Kilim to Ikea

Psssst… this post *might* contain affiliate links: see my disclosure here.

I like having a little seating in the foyer for putting on shoes or chucking your bag when you walk in the door.  I picked up this amazing arm chair upholstered in kilim carpet from Craigslist because of the simple lines and the size.  Other chairs felt dwarfed by the foyer table, but this was the perfect height. Sadly… the kilim was filthy and frayed or else I would have left it alone!

How to save money on upholstery using this simple supply.

Here’s my philosophy with upholstery… what’s the worst that can happen?!  The chair needed to be recovered so why not try my hand at it.  If it’s a disaster, I can always take it into a real upholsterer to get fixed! So I dug in!

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How to save money on upholstery using this simple supply.

This chair wasn’t much different than the other upholstery projects I’ve done.  First step is always pulling off the old fabric.  Make sure you save it as a template if possible! As fun as this chair looked, it was disgusting when I started pulling the fabric off… dusty and dingy.

How to save money on upholstery using this simple supply.

Getting all the fabric off took the longest with this project: nail heads, lots of old staples, and very thick heavy (filthy) fabric.  Upholstery is incredibly satisfying but not for the faint of heart… nail heads and staples and lint balls, oh my!

How to save money on upholstery using this simple supply.

With the chair free from its kilim, I reached for my new fabric.  Let’s pause for a minute to discuss the biggest costs when it comes to upholstery. Foam and fabric. The foam for this chair was in tact so… no need to replace. But fabric can add up! Upholstery fabric can be $20-$40 a yard! In a MacGyver decorating move, I reached for my secret new cheap upholstery material: curtains! I went with these amazing Kajsamia curtain panels from Ikea.  They’re a nice sturdy cotton and I fell in love with the modern graphic pattern.

How to save money on upholstery using this simple supply.

How to save money on upholstery using this simple supply.

I trimmed the excess fabric and covered the staple line with a matching strip of gimp. The foyer chair is reborn!

How to save money on upholstery using this simple supply.

How to save money on upholstery using this simple supply.

I’m no upholstery expert but am happy to answer specific questions if you have them; just post a comment!  I take chances and try not to be limited by some idea of ‘the rules.’  In this case, the upholstery was easier than it looked, and the Ikea curtain is a fun, unexpected (cost effective!) pattern for the front foyer.

How to save money on upholstery using this simple supply.

How to save money on upholstery using this simple supply.

 

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How to save money on upholstery using this simple supply.

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16 Comments

  1. It really is a great pattern. I always try to take chances with fabric too. I did the back of a chair with cool zigzag bed sheets once. Like you said, gotta take chances.
    This one really paid off for you. Genius.

  2. Hi there. I’m a new follower and I love your blog. That fabric truly is amazing – and you did an extraordinary job on the reupholstering! For my house, I would have painted the rest of the chair white – but the wood fits wonderfully with the rest of your decor.

    1. I think white would definitely look cleaner and go SO well with the fabric, but you’re right… it would have felt awkward in that space….BUT… our foyer is getting demolished in our new construction plans so the chair might get that exact makeover. 🙂

  3. Hi Charlotte –
    Now that school is out, I have time to read your blog:) Your projects are awesome and inspiring. I love this chair!! I wonder if I have room to do a reupholster project? You make me feel like I should try! Anyways, nice to see you’re keeping yourself very busy and feeling satisfied. The kids look great. Enjoy the summer and be in touch.
    xo Monica

    1. You can do it!! Hope you had a great year!! Missing you guys and can’t believe it’s been a year!! You’re welcome to come out anytime for a beach day with the kids if you want. 🙂 And you can DEFinitely do the chair… not much room needed for upholstery. Go for it. xo

  4. I loved this article. Who would of thought Curtains. I too am looking to do a small chair for foyer. You have inspired me. Thanks again. Look forward to seeing more from you.

  5. wELL, AREN’T YOU A REAL SWEETIE! i HAVE TWO NEARLY-IDENTICAL CHAIRS TO REUPHOLSTER AND YOU HAVE single-handedly REMOVED MOST OF my FEAR FACTOR with this amazing post. i’M still A BIT CONFUSED ON HOW to go about UPHOLSTERing THE BACK OF THE CHAIR BUT i’M GOING TO GIVE IT A TRY. tHANKS SO MUCH FOR sharing THIS!

    1. Oh yay! I hope this helps! For the back… I’m pretty sure I stapled the fabric and then covered the staples with gimp. (There are specific upholstery tools called tack strips that will grab the fabric, then you fold them over and they tack into the chair frame… but I didn’t know about those when I tackled this chair! Good luck!

  6. This is awesome! I can’t wait to get to work on it. I often buy used upholstery and try to restore it a little for resale. I use a professional furniture cleaner first because I’m a huge germaphobe, but other than that I absolutely love what I do.

  7. On more than one occasion,I have found great deals on Ralph Lauren tablecloths at TJMaxx.
    I have a stockpile, just waiting for that perfect piece to upholster!