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Rain on a Tin Roof

DIY and Home Decor Blog. Fly Your Freak Flag.

You are here: Home >> Furniture Makeovers >> How to Upholster a Cane Chair

August 14, 2013 By Jenna 70 Comments

How to Upholster a Cane Chair

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I thought re-upholstering this chair would be difficult.

How to Upholster a Chair {rainonatinroof.com} #upholstery

I was wrong.

Shocking, I know.

Now, I will teach you how to upholster a cane chair like this.

Aren’t you so excited?But don’t ask me about upholstering other types of chairs – I’ve only conquered this one.

Reupholstering a Cane Barrel Chair

This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

This chair started off like this:

How to Upholster a Cane Chair {rainonatinroof.com} #upholstery #canechair

It is one of a set that my grandparent’s had. My dad is holding the other one hostage and refuses to negotiate – something about how he needs it to watch TV in. He can’t sit in the floor? But now he is impressed with my stellar upholstery skills and wants me to re-do his. Hmmm…..maybe I will “lose” it. Is it possible to “lose” a chair?

Back to this chair. It has all the cream colored fabric on it because once upon a time, I thought I would just re-cover it with that without taking off the old fabric, but I wasn’t really in love with that fabric so it sat like this for at least a year.

Then, I found this fabric at JoAnn’s that screamed Jonathan Adler to me and I knew it would be perfect for the chair and the Summer Soiree Style Series.

How to Upholster a Cane Chair {rainonatinroof.com} #upholstery #canechair

First, I got out a flat head screwdriver and pliers and began pulling out all the staples along the underside and frame of the chair, which resulted in this.

How to Upholster a Cane Chair {rainonatinroof.com} #upholstery #canechair

I made sure to keep my old fabric pieces in tact so that I could use them as a guide for cutting out the new fabric. You should do this too, it makes the process so much simpler.

Before, I started upholstering the chair, it needed a new paint job. I primed it first with Rust-Oleum‘s white primer spray paint, then a couple coats of Rust-Oleum’s metallic gold spray paint and finished it off with Rust-Oleum’s gloss topcoat finish. Can you tell I’m a Rust-Oleum girl?

Spray Paint a Cane Chair {rainonatinroof.com}

Spray Paint a Cane Chair {rainonatinroof.com}

Once it was all dry, I brought it inside to get down to business. I laid out the old bottom piece of upholstery on top of my new Jonathan Adler-ish fabric and cut it out.

How to Upholster a Chair {rainonatinroof.com} #upholstery

After getting it cut out, I put it onto the seat cushion and adjusted it into place.

How to Upholster a Chair {rainonatinroof.com} #upholstery

Before I could start stapling it down, I had to take care of this place though:

How to Upholster a Chair {rainonatinroof.com} #upholstery

The main piece of fabric on the seat would not cover this area where the arm meets the base. So, first I had to cover it and then put the main piece of fabric over the edges. Are you with me?

Here’s what I did. I took small rectangle of fabric and put it over a piece of cardboard I cut from a box. I stapled the cardboard with the fabric on it to the chair like this:

How to Upholster a Chair {rainonatinroof.com} #upholstery

How to Upholster a Cane Chair {rainonatinroof.com} #upholstery #canechair

Then, I just pulled the fabric that was stapled with the cardboard down and stapled it under the base of the chair. The main piece of fabric on the seat covered the raw edges of the fabric around the cardboard.

After doing both sides like this (it was only like this on the front legs, not the back), you can start stapling your fabric along the base of the chair and/or underside stretching it as you go to get a tight fit.

IMG_0460

For the seat back of the chair, I just cut fabric in the shape of the old upholstery that was there and stapled it to the frame as it had been before. I skipped the tufting on this one, but you can buy tufting kits if you wanted to keep it.

On the very back of the chair, I did not remove the old fabric:

IMG_0459

I was worried that if I removed that fabric I would essentially lose the whole back of the chair and have a hole there and then I wouldn’t know what to do. So, I just cut out a piece of fabric to fit there and hot-glued it on.

After everything is stapled down, you can take coordinating trim and hot glue it on top of any staples that show.

Jonathan Adler Inspired Chair Makeover {rainonatinroof.com} #chairmakeover #jonathanadler

Jonathan Adler Inspired Chair Makeover {rainonatinroof.com} #chairmakeover #jonathanadler

And now you step back and call yourself a rockstar.

Gold Spray Painted Chair {rainonatinroof.com} #gold #spraypaint

Or call me a rockstar if you like.

haha.

Jonathan Adler Inspired Chair {rainonatinroof.com} #jonathanadler

Gold Spray Painted Chair {rainonatinroof.com} #gold #spraypaint

Jonathan Adler Inspired Chair {rainonatinroof.com} #jonathanadler

More Chair Makeovers & Upholstery Posts to Get You Inspired:

How to Waterproof & Repel Stains on Fabric – you’ll be mad you didn’t do this sooner!

Pink & Houndstooth Chair Makeover (Roadside Rescue) – super cute and fun twist on an old chair!

French Country Chair Makeover – classic lines, classic beauty!

Restored Rocking Chair – my great-great grandfather’s old rocking chair – restore!

Upholstered Box Spring – banish those ugly box springs!

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Filed Under: Furniture Makeovers Tagged With: chair, jonathan adler, summer soiree

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Comments

  1. Kristen @ It Comes Full Circle says

    August 14, 2013 at 7:43 am

    Hi Jenna – I’m visiting from the Atlanta bloggers page. I love the fabric you chose, and the chair looks really cute – awesome job! Fun writing style, too. 🙂

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 14, 2013 at 4:16 pm

      Hi Kristen! Its so great to have you visit! Thanks so much for your sweet compliment! I always try to show myself in my posts!

      Reply
  2. Therese @ Fresh Idea Studio says

    August 14, 2013 at 8:19 am

    Oh my gosh, Jenna! You are a RockStar! Actually I already thought that before this awesome chair. 😉 But oh how beautiful that turned out.
    Thanks for the 411 on the reupholstering too. I could totally use that for a chair waiting out in my garage right now.
    Cheers to you and yours!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 14, 2013 at 4:13 pm

      Oh, you are way too sweet, