How to Reupholster Chairs with Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Upholstery Materials

 Chair upholstery  is the process of reviving old furniture by attaching new padding and fabric to its frame. Whether it’s because you’ve moved into a new house or your old chair is showing signs of wear and tear, reupholstering your furniture can bring it back to life. The best part is that you can choose from a wide range of materials and colors to suit your style and taste.

Right fabric for your chair upholstery

Choosing the right fabric for your chair upholstery will have a huge impact on its comfort, style and durability. From natural materials such as cotton and linen to synthetic fabrics such as olefin and microfiber, there’s an upholstery fabric for every application. Before you buy fabric, carefully inspect your chair and take measurements to determine how much material you’ll need. Use the pieces of old fabric you removed as patterns and take full-length and detail photos for reference.

Chair with a more traditional look

If you want a chair with a more traditional look, leather is an excellent choice. This material is breathable, hypoallergenic and naturally water-resistant. It also gets softer and more beautiful with age. It is also very durable and easy to clean. However, it can be expensive compared to other upholstery fabrics.

Woven Fabric

Another option is a woven fabric, such as chenille. It’s a cushy fabric that feels velvety to the touch. It has long loops that must be handled gently, and it requires frequent dry cleaning to maintain its good looks. It is also relatively thick and voluminous, so it may require more time to sew.

Microfibre is another popular chair upholstery fabric that’s highly resistant to stains and easily maintained with a lint roller. It’s cost-effective and very durable, although it’s not as soft to the touch as suede.

Linen is an eco-friendly fabric that allows the skin to breathe. It is a great choice for warm environments and can be found in a variety of styles, from ultra-modern to outright traditionalism. It is also a very breathable fabric that resists mildew and moulds. However, it does wrinkle and crease easily, so it is not a great option for high traffic areas.

Conclusion

When you’re ready to start stapling, make sure your fabric is properly placed. If you’re using a pattern, fold it in half evenly to locate the center and mark it with a small "V" notch. This will help you avoid cutting into the area that will be visible once the chair is upholstered.