How Can You Successfully Recover a Wingback Chair at Home?

AvatarByMichael McQuay Chair

A wingback chair is more than just a piece of furniture—it’s a timeless statement of comfort and style that can transform any living space. Over the years, these classic chairs often become cherished family heirlooms or standout accent pieces, but wear and tear can diminish their charm. Recovering a wingback chair breathes new life into it, allowing you to preserve its elegant silhouette while updating its look to match your personal taste or home décor.

The process of recovering a wingback chair involves more than simply replacing fabric; it’s about restoring its structure, enhancing comfort, and showcasing craftsmanship. Whether you’re tackling this project as a DIY enthusiast or considering professional help, understanding the basics of upholstery, fabric selection, and the chair’s anatomy is essential. This overview will guide you through the exciting journey of transforming your worn-out wingback into a refreshed, inviting centerpiece.

Embarking on this restoration not only saves money compared to buying new furniture but also gives you the creative freedom to customize every detail. From choosing textures and patterns to mastering techniques that ensure durability, recovering a wingback chair is a rewarding endeavor that combines artistry and functionality. Get ready to dive into the steps that will help you reclaim the beauty and comfort of your favorite chair.

Preparing the Chair for Upholstery

Begin by carefully removing the existing fabric from the wingback chair. Use pliers and a staple remover to take out staples, tacks, or nails securing the upholstery. Work slowly to avoid damaging the padding or frame beneath. Keep the removed fabric pieces intact as they will serve as valuable templates for cutting your new fabric.

Next, inspect the chair’s frame and padding. Check for any loose joints, broken springs, or worn-out padding that require repair or replacement. Strengthen any weak joints with wood glue or screws, and replace damaged springs to maintain the chair’s structural integrity and comfort.

After repairs, clean the frame thoroughly to remove dust, dirt, and old adhesive residue. This ensures better adhesion for new upholstery materials. If the padding is still in good condition but slightly flattened, consider adding a thin layer of batting or foam to restore its shape and comfort.

Cutting and Preparing the New Fabric

Using the removed fabric pieces as patterns, lay them flat on your new upholstery fabric. Pin them securely and carefully cut around each piece, leaving an extra 1 to 1.5 inches of fabric around the edges. This allowance is necessary for wrapping and stapling the fabric to the chair frame.

When selecting fabric, consider durability, texture, and color to complement your décor. Upholstery-grade fabric is recommended due to its strength and resistance to wear. Also, think about the fabric’s pattern alignment, especially on the chair’s wings and arms, where symmetry is visually important.

Before attaching, iron the fabric to remove creases and improve the finish. Label each cut piece to keep track of its placement on the chair, which will streamline the reupholstering process.

Reupholstering the Wingback Chair

Begin the reupholstering by attaching the fabric to the chair’s back. Position the fabric smoothly over the padding, ensuring it is taut but not stretched. Start stapling at the center top, then work outwards and downwards, pulling the fabric tight as you go. Use a staple gun with appropriate staples for upholstery.

Move to the arms and wings next, carefully folding fabric around the curves and edges. Tuck the fabric neatly at corners to avoid bulk and create clean lines. Use smaller, precise staples or upholstery tacks where necessary to hold the fabric firmly in place without damaging it.

Finally, upholster the seat and skirt, ensuring the fabric is smooth and evenly secured. Trim excess fabric close to staples to reduce bulk, but avoid cutting too close to prevent unraveling.

Tools and Materials Checklist

  • Staple remover and pliers
  • Upholstery fabric (with extra for mistakes)
  • Staple gun and heavy-duty staples
  • Upholstery tacks or nails
  • Scissors and fabric chalk or pencil
  • Batting or foam padding
  • Wood glue and screws (for frame repairs)
  • Measuring tape and ruler
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Protective gloves (optional)
Step Action Tips
Fabric Removal Remove old fabric and staples carefully Keep fabric pieces intact for templates
Frame Inspection Repair loose joints and damaged springs Use wood glue and screws for reinforcement
Cutting Fabric Cut new fabric using old pieces as patterns Allow 1-1.5 inches for stapling edges
Attaching Fabric Staple fabric onto chair frame starting from back Work smoothly, avoid wrinkles and stretch
Finishing Touches Trim excess fabric and secure edges Use upholstery tacks for neat corners

Preparing Your Wingback Chair for Reupholstery

Before beginning the recovery process, it is essential to thoroughly prepare your wingback chair to ensure a smooth and professional finish. Proper preparation helps avoid damage and makes the fabric replacement more manageable.

