How to Troubleshoot Upholstering a Chair

Stand away from the chair and look at it. Check that the top of the back and the deck are level to the floor. Measure the height of the top of each arm, up from the floor. Both arms should be the same. If the chair is not level, interior damage or wood shrinkage may be the cause, and upholstery cannot fix these problems.

Sit on the chair and wiggle around. If the chair squeaks, it is an indication that the screws will require tightening. Screws hold the wood pieces together and to access them means stripping all the batting off the chair to expose the frame.

Stand beside the chair, firmly grasp one arm with both hands and shake the chair. If the arm shifts, or moves independently of the chair, this is an indication that the chair requires rescrewing work at the frame level.

Look at each chair leg. Check for cracks and signs of previous repair and that they are securely fastened to the chair.

Remove the cover from the seat cushion and look at the foam insert. Pinch a corner of the foam to check its strength. If it does not bounce back immediately or if it breaks off or crumbles to the touch, it will require replacing.

Look at the existing upholstery; if there are worn patches, with the stuffing showing through, the entire section of padding must be replaced, because patches will be evident. If similar, new, padding is not available, it may be necessary for continuity to replace all the padding on the chair.

Remove the cushion from the chair and sit on the deck. If the springs do not hold the deck firmly in place, replacement may be required. Older chairs with coil springs that have shifted and are uneven require special knowledge to repair. Coil springs will show themselves as circle-shaped indentations on the deck fabric.

Look at the style and size of the chair and consider its suitability to the chosen new fabric. Small prints suit small chairs, large florals require large furniture, plaids are not suited to furniture with a lot of curves, stripes should be matched and modern or geometric prints are not suitable on formal antiques.