How Much Fabric Does it Take to Cover an Average Chair?

Fabric

• All the following fabric amounts are based on fabrics that range from 45 to 54 inches in width. If the decorator fabric that you like best is 45 inches wide, plan a little extra just to be on the safe side. Use any extra fabric from a 54-inch-wide fabric to make pillows that coordinate with your furniture.

Cushions

• Most chairs have only one cushion, which is about 4 to 5 inches thick. Plan for the cushion to take about 1 to 1 ½ yards of fabric. This includes fabric for the top, bottom and the sides. If you want to add piping to the seams of the cushion, more fabric is necessary, along with the cording to make the piping. If you want to add piping, add an additional yard of fabric.

Chair

• For regular arm, club or lounge-style chairs you will need approximately 4 to 5 yards of fabric. Again, if you want to add piping around the seams of the chair, add another yard of fabric. This brings the total fabric for a typical chair, including the cushion, to 6 to 7 ½ yards. If you plan to use a fabric that has a definite pattern, such as stripes or plaids, buy even more fabric so that you can line everything up.

Wing Chair

• Wing-back chairs take more fabric than an arm chair. The mount of fabric for the cushion is the same for the cushion and all the piping. However, it is necessary to add another 3 to 4 yards of fabric. Wing chairs can take up to 9 yards of fabric depending on if you have a high back or a low back.

Skirting

• Skirting adds even more yardage to your chair. If you do not want to add the skirting, simply staple the excess fabric to the underside of the chair to give it a finished look. If you want to add skirting around the bottom of your chair, plan to purchase another 4 to 5 yards of fabric, depending on if you gather the fabric or use pleats.