Start by carefully removing any cushions, loose fabric, and detachable parts such as legs or armrests, if possible. This provides better access to the frame and internal structure. Take detailed photographs from multiple angles to document how the original fabric is attached and where staples or tacks are placed. This will serve as a useful reference during reassembly.

Next, remove the existing upholstery fabric using a staple remover or pliers. Work slowly to avoid damaging the padding or frame beneath. Save the old fabric pieces to use as templates for cutting your new material.

Inspect the chair’s frame and padding for any needed repairs or replacements:

  • Frame: Check for loose joints, cracks, or weakened areas. Reinforce with wood glue and clamps or replace broken components.
  • Padding: Assess the condition of the foam, batting, or horsehair stuffing. Replace or supplement worn areas with high-density foam or polyester batting to restore comfort and shape.
  • Springs and Webbing: Test the tension and condition of springs and webbing under the seat. Tighten or replace as necessary to maintain structural support.

Once repairs are complete, use a vacuum or brush to clean the frame and remove dust and debris. This will help the new fabric adhere better and improve the overall appearance.

Selecting Fabric and Tools for Recovering a Wingback Chair

Choosing the right fabric and tools is crucial for a durable and aesthetically pleasing reupholstery job. Consider both the chair’s style and the fabric’s functionality.

Fabric Type Characteristics Recommended Uses
Heavyweight Cotton or Linen Breathable, natural fibers, moderate durability Traditional styles, casual or formal rooms
Velvet Soft texture, luxurious appearance, moderate wear resistance Elegant, vintage, or statement pieces
Leather or Faux Leather Durable, easy to clean, sophisticated look High-traffic areas, modern or classic styles
Microfiber Stain-resistant, soft, affordable Family-friendly, casual or contemporary spaces

For a wingback chair, durable upholstery fabric with a tight weave is preferred to withstand wear, especially on the arms and back wings which experience frequent contact.

Essential tools include:

  • Staple gun with staples suitable for upholstery
  • Heavy-duty scissors or rotary cutter
  • Upholstery needle and strong thread
  • Upholstery hammer or tack remover
  • Measuring tape and fabric chalk or markers
  • Pliers and screwdrivers for disassembly
  • Foam cutter or electric knife (optional)

Cutting and Attaching New Fabric to the Wingback Chair

Accurate cutting and strategic attachment of fabric are key to achieving a clean, professional look when recovering your wingback chair.

Begin by laying out your new fabric on a flat surface. Use the saved old fabric pieces as templates, placing them on the new material and tracing around them with fabric chalk. Add an extra 2 to 3 inches around each piece for tucking and stapling. Pay close attention to fabric grain and pattern alignment, especially on visible sections such as the chair wings, arms, and back.

When cutting, use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to ensure clean edges. Work carefully to avoid fraying or uneven cuts.

Attach the fabric starting with the largest sections, typically the back and seat. Position the fabric over the chair frame or padding, pulling it taut but not overstretched. Secure it temporarily with upholstery pins or clips.

  • Stapling Tips:
    • Start from the center of each side and work outward toward the corners.
    • Smooth the fabric to avoid wrinkles or puckering before stapling.
    • Use consistent staple spacing (about 1 to 1.5 inches apart) for even tension.
    • Fold fabric neatly at corners, creating clean pleats or miters as needed.
  • Detail Work:
    • Attach fabric to the wings and arms carefully, using smaller sections and multiple staples to contour to curves.
    • Use upholstery needles and thread to hand-stitch areas that require precision or where staples are not practical.
    • Replace decorative trims, piping, or nailhead accents as desired for a finished look.

Once all fabric is securely attached, reassemble any removed parts such as legs or cushions. Inspect all surfaces to ensure fabric is smooth and securely fastened.

Author Profile

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Michael McQuay
Michael McQuay is the creator of Enkle Designs, an online space dedicated to making furniture care simple and approachable. Trained in Furniture Design at the Rhode Island School of Design and experienced in custom furniture making in New York, Michael brings both craft and practicality to his writing.

Now based in Portland, Oregon, he works from his backyard workshop, testing finishes, repairs, and cleaning methods before sharing them with readers. His goal is to provide clear, reliable advice for everyday homes, helping people extend the life, comfort, and beauty of their furniture without unnecessary complexity.