How to Mix Fabrics for Recovering Chairs

Coordinate Dining Chairs and Draperies

• 1

  Consider how much you will use the chair. If it will see a lot of use, choose a fabric to suit the function. Wool or polyester fabrics are sturdy materials that can take a lot of wear and tear and clean up easily.

• 2

  Choose fabrics to coordinate with the surrounding furniture and draperies. If your curtains are a heavy material with a flowered pattern, consider the same type of material to cover a portion of the chair.

• 3

  Reupholster dining room chairs with one fabric covering the seats and another covering the back. Choose solid color fabric made of sturdy polyester for the seat portion of the chair. Cover the chair back with the same flowered or patterned fabric that covers the curtains.

Suede and Leather

• 4

  Create a rustic ranch look with a wood and leather armchair. Remove the existing upholstery and make sure the padding and springs are in good shape. Make repairs as needed.

• 5

  Sand the wood arms, legs and back support. Stain the wood dark brown.

• 6

  Cover the seat and chair back on the armchair with a smooth, brown leather material. Substitute genuine leather for a synthetic leather-look to keep the cost down.

• 7

  Attach strips of suede in brown and white cowhide colors to the arms of the chair. You can find various cowhide patterns in suede at fabric stores.