How to reupholster footstool
A footstool can be a cosy addition to any living room or bedroom, providing a comfortable place to prop up your feet and relax. Over time, however, the fabric on your footstool may become worn, stained, or outdated. Instead of buying a new footstool, why not consider reupholstering it? Reupholstering your footstool is a rewarding DIY project that allows you to give it a fresh, new look while showing off your creativity.
Step 1: Gather Materials
Before you begin, it’s essential to gather all the necessary materials. You will need:
- Fabric of your choice
- Staple gun
- Scissors
- Screwdriver
- New foam or padding (if needed)
- Measuring tape
Step 2: Remove Old Fabric
The next step is to remove the old fabric from your footstool. Use a screwdriver to carefully remove any screws or upholstery staples holding the fabric in place. Once the old fabric is removed, take note of the condition of the padding or foam underneath. If it’s worn or damaged, now is the perfect time to replace it.
Step 3: Measure and Cut the New Fabric
Now that you’ve removed the old fabric, it’s time to measure and cut the new fabric. Lay out your fabric on a flat surface and place your footstool on top. Carefully measure and mark the dimensions of each side, leaving enough fabric for a few inches of overlap.
Step 4: Upholster the Footstool
Start upholstering your footstool by attaching the fabric to one side. Align the fabric with the edge of the footstool and fold it over, using the staple gun to secure it in place. Continue stapling the fabric along each side, making sure to pull it taut to avoid wrinkles or sagging.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once you’ve stapled the fabric all the way around, trim off any excess fabric and secure the edges neatly. If any new foam or padding was added, ensure it’s properly positioned and attached. Finally, give your footstool a final once-over, checking for any loose staples or imperfections, and make any necessary adjustments.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully reupholstered your footstool, giving it a stylish new look that matches your personal taste. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your renewed footstool in your favourite space!
Step-by-step guide to reupholstering a footstool
Whether you want to refresh the look of your old footstool or give it a completely new design, reupholstering can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. With a few basic tools and materials, you can transform your footstool into a stylish and comfortable piece of furniture. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve professional-looking results.
Materials you will need:
- Footstool
- Upholstery fabric
- Foam padding
- Batting
- Staple gun with staples
- Scissors
- Screwdriver
- Optional: trim or decorative elements
Steps:
1. Remove the old fabric:
- Using a screwdriver, remove any screws or fasteners that hold the current fabric in place.
- Take off the existing fabric and padding carefully, noting the order in which they were layered.
- Inspect the frame of the footstool for any necessary repairs or adjustments.
2. Cut the new foam padding:
- Using the old padding as a template, cut a new piece of foam padding to the same size and shape.
3. Attach the new foam padding:
- Place the foam padding on top of the footstool frame.
- Center it and make sure it fits securely.
4. Add the batting:
- Place a layer of batting over the foam padding.
- Tuck in the edges neatly and secure it to the frame with staples.
5. Cut the new upholstery fabric:
- Measure and cut the upholstery fabric, allowing extra material for draping over the sides of the footstool.
6. Attach the fabric:
- Position the fabric over the footstool, aligning the patterns or ensuring the material is straight.
- Starting from one side, pull the fabric taut and staple it to the frame.
- Work your way around each side, stretching the fabric as you go.
- Trim any excess fabric if necessary.
7. Attach trim or decorative elements:
- If desired, you can add decorative trim or elements to enhance the look of your footstool.
- Apply the trim carefully with adhesive or small nails, following the design you have in mind.
8. Reassemble the footstool:
- If you had to disassemble the footstool earlier, reattach any screws or fasteners that were removed.
- Ensure everything is sturdy and secure.
Congratulations! You have successfully reupholstered your footstool and given it a new lease on life. Enjoy your revamped piece of furniture and admire your DIY skills!
Select the fabric
When reupholstering a footstool, the fabric you choose plays a major role in the overall look and durability of the piece. To ensure a successful reupholstering project, follow these steps to select the right fabric:
Consider the purpose
First and foremost, consider how the footstool will be used. If it will be placed in a high-traffic area, such as a living room, a fabric with a higher durability rating is recommended. On the other hand, if the footstool will be used more as a decorative accent in a bedroom or hallway, you can opt for a more delicate fabric.
Assess the style and color
Take into account the style and color scheme of the room where the footstool will be placed. The fabric should complement the existing décor and blend in with the overall design aesthetic. Choose a color and pattern that will add visual interest and enhance the space.
Pro tip: If you’re unsure about the style or color, consider taking sample swatches of fabric home to see how they look in the space before making a final decision.
Furthermore, consider the texture of the fabric. A textured fabric can add depth and richness to the footstool, while a smooth, sleek fabric can create a more contemporary look.
