How To Reupholster Your Armchair for A Fresh New Look

The Rewarding Journey of Building Your Own Armchair

An armchair is more than just a piece of furniture; it's a personal retreat. It’s where you unwind with a book, enjoy a morning coffee, or simply relax after a long day. While buying an accent chair is simple, building one yourself offers a unique sense of accomplishment. Crafting your own armchair allows you to customize every detail, from the dimensions to the fabric, ensuring it perfectly fits your space and style. Whether you envision a classic fabric armchair or a sophisticated leather armchair, this guide will walk you through the process.

This project requires patience and precision, but the result is a high-quality, custom piece of furniture that you can be proud of for years. We will cover the tools, materials, and steps needed to construct a sturdy and beautiful armchair from scratch. This guide focuses on creating a classic accent chair design that can be adapted to your preferences.

Gathering Your Tools and Materials

Before you begin, it’s essential to gather all the necessary tools and materials. Proper preparation is key to a smooth and successful project. Building a quality armchair requires a solid frame and the right components.

Essential Tools:

Measuring Tape Pencil Safety Goggles and Gloves Circular Saw or Miter Saw Jigsaw Power Drill with various bits Pocket-hole jig Clamps Sander or sandpaper (medium and fine grit) Staple Gun (heavy-duty) Upholstery Scissors Sewing Machine (optional but recommended)

Materials for Your Armchair:

Frame: High-quality lumber (like pine, oak, or maple) for the main structure. You'll need boards for the legs, arms, seat frame, and backrest.

Support: Plywood or OSB for the seat deck and back panel.

Fasteners: Wood screws (various lengths), wood glue, pocket-hole screws.

Cushioning: High-density foam for the seat and back cushions, polyester batting for softness and shape.

Fabric: Upholstery-grade fabric. The amount will depend on the size of your armchair. For a luxurious feel, a high-quality leather armchair is an excellent choice.

Finishing: Wood stain or paint, polyurethane sealant.

Miscellaneous: Upholstery dust cover fabric, piping (optional), upholstery tacks (optional).

Choosing the right materials is crucial. A sturdy wood frame ensures the longevity of your armchair, while the right foam and fabric determine its comfort and appearance. A leather armchair, for example, requires specific handling but offers unmatched durability and elegance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making an Armchair

This process is broken down into manageable steps. Take your time with each one to ensure accuracy.

Step 1: Design and Cut the Frame Pieces

First, finalize your design. Sketch out the dimensions of your armchair, including height, width, depth, and the angle of the backrest. A standard accent chair has a seat height of around 18 inches and a depth of 20-22 inches.

Once your plan is set, begin cutting the wood for the frame. Use your saw to cut the pieces for:

Four legs (front and back) Side aprons (connecting front and back legs) Front and back stretchers (connecting the two side assemblies) Armrest supports and tops Backrest frame

For a clean and strong assembly, use a pocket-hole jig to drill holes in the ends of your apron and stretcher pieces. This will allow you to hide the screws and create very strong joints. After cutting, sand all the pieces smooth to prepare them for assembly.

Step 2: Assemble the Armchair Frame

With all your pieces cut and prepped, it's time to build the structure.

Build the Sides: Start by assembling the two sides of the armchair. Lay out the front leg, back leg, side apron, and armrest for one side. Apply wood glue to the joints, then clamp them together and secure them with pocket-hole screws. Repeat for the other side, ensuring both assemblies are identical.

Connect the Sides: Stand the two side assemblies up. Connect them using the front and back stretchers. Again, use wood glue and screws to create a rigid box frame. This rectangular base is the core of your armchair.

Add Seat and Back Support: Cut a piece of plywood to fit inside the seat frame. This will be the deck that supports the seat cushion. Secure it with glue and screws. Next, build and attach the backrest frame, angling it slightly for comfort. Attach a plywood panel to the front of the backrest frame.

