How to Re-Cover a Dining Chair With a Flat-Weave Rug

Step 1: Choose the Right Rug

Given the amount of wear and tear a dining chair receives, it’s best to choose flat-weave rugs in neutral tones that will hide flaws. Sandy tones, blue-grays, gray-greens and navy blue coordinate well with a wide variety of color schemes. Textural rugs are easier to work with since there are no patterns to keep perfectly straight. If you choose a stripe, keep in mind that wider stripes are easier to line up than smaller stripes.

Step 2: Remove Existing Cushion and Fabric

Use a drill or screwdriver to remove the existing chair cushion. Remove the existing fabric from the chair cushion (usually upholstery foam and plywood) using a utility knife and/or needle-nose pliers.

Step 3: Measure, Mark and Cut Rug

Lay the rug right-side down on a work surface and then place the cushion directly onto the rug. Use chalk to outline the chair cushion directly to the rug, allowing an additional 2-1/2" all the way around to account for wrapping along the edges. Using traced chalk as a guide, cut the rug to size using dressmaker shears.

Step 4: Add Batting

Unfurl batting, then cut it to size approximately 2" wider than the seat cushion. Stretch the batting across the top side of the cushion, then secure it to the back with the staple gun and 3/8" staples.

Step 5: Attach Rug

With the help of a friend, stretch the rug cutout over the seat cushion and onto its back. Secure in place using a staple gun. Be sure not to cover the screw hole used to attach the cushion to the chair. When satisfied with the look of the cushion, reattach it to the chair.