10 Easy Upholstery Projects to Transform Your Home on a Budget

DIY upholstery projects are a fantastic way to breathe new life into your furniture without breaking the bank. Whether you want to add colour, pattern, or comfort, upholstery allows you to transform outdated or worn-out pieces with minimal cost.

Reupholster Dining Chairs

One of the easiest furniture upholstery projects is reupholstering chair seats. Dining chairs are especially straightforward. If your chairs have removable cushions, this process is simple and requires minimal tools.

•         Unscrew and remove the seat cushion.
•         Take off the old fabric and use it as a template to cut your new fabric.
•         Wrap the new fabric around the cushion and staple it to the underside.
•         Reattach the seat to the chair frame.
•         Choose a durable, stain-resistant fabric to ensure longevity, especially in a high-traffic area like the dining room.

Refresh an Old Armchair with a Slipcover

If full chair reupholstery seems daunting, a DIY slipcover is a great alternative. It allows you to refresh your chair without making permanent changes. 

•         Buy a pre-made slipcover or sew a custom one to fit your chair.
•         Use stretch fabric for a snug fit.
•         Secure the slipcover with ties or Velcro strips.
•         Slipcovers are washable and easy to switch out, making them ideal for homes with kids or pets.

For a quick fix try adding new sofa legs too. you’ll be surprised how much difference it makes.

Revamp Throw Pillows

Throw pillows are one of the quickest and most affordable ways to change the look of a room. With new upholstered pillow covers, you can add colour, texture, and personality to your space.

•         If you can sew, make simple pillowcases with a zipper or envelope-style closure.
•         For a no-sew option, use fabric glue or iron-on adhesive tape.
•         Experiment with different fabrics like velvet, linen, or patterned cotton.
•         Changing your throw pillow covers seasonally is a great way to refresh your decor throughout the year.

Recover a Footstool or Ottoman

A footstool or ottoman is a small yet impactful piece of furniture that’s easy to update. Since they often have simple shapes, reupholstering an ottoman is a great beginner project.

•         Remove the old fabric and assess the padding (replace it if needed).
•         Cut your new upholstery fabric with extra material to wrap around the edges.
•         Use a staple gun to secure the fabric to the frame.
•         If your ottoman has legs, consider painting or refinishing them for a complete makeover.
•         This project allows you to introduce a bold pattern or a rich texture to your living room.

Create a Custom Headboard

A DIY upholstered headboard is a fantastic way to make your bedroom feel more luxurious without spending hundreds on a store-bought version. 

•         Cut a piece of plywood to your desired headboard shape and size.
•         Attach foam padding and wrap it with fabric.
•         Staple the fabric securely to the back.
•         Mount the headboard to the wall or attach it to your bed frame.
•         For an extra elegant touch, consider button tufting or nailhead trim.

Refresh Bar Stools and Benches

If your bench seats or kitchen or home bar stools are looking worn out, reupholstering them is a quick and cost-effective solution.

•         Remove the seat from the stool frame.
•         Take off the old fabric and replace it with a new, durable material.
•         For benches cut a piece of fabric slightly larger than the bench top and if your bench isn’t cushioned add a layer of foam padding. If it’s not normally used for sitting try adding some small heavy duty sofa legs or similar to ensure it stays robust when being used.
•         Staple the new fabric securely underneath the seat.
•         For easy maintenance, choose wipeable vinyl, faux leather, or performance fabric.
•         To add extra style, try using nailhead trim or tufted buttons for a more polished look.

Make a Fabric-Covered Storage Box

Turn old cardboard or wooden boxes into decorative storage solutions by covering them in fabric. This is a great way to add stylish storage to a room while repurposing items you already own.

•         Cut fabric pieces to fit each side of the box.
•         Use strong adhesive spray or hot glue to attach the fabric.
•         Fold fabric neatly around the edges for a clean finish.
•         These storage boxes work well in kids’ rooms, home offices, or living rooms for organising clutter.

DIY Upholstered Wall Panels

For a cozy and elegant touch, try adding fabric-covered wall panels. This technique is perfect for soundproofing and adding texture to your space.

•         Cut plywood or foam boards to the desired panel size.
•         Wrap them in fabric and staple the edges at the back.
•         Mount them to the wall using adhesive strips or nails.
•         These panels work well as an accent wall in bedrooms, home offices, or behind a sofa.

Final Thoughts

Updating your home with DIY upholstery projects doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Whether you start with a small project like throw pillows or take on a larger challenge like reupholstering dining chairs, these ideas will help you create a fresh, stylish space without overspending. You can transform your home while learning valuable DIY skills.