Any plans for the long weekend? I’m planning a little get together to soak up every last bit of summer and to celebrate my mister’s birthday. In preparation for our guests, I added a splash of paint and pattern to some dull folding chairs. Who says functional can’t be fun? Here’s a peek at the transformation…
MATERIALS // folding chair, screwdriver, drop cloth, spray paint (2 cans per chair), fabric (20″ x 20″ piece per chair), scissors, staple gun and staples
STEPS // 01 REMOVE EXISTING CUSHION Using screwdriver, remove existing cushion from chair frame and set aside.
02 PAINT CHAIR // In well-ventilated area, place chair on drop cloth and wipe down with damp towel. Using slow side-to-side movements, apply two thin coats of spray paint (refer to paint can instructions for drying time between coats). Let chair dry overnight. Tip: If chair is dark color or smooth finish, apply primer before painting with desired color.
03 RECOVER EXISTING CUSHION // Lay out new fabric and place seat cushion face down. Trim fabric along edge of cushion (approximately 3″ from edge). Once cut, attach fabric using staple gun. Begin by stapling at the center of each side and then at the corners. Tip: If using a patterned fabric, be sure to align to your liking prior to stapling.
04 ASSEMBLE CHAIR // Once chair is dry, assemble with new cushion and begin using!
[photos by Christine for Design For Mankind]
p.s. Did you catch my latest creation? The $6 daily planner you’ll love.
This is awesome!! I totally have an extremely boring (and slightly ugly) folding chair and now I have a plan of attack!
I totally dig this!!!!
What type of Krylon spray paint did you use, also what color? Love this!
I adore this–thanks for sharing
So cute!! Love how this turned out!
Thank you sweet ladies! @Katie-I used Krylon’s Indoor/Outdoor paint in the Coral Isle, gloss finish (it doesn’t apply glossy however).
Love this idea. My 37 year old chairs (rec’d as a wedding present) need and update!
OMG Barb! Mine were a wedding present too (from my mother none the less and only 8.5 years old). ;) Congrats on 37 years!!
OMGosh! I thought I was the only one still using 35+ wedding gift folding chairs. I cant wait to do this update. I might even tackle the table, too.
best diy i have seen in awhile! thx!
LOVE this! I see these at the thrift store all the time and it never even crossed my mind to do this!!
Hi, this might be a stupid question: does the spray paint rub off at all?
That’s a great DIY project for a beginner like me. Thanks for sharing!
I love this idea. I have folding chairs but they are plastic. Do you think the spray paint would work with the plastic?
This is so fabulous!! :) Thanks for sharing. Going to have to try this soon.
I…might have bought some old brown folding chairs at a thrift store *cough* two years ago to do something like this. Thanks for the reminder :)
OH I love this! Looks like a fun project!
My folding chairs dont have cushions… any ideas
Such great questions!
Buttercup – I haven’t had any problems with the paint rubbing off of my chairs but if you have any concerns with paint adhering, I would use a primer first just to be safe!
Tracy – There are a few spray paints out there intended to bond specifically to plastic, I would give one of those a try. You might try Krylon’s Fusion Aerosol Spray-Paint for Plastic.
Patti – I think painting the chair two shades would be fun (perhaps the seat is painted yellow and the rest of the chair salmon). Another option, might be to use painter’s tape and tape off a simple pattern on the seat (like bold stripes).
Hope this helps, all! Happy long weekend.
I am totally going to do this! Like going to goodwill to find folding chairs today haha!
This is such a creative idea!! I always hate when I get stuck sitting on the ugly, out of place folding chairs at family gatherings. But this idea of sprucing them up would certainly make me want to sit on these! It’s also such a great idea for inexpensive extra seating when on a budget, like a dorm room, or new apartment! Thanks for sharing this great DIY!
This would only work if the folding chairs had pre-existing cushions on them, right? Mine are all metal with no fabric on the seat part :( Any ideas on how I could still achieve this knowing that?
Thanks!
Obviously, I realize I can still paint it w/out the cushion…I just meant the reupholstery part. Thanks :)
Thanks for posting this. What color of spray paint did you use and where did you get it from? thanks!
Susan – how fun is that coral?! ;) I found it at my local craft store. It is made by Krylon and it’s an Indoor/Outdoor paint (the formal name is Coral Isle). Happy painting!
This might seem like a dumb question but I don’t have a crafting bone in my body…So what kind of fabric do you use??
Absolutely not silly, Emily! I am not that well versed in fabrics, so I selected mine based on what seemed comfortable to sit on. ;) I would categorize it as an “apparel fabric”. I think you could also use a light-weight “home decor” fabric or even an oil cloth (oil cloth can be wiped down and is perfectly kid friendly). If you have any questions when shopping, just check-in with the sales team at the craft store. Good luck!
LOVE the transformation!
Do you think this would work with the table that matches my chairs? I would love to have a matching set! Great idea!
Tiffany! Gosh, I was just thinking about this the other day! I have the same table. ;) It might be fun to spray paint the metal portion of the table and replace the soft portion with some kind of bright or patterned oil cloth? If I do, I’ll be sure to share!
Oh ya, I didn’t think about that. It will need to be stain and water resistant. Well, I am going to try it today!
I covered a table once as the top was torn and stained, just used oilcloth or vinyl upholstery fabric. It worked just fine. I think that set is ready for a redo!!!
That’s it, I am recovering the table for sure. ;) Thanks for sharing, Ronna!!
