Expert: Mark H. Miller - 11/4/2007

Question
On my dining room chairs, I would like to reupholster them but would also like to make them less formal.  I thought eliminating the box cushion would accomplish that as the backs are cane and there is not much detail to the brown cherry wood of the set.  Is it possible to switch to a slip cushion on the chairs?  Could I use the current foam as it is very firm and of appropriate height?

Answer
Hi,  yes it is possible to change a slip seat with welted detail to a pull over style which is less formal.

The seats should be screwed into the chair,  just remove them,  remove the existing fabric and staple new fabric over the existing foam and padding - since it is in good shape there is no need to replace it.  Doing that will not affect the height of the total seat so is not an issue.  

Begin by tacking or stapling the fabric in the center of the seat back, then the center of the front, then the center of the sides.  From there work the fabric toward the corners and you may have to place very small pleats on the corners.

I hope this helps,  good luck doing the job, it is the perfect project for a beginner.

Mark Miller.