Finally, keep in mind the maintenance requirements of the fabric. Some fabrics may require special cleaning methods or may not be suitable for households with children or pets. Pick a fabric that fits your lifestyle and maintenance preferences.
By taking these factors into consideration, you can choose a fabric that not only looks great but also withstands the test of time in terms of both durability and style.
Remove the old upholstery
Before you can reupholster a footstool, you need to remove the old upholstery. This will allow you to start with a clean slate and ensure that the new fabric lays smoothly.
To remove the old upholstery, you will need a few basic tools:
- Flathead screwdriver
- Needle-nose pliers
- Staple remover
Step 1: Remove any decorative accents
Before you can get to the upholstery itself, you’ll need to remove any decorative accents that may be attached to the footstool. This could include buttons, trim, or any other embellishments.
Use a flathead screwdriver or needle-nose pliers to carefully remove these accents, taking care not to damage them in the process.
Step 2: Remove the staples or tacks
Next, you’ll need to remove the staples or tacks that are securing the upholstery to the footstool frame.
Starting at a corner or edge, use a staple remover or the flathead screwdriver to lift the staples or tacks out of the wood. Work your way around the footstool until all of the upholstery is free.
| Tip: | It’s helpful to have a container nearby to collect the staples or tacks as you remove them, keeping your work area tidy. |
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Be careful when removing the staples or tacks, as they can be sharp. Use caution and consider wearing gloves to protect your hands.
Once you have removed all of the staples or tacks, carefully pull the old upholstery off of the footstool, taking care not to tear or damage it further.
Now that the old upholstery is removed, you’re ready to begin the process of reupholstering your footstool with new fabric. But before you dive into that, take a moment to inspect the frame for any damage or repairs that may be needed. Fixing these issues now will ensure that your footstool is sturdy and ready to last for years to come.
Measure and cut the new fabric
Before you begin reupholstering your footstool, you will need to measure and cut the new fabric for the project. Follow the steps below to ensure a precise fit:
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Prepare your workspace
Clear a flat surface, such as a table or the floor, and gather all the necessary tools, including measuring tape, fabric scissors, and pins.
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Remove the old fabric
Take off the existing fabric from the footstool, carefully removing any staples, tacks, or adhesive used to secure it. This will allow you to accurately measure the size and shape of the new fabric.
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Measure the footstool
Use a measuring tape to measure the dimensions of your footstool: the length, width, and height. Take note of these measurements, as they will be used to cut the new fabric.
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Cut the fabric pieces
Using the measurements obtained, transfer them to the new fabric. Mark the cut lines with a fabric pen or chalk, and double-check the measurements before cutting.
If your footstool has curved or irregular shapes, you may need to create a newspaper or cardboard template. Place the template on the fabric and trace around it to ensure an accurate cut.
Remember to account for seam allowances, typically around 1-2 inches, when cutting your fabric pieces. These allowances will help you secure the fabric to the footstool later on.
Once you have measured and cut the new fabric pieces, you are ready to move on to the next step of upholstering your footstool.
Attach the new fabric to the footstool
Once you have removed the old fabric and prepared the footstool frame, it’s time to attach the new fabric. Here is how you can do it:
Step 1: Cut the fabric
Place the new fabric on a flat surface and measure out enough fabric to cover the footstool with some extra to tuck into the sides. Use fabric scissors or a rotary cutter to cut the fabric to size. Make sure to leave enough fabric to gather on the underside of the footstool.
Step 2: Attach the fabric to the corners
Starting with one corner, fold the fabric over the underside of the footstool and secure it in place with a staple gun. Ensure that the fabric is pulled taut but not too tight, as this can distort the shape of the footstool. Repeat this process for the remaining corners.
Step 3: Attach the fabric along the sides
Now that the corners are secure, work your way along each side of the footstool, pulling the fabric taut and stapling it in place. Begin by stapling at the corners and then place additional staples evenly spaced along each side. Pull and smooth the fabric as you go to avoid any wrinkles or loose spots.
Note: If your footstool has a bottom opening for storage, be sure to leave that area unstapled for now.
Step 4: Staples the fabric to the bottom
If your footstool has a bottom, fold the fabric underneath it and staple it in place. Start at one side and work your way around, using plenty of staples to ensure a secure hold. Trim any excess fabric if necessary.
Step 5: Add finishing touches
Inspect the newly attached fabric for any loose or uneven areas. Tug and staple the fabric as needed to ensure a smooth and professional finish. If desired, you can also add decorative trim or buttons to enhance the appearance of the footstool.
Remember, with a bit of patience and attention to detail, you can give your footstool a fresh new look by reupholstering it with your desired fabric.
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