This Designer Found the Cutest Way to Upgrade a Boring Office Chair

Let’s face it: A lot of office chairs are not the cutest. While we’ve found some stylish and ergonomic options on the market, the most basic models usually prioritize function over form. They’re great for back support, but they don’t add much personality to a home office.

Well, designer Emily Shaw just figured out a brilliant upgrade. It’s an affordable, beginner-friendly DIY project: She embroidered flowers onto the mesh backing of her chair.

“I was trying to think of ways that I could make the chair more visually appealing and fun,” she says on TikTok. “The mesh on the chair is perfect for something like this because I can embroider all over it, and then if I don’t like it, I can just cut it and remove it, and it does not damage the chair.”

Shaw used tapestry needles, which are not sharp, since she didn’t need to poke holes for the thread. She recommends unscrewing the back of the chair from the seat to make things easier (especially if you want to watch TV while you work). She also suggests tying knots on the outside of the chair so your back doesn’t rub against them and damage them when you sit, and she added a bit of glue to the knots to keep them in place. (Just be careful to avoid getting glue on the chair itself.)

You could use this technique to decorate any piece of furniture with mesh.

“Saving this so I can do mesh doors for my console cabinet,” someone comments on TikTok.

Shaw also says cross-stitch may be an easier option if you’re intimidated by embroidery, though this is her first time embroidering and she’s happy with the result. Viewers are excited about it, too.

“Such a brilliant idea!!! I hate how my boring black desk chair clashes with the rest of my office. This is a great solution,” someone comments on Instagram.

“I just know you are going to kick off a whole trend of embroidered office chairs and I'm here for it,” another commenter says on TikTok.