When it comes to having chairs and sofas redone, there’s usually two choices: slipcover or reupholster. But, which to choose? Either will give you a lovely end result – a new outside garment for a piece of solid furniture – but slipcover or reupholster? Having this type of sewing work done for you can be expensive, too, if you’re hiring someone else to do it. Do the work yourself or hire someone? Here are some points to consider in making that decision and they involve love and desire. Who knew furniture could evoke such emotion? Love: do you love the chair? If so, invest the money and pay to have your piece reupholstered or slipcovered. If the furniture is well made and quality workmanship, then do it. If the furniture is cheap and flimsy, don’t bother and keep looking. I think second-hand or vintage furniture is usually well made and better constructed than what most of us are buying today. To buy quality, new furniture today is very expensive. I have purchased new furniture (well, it was 20 years ago) and have been very happy with it but it was when I worked for Ralph Lauren and I got a big, fat discount on my purchases.

I’ve also paid nothing (free chairs are plentiful on street corners in my neighborhood) or spent as much as $25 for a chair at an estate sale. I’ve had chairs reupholstered and been happy with the results. I haven’t had a chair or a sofa slip-covered but I’m not opposed to the idea especially since it can be washed. This sofa of Annie’s of Plenty Perfect is very appealing to me because fitting a slip-cover or cushion cover back on can be a bit like re-stuffing a sausage. Annie’s sofa slip-cover seems like it’s easy to wash and put back on quickly. Desire: do you want to sew a slipcover or tackle reupholstering? If so, go for it! According to every sewing book I’ve read, they’re easy to make and if you can sew, you’ll save a bundle of money. I’d practice with inexpensive muslin fabric, first. I’m always happy when I make mistakes on inexpensive fabric rather than sewing with a more expensive, finish fabric. I like to sew a practice version of a new pattern, even if I’m just sewing a skirt.

I’ve only sewn slipcovers for ottomans, tissue boxes, or other small items because a chair or sofa is too much of a project for me to think about. metal folding chair makeoverIf I keep my expectations low (and small) of what sewing projects I can start and finish, I’m much better off. eames office chair redDon’t get me wrong – I have lots of sewing projects that are almost done – but I know better than to start a chair or sofa because that would take me a while.metal folding chair makeover Be sure and use upholstery fabric, too. best office chairs for your postureUpholstery fabric is heavier and thicker than regular fabric or home furnishings fabric. wrought iron chair feet covers

I had a chair reupholstered and didn’t use upholstery fabric and it’s now wearing through in several spots. wingback chair slipcover sewing patternsIt’s lasted about 14 years which isn’t too bad but I’d rather not spend the money to have it re-done again. My strategy is to drape a wool throw or blanket over the worn spots and act surprised if anyone notices what’s underneath. This was a question asked by Ruthie. That’s what I would do and I hope that helps. What would you do? Sew it yourself or hire someone else? iPod slipcovers – small and cute -you can easily sew these This began as a joke but it’s super cute: wine bottle slipcover from an old dress shirt What every room needs: a tissue box slipcover Toilet tank slipcovers – I know this is wrong but I couldn’t help myself A tray table with a slipcover – because tables need slipcovers, too

Ottoman slipcover hides shoes, socks and whatever else my kids stuff under there! A tour of “The Lincoln Bedroom” is here Did you like it? Why not share it!I slowly start on the right side of the thrift store and work my way around to the left.  My eyes are like scanners that pick up on anything that has any value.  I try not to look too far ahead, focusing on just what is in front of me, so I don’t miss anything.  It’s very easy to scan too quickly.   This beautiful wingback chair was definitely something I wouldn’t get by with out noticing.  It was in perfect condition.  It must cost hundreds.  I searched for the tag.They must mean $99.99. My daughter and I examined the chair more closely.  I mean, if it’s $9.99 there has to be pee stains, or a rip, or something. I was going to go verify the price, but then I thought.  A voice told me to grab the tag and go pay for it before someone else does. After the lady handed my receipt, she asked me where the chair was and if I could show her.  

I thought for sure she would say it was priced wrong.   I actually liked the mint green color.  We left it out in the garage until I could vacuum it…who knows where this chair has been. I decided to finally tackle the makeover right before Christmas (crazy).  This big guy sat in our kitchen for a couple weeks while we worked on it.  I say we, because my husband helped a lot. Here’s how we did it…step by step. (don’t forget to order your upholstery nails ahead of time.  There are many choices on line or in hardware stores.  The ones I used are below) Now, is this chair perfect?  Is it rough in certain areas, yes.  Do I love it?   For $9.99…it changed the entire look of our living room.  I absolutely love the “velvet” look the black paint gave it.  It’s very rustic, but chic. Hey, it even matches my daughters boots. Hope you enjoyed my “Wingback Chair Makeover”. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,I've attempted reupholstering these wing chairs twice before and it wasn't until this third go around that I finally took the time to do it right.  

(And now I'm kicking myself for not doing it right the first time!)  I believe time, energy and desire were on my side this time plus fabric selection matters and I picked a more appropriate fabric for this makeover. You can see from the before photo I had previously used drop cloth coverings to reupholster these wing chairs.  Let's just skip past how I should never have done that and look at how awful the chairs were: wrinkly, dull, pilly, and just bland.  And now with the Belgian linen and tack trim I have a more sophisticated, polished look. Before I had made this pleated cotton trim using old sheets, it was pretty and added a little texture but the overall chair was blah. Step 9: Once all the fabric is on and excess has been trimmed then use hot glue to apply the twill tape which covers all the unsightly staples. Step 10: Using a flexible measuring tape mark off every 1" with a pen dot.  Hammer in one carpet tack at every mark. And if you're curious about the card catalog side table that was a repurposed project here: