spray paint the chairs. I use Rustoleum products and they seem to hold up well. You might need 2 or 3 coats and make sure to get the chair at all angles. While the paint is drying, you can upholster your cushions.
To cover the cushions, you’ll need to cut a piece of fabric to fit the cushion. I cut my fabric about 4″ larger around all edges. Then lay the cushion upside down over the back side of the fabric and pull the edges of the fabric around to the back of the cushion and staple it down right over the existing fabric. Make sure to keep it pulled tight. At the corners, fold the fabric over in small pleats 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.
Trim any excess fabric and reattach the cushions. You’ll need to add the screws back in where they originally were. I made sure to leave the screw holes clear of any fabric.
Now you have chic, party-ready chairs. Or in my case, any-time chairs! I made a few in different patterns and colors.
What a fun surprise these would be when you take them out for your next party.
But they’re so pretty that you won’t want to put them away! I put one in my daughter’s room – they don’t take up too much space and they can be folded up and moved easily!
I hope you enjoyed this DIY project. It was a fun one to do and the bonus was that this project was featured in Country Living & House Beautiful online. woot woot!
Wow what a great upcycle! These look really great, like designer version!
Thanks Mary! we love them…
I adore that fabric on the pink chair makeover! You’re right, they will be a fun a surprise at your next party!
Thanks Audra! I love that fabric too – and it was in the discount pile!
These are beautiful! What a good, creative idea. I can’t wait to give it a try.
This is awesome! One of my kids ruined a folding chair somehow and this is a great fix to make it look better 🙂 Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks Stephanie!
What a fun idea. I have a boring blue set of table and chairs. You have my creative juices flowing. Thanks for the inspiration.
Go for it, Cindy!!
These are lovely and just in time for me to try out! Thank you!
Good luck – would love to see the finished products!
This looks like such a great idea. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!
Really, REALLY pretty and creative idea. I love seeing ugly stuff transformed into adorable stuff, like this. Thank for a great idea!
–G
gingerwroot.com
Thanks Ginger!
Wow – what a huge improvement! I never thought a folding chair could be so decorative 🙂 Thanks for linking up to This is How We Roll link party!
Thanks so much – and thank you for another great link party!
What a great way to fancy things up a little. Very cute.
Thanks Charlene – it’s a pretty easy DIY too!
These turned out so cute! It looks like a project I could actually get completed. You should link up at the Creatively Crafty Link Party tomorrow!
Thanks Ali – I’ll definitely link up!
I absolutely adore your “new” folding chairs. I’m going to be giving my boring old chairs a makeover now. Thanks for sharing at the #ThisIsHowWeRoll Link Party on Organized 31.
Thank you!! Another great party!!
So cute! I started same project 2 years ago. But my chairs have a ton of weird screws that are a NIGHTMARE to get out and back in! 🙁 So alas, they are all sitting in an assembled mess in my basement…
Thanks Brooke – I have a chair like that too. I found these at Target. Good luck!
We having old folding chairs at church that are not cushioned, any ideal how these can be refurbish other just re-spray them? Thanks
Sandra – I have not found any other process that works well. Let me know of you do though. I would love to know of another option!