Having wrestled for an unnaturally long time with our own chair upholstery project (I was more of a bystander while my wife took on the heavy lifting), I’m even more impressed with Erin’s transformation of her great aunt’s loveseat. Her story is a nice reminder that these kinds of projects are approachable, even for people without formal experience. Here’s what she shared:
A few months ago I set out to reupholster my great aunt’s old loveseat. I had originally planned to hire a professional, since I had never done anything like this before. Then I thought, why not give it a try myself? That’s how Project Loveseat began.
The whole process was a real challenge, and I mostly improvised as I went. I couldn’t produce a detailed, step-by-step tutorial because I was figuring things out in the moment. But it proved to me that this type of project is doable for the average person — the average person who also owns A LOT of staples. The result isn’t perfect, but it’s far better than I expected. -Erin
Erin’s honesty about winging it and learning as she went makes the project feel attainable. Upholstery can seem intimidating: there’s fabric selection, measuring, cutting, stapling, and a lot of unfamiliar hardware. Yet Erin’s experience shows that with patience, basic tools, and a willingness to experiment, you can revive a beloved piece of furniture without hiring a professional. Her loveseat had sentimental value, which made the effort worthwhile. She preserved the character of the piece while updating its look and usability.
We’re especially grateful for the great photos Erin provided. Clear, well-lit pictures not only document progress but also help others understand how pieces come together. If you enjoy seeing before-and-after shots and snapshots of the process, she’s posted a full photo series on her blog, Olive Our House. Those images show the stages of removing the old fabric, prepping the frame, and attaching the new material — even when the steps were improvised rather than planned to the letter.
If you’ve been hesitating to try upholstery or any DIY furniture project, Erin’s story may be the nudge you need. Start small, borrow or buy a basic staple gun and some upholstery supplies, and be prepared to make decisions as you go. Mistakes are part of the process, and they often teach more than perfect execution ever could. The outcome is about making a piece your own and gaining confidence along the way.
We’d love to see what you’ve been working on. Have you tackled any upholstery projects recently? Or maybe you’ve refinished a table, recovered chairs, painted cabinets, or completed a full room makeover. We’re nosy in the best way — we enjoy seeing other people’s projects, ideas, and clever solutions. Please send photos and a brief description of your project to [email protected] so we can admire and share your work with others.
Psst — we shared a little “Fair Fun” over on Young House Life yesterday. Check it out here.