Upholstering a bar stool cushion is a manageable DIY project that can refresh your furniture and allow you to customize the design. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Materials Needed
- Fabric: Durable upholstery fabric of your choice.
- Foam: High-density foam for padding (if replacing).
- Batting: Optional, for added softness and to smooth edges.
- Staple Gun: With staples (¼” or ⅜”).
- Scissors: Sharp fabric scissors.
- Screwdriver: To remove and reattach the cushion.
- Pliers: This is for removing old staples (if reupholstering).
- Measuring Tape: To measure fabric and foam.
- Marker/Chalk: This is used to mark fabric and foam.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Remove the Cushion
- Turn the bar stool upside down and unscrew the cushion from the frame with a screwdriver. Set the screws aside for reassembly.
2. Remove Old Upholstery (If Reupholstering)
- Use pliers to remove the staples while carefully holding the old fabric in place.
- Remove the old fabric and batting (if needed). Inspect the foam; replace it if it’s worn out.
3. Cut the Foam
- Place the wooden seat base on the foam and trace around it with a marker.
- Cut the foam to size using scissors or a utility knife. Ensure the edges are smooth.
4. Add Batting (Optional)
- Place the foam on top of the wooden base and wrap batting over the foam, covering the edges.
- Trim excess batting and secure it to the underside of the seat with a few staples.
5. Cut the Fabric
- Lay your fabric face down on a flat surface. Place the foam and cushion base (foam side down) on top.
- Cut the fabric, leaving about 3–4 inches of excess around the edges to wrap and staple.
6. Attach the Fabric
- Pull the fabric taut over one side of the cushion and staple it to the underside of the base. Start in the middle of each side and work outward, keeping the fabric smooth.
- For corners, fold the fabric neatly, creating pleats or tucks as needed, and staple securely.
7. Trim Excess Fabric
- Trim any excess fabric close to the staples to prevent bulk.
8. Reattach the Cushion
- Align the newly upholstered cushion with the bar stool frame and screw it back in place.
Tips:
- Pre-stretch fabric: For snug and wrinkle-free results.
- Choose durable fabric: Especially for high-use stools.
- Practice corners: If you’re new to upholstering, practice folding corners on a scrap piece of fabric.
- Protect your hands: Use gloves if removing old staples or working with sharp tools.
With some care and creativity, your bar stool cushion will have a fresh, polished look!
Fabric Recommendations for a Bar Stool Cushion
For a bar stool, you’ll need a flexible fabric that’s comfortable and stylish. Fortunately, we offer many upholstery fabrics that fit this description. Here are our fabric recommendations for a bar stool cushion:
- Vinyl: Vinyl is as durable as leather but is more elastic and comfortable, which is why it’s a popular fabric for bar stool cushions.
- Leather: That said, genuine leather is also an excellent choice for a bar stool. It has a polished, professional look, perfect for your snazzy home bar.
- Microfiber: Microfiber is not only affordable but also has excellent durability. This fabric is stain-resistant and easy to clean with water, dish soap, and a sponge.
- Sunbrella: If you have an outdoor bar, there’s no better fabric for your bar stools than Sunbrella. Sunbrella is fade-resistant and water-repellant, so your bar stools can withstand the elements. Plus, this upholstery is comfortable and is available in many stylish colors and patterns.
- Velvet: Velvet is one of the coziest materials on the market, and your guests will sink into your bar stools.
- Cotton: Cotton is easy to maintain, and if you opt for a bar stool slipcover, you can machine wash the fabric. For a more durable bar stool fabric, you can also choose a cotton blend, such as cotton/polyester.