Two Chair Makeovers: Reupholstery Before & After

A while back we shared an easy chair upholstery tutorial, and now we’re back with two more chair overhauls to inspire your next furniture rescue. These projects show how a thoughtful fabric choice, a little paint, and professional upholstery can turn tired, dated chairs into fresh, stylish pieces for your home.

Fabric Hunting and the First Chair

My friend Emily—who you’ve heard about before—asked me to go fabric shopping with her to find the perfect material for two old chairs that had great potential. We spent time comparing swatches to find a fabric that would suit this sleek, low-slung chair, which was covered in worn orange cloth and needed a modern update. Choosing the right textile made all the difference: we wanted something that read neutral from a distance, with subtle pattern and texture up close.

We ultimately selected a tiny black-and-white check that blends visually into an overall gray effect, giving movement and depth without overpowering the chair’s simple silhouette. A playful pillow adds contrast and personality, completing the new look and showing how small accessories can raise the style factor.

A Thrifted Find and Full Transformation

The makeover didn’t stop with that first chair. Because we brought two chairs to the upholsterer, we were able to negotiate a better price, which made another transformation possible. We found the second chair at a local thrift shop for only $15—an inexpensive gamble that paid off because the chair had solid bones despite an outdated “granny” look.

First we prepped the frame: sanding, priming, and painting the wooden parts a crisp bright white. This fresh paint instantly modernized the piece and created the perfect backdrop for a darker, luxurious upholstery fabric. Below is a progress photo taken after priming and painting, showing how much the frame alone changed the chair’s presence.

We then sent the chair to an upholsterer for the final transformation. Choosing a classic black suede-like fabric created a chic contrast with the white-painted wood, resulting in a sophisticated, modern look that still feels warm and comfortable.

Tips and Inspiration for Your Own Chair Rescue

If you find a chair with good structure—strong joints, solid legs, and a shape you love—it’s often worth rescuing. Start by assessing the frame, then decide whether painting, staining, or refinishing will enhance the overall look. For upholstery, consider a neutral or small-scale pattern if you want longevity, or a bold fabric for a statement piece. Professional upholsterers can save you time and improve results, especially on pieces with complex shapes.

We’re grateful to our local upholsterer who helped make these transformations possible. If you have a sad, droopy chair sitting in your attic or thrift-store treasure waiting to be revealed, give it a try—reupholstering and refinishing can turn an overlooked find into a favorite seat. And if you try a makeover, we’d love to see photos—there’s nothing like a good before-and-after to brighten the day.

Special thanks to Bruce Thorton for his upholstery help. Happy chair hunting and happy making!