DIY Folding Chairs On A Budget

These DIY folding chairs are the perfect addition to any family gathering.  Our family loves to entertain and the motto has always been “the more the merrier” so whenever I come across folding chairs at a garage sale or thrift store I snag them up, paint them and add some new fabric and voila…

DIY Folding Chairs

Folding chairs are perfect for extra seating.  They can be pulled out as needed and tucked away in a closet until the next big gathering.

Here are 2 folding chair styles I picked up at a garage sale.  Usually if someone is getting rid of them its because there is a rip or stain in the fabric or the metal is rusting.

Neither one of those issues will stop me from buying them.  A coat of paint and some updated fabric and these garage sale eyesores will look brand new and I will have a new set of folding chairs.

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Supplies To Make Your Own DIY Folding Chairs:

• Screwdriver or Drill
• Spray paint in a color that coordinates with your new fabric
• Fabric*

*I chose an outdoor fabric for these folding chair covers because we do a lot more entertaining outdoors than we do indoors plus…you can always use outdoor fabric inside but not vice versa.

 

Instructions for DIY Folding Chairs:

1)  Remove the seat cushion and head rest.  Flip the chair over and using your drill, loosen the screws and remove the pieces.  Place the screws in a plastic bag for later.

I have recovered a ton of folding chairs and have only ran across 2 types of fastening systems for the cushions: 1) screws and 2) bolts (see pic above).  The bolts are still super easy to remove but you will need to grab a socket set to remove them.

2)  Spray paint the folding chair frame.  Once all of the padding is off of the chair, clean it well with then rinse with water.  Let dry then spray 2 coats of spray paint in coordinating color.

Diva Tip:  If you see rust on the metal frame, light sand the area and then spray it with clear shellac.  It will seal off the rust and keep it from seeping up through the paint.

3)  Cover existing board with new fabric.  Remove old fabric from hardboard and foam cushion.  Do a smell test and if it is still in good condition, lay it face down on the opposite side of the fabric.  Begin pulling up the sides and attaching with a staple gun.  Once you have made it all the way around you are done.  Trim excess fabric.

What a difference!  The once drab, stained, 80’s chairs are now modern and full of life.  What do you think?  What color and fabric would you pick for your DIY folding chairs?

Each and everyone of you inspire me and I LOVE to see the work that you’ve created. Feel free to share with me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. And as always, be sure to follow Diva Of DIY on Pinterest and sign up for our FREE Newsletter to receive the latest projects delivered straight to your inbox!