101: Upholstery
Add comfort and a fresh new look to your chairs.
By Ashley Jameson Eriksmoen

Dining chairs are an integral part of good times. Where there's dinner, wine, and company, there are chairs. But old dining chairs are notoriously uncomfortable: no fun for the buns. With simple modifications, though, that can be remedied. Plywood slip seats can be altered to allow for a bit of flex, a tad of padding, and a big difference in comfort. At your next dinner party, don't be surprised if your guests won't leave!

This article teaches you the basics of upholstery, and our online supplement at craftzine.com/07/101 includes additional techniques for softening that slip seat. After this project, you'll be ready to graduate to reupholstering an armchair or a chair with a loose cushion.

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