MCM Chairs – From Ripped to Restored Part 2

A pair of mid-century modern chairs badly needed new upholstery.

When last we saw them, they had been stripped down to the springs and wooden frames. Mid-Century Modern Chairs: From Ripped to Restored The wood had been sanded and sealed and minor repairs made. Now it’s time to see how I put them back together.

The Fluff

The first step was covering the springs with fabric so the new upholstery foam wouldn’t be damaged by the metal.

Next, I cut 2-inch high-density foam to fit the seats. Then I secured it in place by stapling batting over the foam.

I repeated the process with 1-inch foam on the backs of the chairs. Looking good! Time to add the fabric.

The Fabric

My client selected a sage green fabric to compliment the natural wood legs and match the decor of the intended space for the chairs. First, I made a pattern so I could cut the green fabric correctly. I pinned a thin scrap fabric in place, adjusting the corners for a snug fit.

Then I used the pattern to cut the corresponding pieces of green fabric.

After I sewed the corner seams together, I checked the fit on the chairs. There were LOTS of adjustments necessary to get the right tautness.

Once I was satisfied, I stapled the seat fabric in place beneath the frame. I repeated the same process for the tops of the chairs, stapling at the rear. The backs were then covered with a rectangle of green fabric. The staples holding the rectangle in place were disguised with matching double-welt trim.