Reupholstery Alternatives for a Chair

Throws

• The easiest way to give an old chair a new look is to toss on a throw. Leave it loose and comfy, or fit it to the chair with slipcover pins. Slipcover pins look like tiny corkscrews with thumbtack heads. You can find them at fabric or upholstery shops.

  For the throw, use any large, flat piece of fabric that covers the chair from the top to the floor. Department stores often sell them sized to fit specific types of chairs. You can also make your own by hemming upholstery fabric on all four sides. For larger chairs, you may need to stitch two widths of fabric together before hemming it. Bedspreads or sheets also work well, and you don't have to hem them.

Slipcovers

• Slipcovers are the most versatile alternative to reupholstering. Depending on the fit, they can look loose and casual or fitted and formal. It's sometimes hard to distinguish well-made, tight-fitting slipcovers from attached upholstery. If you choose a washable fabric, removable slipcovers work well in homes with pets and children.

  Department stores sell slipcovers designed to fit size ranges. They're looser than custom slipcovers, with elastic strips for flexibility, but you can tighten the fit with slipcover tacks. For a tighter, more tailored look, sew or commission custom slipcovers. In addition to fitting perfectly, custom slipcovers allow for dressmaker details like pleats, ruffles and decorative welts.

Dye

• Furniture showrooms and decorating magazines sometimes feature upholstered furniture with different fabrics on the cushions and body. If your chair has detachable cushions and the fabric isn't worn or torn, consider using dye to mimic the two-fabric look.

  Dye works best on solid, light-colored fabric made of natural fibers. Look under the seat cushion for a label detailing the fabric content. Cotton, wool or linen work best. Remove the cushion inserts before dying the cushion covers, and follow the dye manufacturer's instructions.