Barstools Makeover: From Peeling to Appealing

Step One: Disassembly

I took the cushions off the frames — an easy job once I figured out how the backs were held on. Then I removed the fabric from the cushions (staple by staple…).

Step Two: New Fabric

I thought the grey bases would look great with something bolder than the original black. So I went with a deep cranberry red. I took apart the seams of the old cushions and used the pieces as patterns to cut the new fabric.

Then I sewed the new pieces together in the reverse order from how I took the originals apart. (I take lots of pics while I work to remind myself of the steps!)

Step Three: Reassembly

Time to get out my old friend, my Surebonder® pneumatic staple gun. (Cue wild cheering!) First, I popped the seat covers on like a hat and stapled the loose edges to the underside.

So far, so good! It looks like a seat!

The backs were trickier. There were curves involved and the fabric “sleeve” to be slipped on from the top had to be snug. But it fit! So I stapled the fabric into the channel provided on the bottom edge. Then it was just a matter of screwing everything back together.