At this stage, you should have a solid, complete armchair frame. Test it for stability and make any necessary adjustments.

Step 3: Finishing the Wood

If any parts of the wooden frame will be exposed, such as the legs or arms, now is the time to finish them. Sand the wood with fine-grit sandpaper until it's perfectly smooth. Apply your chosen wood stain or paint according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once dry, add a few coats of polyurethane to protect the finish. This is especially important for a piece that will see regular use. A well-finished frame enhances the overall look of the final accent chair.

Step 4: Upholstering Your Armchair

Upholstery transforms the wooden frame into a comfortable piece of furniture. This is often the most challenging part, so work carefully.

Add Batting: Wrap the arms, backrest, and any other hard edges of the frame with a layer of polyester batting. This softens the shape and prevents the fabric from wearing against the wood. Use a staple gun to secure the batting to the inside and underside of the frame.

Cut the Fabric: Lay your fabric out on a large, flat surface. Place your frame sections on the fabric and trace them, leaving several inches of excess material around each piece for pulling and stapling. If you are making a leather armchair, be extra precise, as leather is less forgiving than fabric.

Attach the Fabric: Begin with the inside sections, like the inner back and arms. Start stapling in the center of each side and work your way out to the corners, pulling the fabric taut as you go. This prevents wrinkles and ensures a smooth finish. Make neat folds at the corners.

Upholster the Exterior: Once the interior is done, move to the outer back and sides. Fold the raw edges under for a clean hem before stapling them in place on the underside of the armchair frame. Cover the bottom with a dust cover fabric for a professional look.

Step 5: Creating the Cushions

The final step is making the seat and back cushions.

Cut the Foam: Cut your high-density foam to the size of the seat deck and backrest. For a plusher feel, you can wrap the foam in a layer of batting.

Sew the Covers: Measure your foam cushions (including the batting) to determine the size for the fabric covers. Cut the fabric pieces for the top, bottom, and side panels (gussets). If you are creating a leather armchair cushion, use a leather needle on your sewing machine. Sew the pieces together, leaving one side open to insert the foam. Adding a zipper here will make the covers removable for cleaning.

Insert the Cushions: Carefully slide the foam into the covers. This can be a tight fit, so work slowly to avoid damaging the seams. Once the foam is in, sew the opening shut or zip it closed.

Place your completed cushions onto your newly built armchair. Step back and admire your work—you have successfully built a custom accent chair from scratch!

For Those Who Prefer to Buy

Building an armchair is a fulfilling project, but it requires time, space, and a good set of tools. If a DIY project isn't feasible for you, investing in a high-quality, professionally made piece is an excellent alternative. A well-crafted armchair can serve as a stunning focal point in any room.

When looking for the perfect armchair, accent chair, or leather armchair, consider an expert manufacturer. We recommend jmgy furniture. They specialize in creating beautifully designed and expertly constructed seating that combines style, comfort, and durability. Whether you need a single accent chair to complete your living room or multiple pieces for a commercial project, they offer a wide range of options to suit your needs.

For inquiries about their collection, you can contact them directly:

Email: sale@jmgyfurniture.com

Phone: +86 750 6128821

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best wood for making an armchair frame?

Hardwoods like oak, maple, and ash are excellent choices for an armchair frame due to their strength and durability. However, quality pine is a more budget-friendly option that is still strong enough for a lasting piece of furniture.

How much fabric do I need for an accent chair?

For a standard-sized accent chair, you will typically need between 5 to 7 yards of fabric. It's always a good idea to buy a little extra to account for pattern matching and any potential mistakes.

Can I make a leather armchair using this guide?

Yes, you can adapt this guide for a leather armchair. However, working with leather requires special tools, like a leather needle for your sewing machine and a stronger adhesive if needed. Leather doesn't stretch like fabric, so your measurements and cuts need to be very precise. The final result is a timeless and exceptionally durable armchair.

Accent chair

Armchair

leather armchair