What Covering for a Chair Pad?

Outdoor Chair Pad

• Outdoor chair pads must be made from waterproof fabric. Even if you live in an area with little rainfall, the waterproof fabric will protect the padding from sweat and spills. Oilcloth is a great fabric for this purpose. The fabric has a gentle, slick surface, and is used in a number of waterproof--yet fashionable--products, including lunch bags and tablecloths. Oilcloth is available in many designs to fit any decor.

Formal Chair Pad

• Affordable chair pads for formal rooms can be made from damask. Damask has the design woven into it rather than printed on it. This means that your design won't wear away as people continue to sit on the chair pad over time. Look for damask in 100 percent cotton for ease in laundering. It's machine washable but must be air dried. Polyester/cotton blends of damask require dry cleaning.

Informal Chair Pad

• Look for your favorite fabric print in 100 percent cotton for informal chair pads. This includes licensed fabrics featuring items such as sports teams and trademarked characters. It also includes quilting cottons and twill. Your informal chair pads can still look formal if you select a fancy print. Since informal chairs get used often, you may need to replace these frequently. Keep in mind that the heavier the fabric used, the longer the chair pads will last.

Child's Chair Pad

• You have some options when making a child's chair pad. Oilcloth creates a waterproof pad. Using an informal 100 percent cotton print lets you feature a favorite cartoon character or sports team. Then there's denim, a favorite fabric known for comfort. It's strong and has a fine reputation as a work cloth in addition to its style, affordability, and association with comfort.