How to reupholster bar stools to be kid friendly

It’s surprisingly easy to reupholster bar stools to be kid friendly. I always planned on reupholstering my barstools since I purchased them one year ago knowing full well the white linen top wouldn’t last long in my house. Today I’m sharing how to reupholster the bar stools that you’ve already been using and enjoying. Whether you want to use a light cloth fabric, easy-to-clean vinyl, or durable leather, the following steps will help save you a lot of hassle and money.

So here’s the deal.  I have 3 small children and keeping a light woven barstool cushion clean is next to impossible.  I did scotch guard the heck out of the cushions when I first bought them; that did help a lot,  but I always knew I’d be recovering them eventually to be more kid friendly.  Here is what the stock cushions looked like after one year of heavy use.

I selected a super kid friendly black vinyl fabric.  It does have some cool crocodile texture which really helps add a high end look. I went with black to echo some of the other black features in my kitchen (ie black marble counter tops).  I love the contrast it brings to the table.  I say if you’re gonna go to the effort of recovering your barstools, then you might as well do something that makes a great design statement! I found this exact fabric at JoAnne Fabric. 

Reupholster Supply list: 

• New fabric of choice. I suggest vinyl or leather for kid friendly options.
• Fabric sheers/scissors
• screwdriver or drill
• stapler (with air compressor or manual)
• stapeles
• pliers
• hammer

How to reupholster  bar stools to be kid friendly 

Step 1 – Remove Staples and Existing Fabric

Take the first stool and turn it upside down. Remove the cushion from the base of the barstool using a screwdriver. Use a screwdriver and hammer to remove any staples or nails that have been keeping the gauze fabric in place. Remove Gauze, revealing all the staples. Note: I reupholstered my new fabric right over the old fabric.  The only time you would NOT want to do this is if the existing seat cover is already vinyl or leather OR  of the foam cushion need replacing.  In this case, you will need to remove all of the existing seat fabric. 

Step 2 – Make a Pattern

 Lay the barstool cushion face down on top of the new fabric- pattern side of new fabric should also be facing down. fold the edge of the new fabric over the cushion to meet the old cover.  This will help determine how much fabric you need on each side of the cushion.  Once you have your measurement,  take your pencil or chalk and slowly trace the diameter of the old fabric seat onto the back of the new fabric. Cut it out and use as a pattern for the rest of the seat cushions. Note: It is ok to cut extra fabric on each side, you can always trim it down later.  Vinyl has much less stretch than most other fabrics so I cut my new pattern just a little larger than the old seat fabric. 

Step 3 – Apply the Fabric

Place the pattern that you’ve cut out of your new upholstery fabric on a flat surface (I laid mine out right on the floor).  Take the stool seat and place cushion side down on the new material. Start stapling the new fabric to the stool. Use a small area on each side of the stool to anchor the fabric, then go around and secure all of the edges. If you encounter an excess fabric, you may want to trim it down after you’ve tightly secured it to the stool. Note: For my barstools, I found it easiest to start stapling at the corner where the cushion meets the barstool. 

Step 4 – Reapply the gauze backer fabric & attach cushion

Using your stapler, reapply the gauze backer fabric to the underside of the barstool and reattach the cushion to the base of the barstool with a screwdriver. 

Now you have finished reupholstering your first bar stool. You just need to repeat the process with the remaining stools.  My vinyl fabric only cost me about $30 . I have what looks like brand new designer barstools for just a little money and a couple hours of my time. Here is the completed look! CLICK HERE FOR ALL OTHER KITCHEN SOURCES.

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