✨ Why Reupholstering Is Worth It
Reupholstering a chair is one of the easiest ways to transform old or hotel-grade furniture into something completely new. Whether you’re updating your home, a rental property, or a boutique hotel, a fresh fabric and a little effort can make a significant impact.
At Southern Hospitality Liquidation (SHL), we believe in the value of extending a piece’s life instead of replacing it. Many of our customers reupholster items from our warehouse — from accent chairs and benches to dining sets — giving them a modern flair while keeping solidly built furniture out of landfills.
🧰 What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these tools and materials:
Tools:
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Flathead screwdriver or staple remover
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Needle-nose pliers
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Fabric scissors
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Staple gun (manual or electric)
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Measuring tape
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Upholstery tacks or decorative trim (optional)
Materials:
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Upholstery fabric (measure your chair to calculate yardage)
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Batting or foam (if cushion needs extra padding)
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Upholstery staples
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Dust cover fabric (optional, for the underside)
🪞 Step-by-Step: How to Reupholster a Chair
Step 1: Remove the Old Fabric
Flip your chair over and begin removing the seat or backrest. Carefully pull out the old staples or tacks with a screwdriver or staple remover.
💡 Pro Tip: Take photos as you go — they’ll help you remember how the fabric was wrapped and where seams met when it’s time to reassemble.
Step 2: Inspect the Frame and Padding
Before you add new fabric, inspect the chair’s frame and cushion.
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Tighten any loose screws or joints.
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Replace old foam or batting if it’s flattened or damaged.
Hotel-grade chairs (like the ones sold at SHL) often have strong frames — that’s one reason they’re perfect for reupholstering.
Step 3: Cut and Prepare Your New Fabric
Lay the old fabric pieces on top of your new upholstery fabric and trace around them, adding an inch or two of extra material all around for stapling.
If you’re using patterned fabric, make sure the design lines up symmetrically on each section of the chair (especially on seats or backs).
Step 4: Staple the New Fabric in Place
Start stapling from the center of each side, pulling the fabric taut as you work toward the corners.
Work slowly and evenly — it’s better to add staples gradually than to rush and end up with wrinkles. Fold corners neatly, tucking excess fabric underneath for a smooth finish.
💡 Pro Tip: For a professional look, trim excess fabric close to the staples, but avoid cutting too close to the material, as this may cause it to fray.
Step 5: Reattach the Seat or Back
Once the new fabric is secured, reattach the seat or backrest to the chair frame. If desired, add a dust cover fabric to the bottom of the seat to hide staples and raw edges.
Then — admire your work! You’ve successfully given your chair a second life.
🎨 Choosing the Right Fabric
The right fabric can completely change a chair’s personality. Here are a few ideas to match different spaces:
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Linen or cotton blends – for light, airy farmhouse or coastal looks
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Velvet or suede – for a luxurious, modern touch
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Performance fabrics – great for rentals or high-traffic areas
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Patterned prints – perfect for adding personality or accent color
When in doubt, pick something durable and easy to clean — especially if you’re styling furniture for Airbnb or hospitality settings.
🌿 Sustainability Spotlight
Every time you reupholster a chair, you’re not just saving money — you’re reducing waste and extending the life of high-quality furniture.
At SHL, we’re proud to source and resell furniture that was built to last — so whether you’re upcycling one chair or furnishing an entire home, you’re helping keep good materials out of landfills.
💬 Final Thoughts
Reupholstering is easier than it looks — and the reward is a custom piece that tells a story. With a little effort, you can give old hotel furniture a whole new purpose while staying stylish, sustainable, and innovative.
If you’re ready to find your next project piece, stop by Southern Hospitality Liquidation in Cartersville, GA. We’ve got hundreds of accent chairs, dining sets, and more waiting to be reimagined.