Love this! You inspired me. I just finished redoing my card table and chairs this morning. I actually used the same fabric as my chairs for the table but added a clear liner to make it wipe able and it has worked great with wiping up the kids messes today.
Fabulous! I love the colors and patterns you chose for your chair.
To those who wonder about paint rubbing off: go ahead and use a primer and sealant, even if you use a paint designed for plastic/metal. We thought that kind would be okay for some plastic chairs we have and they peeled! Better to be safe than sorry! Love this project, I’m not sure why I never thought to do this but we have an ugly tan folding chair and the cushion is stained and gross. Good idea!
this is awesome!!!!the colour, the pattern, the idea!!easy and gorgeous!
I have some folding chairs that are 25 years old. They are scratched, stained and just plain ugly. This is a perfect idea to transform them into new, fun chairs that we’ll be proud to use at parties! Many thanks for this creative post!
Does anyone know what the name of the coral color paint is. I’ve looked everywhere and can not find anything like it.
Gorgeous. To think I could have folding chairs that I would be proud to have people sit on!
Gorgeous. To think I could have folding chairs that I would be proud to have people sit on!
LOVE this idea. gorgeous color and fabric combination. found via pinterest
The color is CORAL ISLE, Krylon Indoor-Outdoor Paint. I’m sure that Walmart won’t have it so try Home Depot or something similar! Or buy online.
Hey ladies!! Lindsay is correct, the color is Coral Isle by Krylon. I found it at my local craft store (JoAnns) but you can also find it here: http://tinyurl.com/8lmf4zd.
This look so EASY! I can’t wait to try this for parties!
Smart thinking, I love this idea! Any ideas for the card table?
MIL GRACIAS POR ESTA IDEA MARAVILLOSA IDEA, TENGO UNA SILLA QUE IBA A , BOTAR, AHORA MISMO LA ARREGLARÉ.
Does the paint chip or scratch off with regular use?
Hey Katie! My chairs have made it through one small party and some general use around the house without any major scratches. You could always apply a clear coat just to be extra safe!
Love it! It is a very happy salvaged chair.
awesome. thank you!
Loving this idea. So fresh and new. Going to do this for sure! Thanks
Love this! Its never crossed my mind to re-do a folding chair – brilliant!
This is perfect! You could totally do this to folding card tables too! I’ve been looking for something just like this! Thanks a million!
Found your chair pinned in Pinterest and couldnt help to visit your blog, its just great! Im officially a fan. Keep bloging!
I have a kids table and chairs set I want to redo like this but I’m afraid of my kids ruining the fabric becuase they will be eating at it. Any suggestions?
Heather – try an oilcloth, the slick (and usually colorful) fabric should work perfectly!
Loved the chairs !!!
Awesome idea! :0 Thanks so much!
Did you actually use a primer? You don’t show it here but you mention that it would be a good tip. I bought my spray paint however totally didnt think about primer and the chair is black.
Just bought folding chairs on Craigslist to do this! :)
What a great upcycle! LOVE it!
This is an awesome article, I will definitely be sure to add you to my morning routine
:)
Anyway to paint these chairs using paint/brush method instead of spray paint?
Thanks for this great idea. I’m using folding chairs at my beach condo. A can of paint in pastel beachy colors will be just the thing to complete the look.
scrapy work .. which is really really good creativity …. classy work
Love this chair! Where did you find the staples? I started to make a chair, but cannot find staples short enough for the seat cushion. I am looking for 1/8″ staples. Any idea where to find them?
I have 3 treasures that were in much need of a makeover. This Pin inspired me and they turned out soooocute!
So happy to hear that! :)
I’m Anthony Smith and I will like to place an order for some (Folding Chairs) from your company.What is the price range of the ones you carry.And also the terms and forms of payment you accept. Hope you get back to me as soon as you can.
Thank You
Smith
what color spray paint did you use? i just love it so much, thanks!
I was wondering if you can still do it with a chair with two cushions; one behind the back and one for the bum (:
Thanks for the wondering idea too!
I love what you guys are up too. Such clever work and exposure!
Keep up the great works guys I’ve added you guys to blogroll.
This looks so much better than just plain folding chairs- I will have to try it!
I’m in love with this idea! Folding chairs are so awesome to have but I’ve put off buying them because they’re so ugly. Now I know what to do! Thanks.
Thanks for a wonderful idea to update 20 year old folding chairs. I also did the Card table that went with the chairs. Awesome! Went with “The Ohio State University” theme. Go Bucks!
love it now i know what to do with my folding chair in the closet. What color paint did you use?
Do you have suggestions on how I can add a padded seat to folding chairs that do not have any? Thanks!
Interesante artículo, le ruego que me des tu información de contacto, tengo que compartir con ustedes alguna información.
WHERE DID YOU GET DOES CHAIRS!!
WHERE THERE IS ONLY ONE CUSHION ON THE BOTTOM
NOT TWO
Check out amazon for HON HONFC02LBG folding chairs, they have the padded seat without a padded back.
Spray paint color looks like Krylon Coral Isle
Check out Target to buy the black folding chairs with the cushion on the bottom. I have 2 I use each week for my book club. They will soon get a spruce up! :)
would love to try this DIY! Great job
♥ Jackie @ http://www.joujoumylove.com
Simply amazing what you can do with a spray of paint and a piece of fabric. I will never look at a folding chair as boring ever again.Great tips.
Beautiful!
xo Katie
http://www.etsy.com/shop/adifferentsun
I saw some old folding (a little rusty) chairs at good will for $2. I’m going back to get them!
I’m so happy I found this I hope to use it for my sweet 16 party.