30+ Easy Upholstery Projects for Beginners

Upholstery and reupholstery play major roles in interior design. Both add comfort and character to a space in the home.

DIY upholstery can transform a cherished antique chair or even a modern couch into a work of art with the right fabric and good workmanship.

Upholstery and reupholstery enhance the appearance of the pieces but also add to the durability of the furniture. Reupholstery allows the DIY crafter to revitalize older pieces and turn them into furniture that can be passed down through generations.

Ancestry and Memories

Reupholstering an old piece of furniture in the family for generations is a special gift. My great-grandmother had a lovely wing-backed chair with old fabric that was not usable in the condition it was gifted to me.

Choosing a color and design of upholstery fabric that coordinates with my living room and covering that chair gives me the warmth and comforting feelings of my great-grandmother with a piece of furniture that was hers.

One of the nicest things about it is that that old chair was made more structurally sound than the current furniture in my home. As is said, “they don’t make them like they used to!”

The antique furniture is usually well-made, and with a little extra loving care by reupholstering it, it will last for years to come.

Personalization

Many people love the art of upholstery as it gives them the ability to customize the furniture to meet their tastes and preferences. The selection of upholstery fabric is huge, from luxurious velvets and satins to durable, family-friendly fabric.

Adding special touches like piping, tufting, and trim personalizes the furniture to match the decor and personality of the person who owns the piece.

The easy beginner projects below will get newcomers started on their upholstery journey, and the more complex ideas found on this page will appeal to the seasoned upholsterer.

The reader will find useful upholstery tips and tricks to make the job easier. Look for the DIY upholstery projects on this page that are smart and fashionable.

The barstool makeover is an easy project with simple steps to make a beautiful kitchen or recreation area piece.

Look below to learn all about upholstery tools that will make the projects even easier. The right tools are of utmost importance! The articles below will show the tools needed to make the project look like a professional upholsterer did the work.

Where can I find old furniture?

One of the best places to find old furniture is thrift stores, or better yet, a flea market find may be the best option. 

Thrift stores have outdated furniture, which can also be reupholstered to make this old furniture new, perfect for the living room or other home areas. However, I have found that flea markets often have a better selection.

It just depends on what is being sought after.

Use the simple techniques below to get the best results to turn old furniture into art. Scroll down to see all of the great upholstery options and projects available.