How to Upholster Furniture

Upholstering furniture is an excellent way to cover up old or furniture that is an eye-sore without paying the outrageous costs that manufacturers charge for brand new, "name brand" furniture. The ease of upholstering furniture is not commonly known, and the price tag is considerably less than paying full price for a brand new piece of furniture when it is not necessary.

1. First: Measure

   Measure the dimensions of the furniture that you want upholstered. Measure each side of the cushions, and add an extra inch or two to the measurements of the backings to allow enough material for tucking into crevices. This prevents the old fabric from reappearing if the new fabric is accidentally pulled too tight.

2. Second: Select the fabric

   The fabric chosen to upholster furniture strictly depends on personal taste. Consider other furniture and/or colors when choosing a fabric to place on furniture. Textures also vary, and you must decide upon a nice, multi-purpose fabric that you feel comfortable sitting on or using every day.

3. Third: Sew fabric onto cushions

   Using the measurements taken before the fabric was bought, sew the fabric together to fit cushions that you want to upholster. If needed, sew a zipper onto the fabric as well. This makes it easy to get the new material onto the furniture as well as to remove and wash the fabric.

4. Fourth: Staple the fabric onto the back.

   Place the fabric over the back of the furniture. Pulling it tight and using a staple gun, staple the fabric into the frame of the furniture. Make sure to overlap and pull the fabric towards crevices and the back of the furniture to prevent eyesores from occurring in the front.