Easy Office Chair Re-Do

My old office chair was a bit boring. It didn’t match my studio or my style. It was definitely time for a change. I was using two green plastic chairs that looked nice, but they grew uncomfortable and I wanted my old comfy chair back that my 16 year old was tired of having in her room.

I went to IKEA and picked up some fabric that I liked for about $7. I have this same fabric on a velvety throw pillow from IKEA in the living room next to my desk.

I am not well versed in sewing or upholstery so I placed the fabric on the chair and played with it a bit. I decided to cut two pieces. One for the seat and one for the back. I placed the first fabric on the seat and let it be long enough to cover and wrap to the bottom and then I cut it around to that size. Then I hot glued it to the bottom. Easy right?!!

Then the hard part for me was the back. I knew I had to sew it which terrified me, but wanting a nicer looking chair won out. I put the fabric over the chair inside-out and cut it to fit like a front and back flap. I pinned the sides and any part that looked like it needed taking in, like the rounded top. Then I penciled the line I wanted to sew on, just in case my pinning wasn’t precise enough. Now you can really tell I am not a seamstress :)

Then off to my sewing machine I sewed everything but the bottom.

I turned it rightside-out and slipped over the back of the chair. Now for the bottom part of the back slip cover. I decided the only I way I was going to be able to finish it off was to hot glue the bottom. I had to cut it so it would have a nice finish.

I carefully hot glued the bottom of the back to the chair taking care to tuck it into itself so it would look decent. Then I took it outside and sprayed scotch guard on the whole thing because it’s white.

And there you are, my new office chair. Originally nappy navy, now bright white with black leaves and style. 

The two green chairs still fit, one next to me and one on the end :)

Have you upholstered anything before?