Decorative Ideas for Upholstering Dining Chairs

Bold Color

• Using a bold colored fabric to upholster your dining chairs is one way to add a decorative punch to your dining room. A bold colored fabric works especially well if your dining room features dark wood furniture or neutral walls, because it adds depth to the decor. Consider a bright red fabric for your chairs if you want to give your dining room a warmer look. For an elegant look, opt for a sapphire or emerald colored upholstery fabric. Bright yellow, orange or purple fabric is also an attractive option. However, if you want a funky look for your dining room, upholster your dining chairs with a shade like lime green, magenta or turquoise.

Unique Pattern

• You can also use your dining chairs as an opportunity to add an interesting pattern to your dining room. Because the pattern will cover a limited space in the room, you can choose a more playful design than you might for the window treatments or carpeting. A floral pattern can add a softness to the room, while a paisley pattern brings a touch of elegance. For a more whimsical look, try a polka dot pattern. If you prefer a modern look, a geometric pattern is an ideal option. Even a simple striped pattern can add visual interest to your dining chairs and tie the room’s look together.

Interesting Fabric

• You can also give your dining chairs a decorative look by upholstering them with an elegant fabric rather than a basic material like cotton. Even if you choose a sedate color like tan or gray, a luxurious satin or velvet fabric instantly gives your chairs a sophisticated look. However, you can use a faux leather material if you prefer to give your dining chairs a sleek, modern look. For a rustic style, consider a canvas or burlap material to give your chairs a rugged look.

Embroidered Fabric

• For a delicate, elegant look, an embroidered fabric is an ideal option for upholstering your dining chairs. You can find a variety of materials with embroidered patterns, including cotton and silk, so you can choose as formal or casual a look for your chairs as you prefer. Embroidered fabric comes in a wide range of traditional designs, like stripes, floral and diamonds, but you can also find unique patterns such as butterflies, seahorses or fruit to give your chairs a whimsical look. If you are worried that the embroidered fabric is too textured to serve as a comfortable seat covering, use it to add a decorative look to the seat back and use a plain fabric for the seat upholstery.