In my first apartment back in 1981, I bought my first dining table and chairs. A drop-leaf country table and four country style chairs for $50. I paid $25 for the table, and $25 for the four chairs.
I loaded them into the back of my Chevy Luv pickup, and took them home. It took a good three hours with Murphy’s Oil Soap to remove all the grime and dirt. The end result was plain wood furniture in decent shape, but it didn’t look like anything else.
The seats of the chairs were leather at one time, I believed. They were so worn they looked pathetic. I decided to reupholster them and refinish the set.
Since the ebony look was “in,” I purchased primer and high-gloss ebony paint in anticipation. The look was to change a little.
Step One:
Part of the beauty of country chairs is the upholstery is done on the seat, and the seat sets in place. The upholstery is not attached to the chair itself.
I took the covering off carefully so I could use it as a pattern. I traced the edges onto a piece of newspaper and noted the items used to build up the seat.
Step Two:
I went to the furniture upholstery store and asked if they had the same items in stock. It appeared there were several ways to build up a chair seat. I chose two layers consisting of different foam types for spring and stability. I didn’t need horsehair or burlap after all.
At the fabric store, the most amazing white/off white/gold fabric stood out like a beacon It was heavy-duty, and looked like it would last. I picked up some gold fabric to make a piping- I had an idea.
At the hardware store, I picked up more paint and 1/8″ wooden dowels. The idea was brewing.
A couple of books from the base library (this was before the internet), and I was set.
Step Three:
I cut the fabric to match the pattern. After carefully measuring the seat, I cut and attached the foam layers with spray adhesive. The fabric was placed over the seat, and stapled in place on the underside.
I made piping from the gold fabric, and using fabric glue and staples, attached it around the seat to make it stand up when it was inserted in the chair.
Step Four:
The chairs and the table were stripped, sanded and primed. They were painted ebony, except in certain places. The table top looked as if the top was inset (it was a design), and the chairs’ backs had the same “inset looking” design.
Using the different colors of paints and varnishes, I made a design similar to the fabric. It appeared as a marble effect.
I carefully primed and painted the dowels to look like gold and glued them in place around the insets.
Step Five:
I stood back and admired my new dining room set. I didn’t care if people didn’t like it- I loved it.
I planned a dinner and invited friends. They asked how much my payments were. I asked if they were asking about my rent- they said no, the dining set. It’s far beyond your means.
I was laughing when I brought out paintbrushes, books, fabric and tools to show them. They all wanted their dining room sets redone. The applause was worth it.
You will need:
· Primer and paint(s) · Varnish (if painting a marble effect) · Paintbrushes, pails, rubber gloves, safety glasses and dust mask · Sandpaper in varying grits · Measuring tape and marking tools, scissors and stapler · A set of country dining room chairs and table (optional) · Upholstery fabric, foam layers in the desired density and thickness
It cost me less than a hundred dollars to reupholster and refinish the set. I sold it when I went to England for over $250. Not bad.
Source: The author of this article has over 40 years of experience in diverse forms of DIY, home improvement and repair, crafting, designing, and building furniture, outdoor projects and more.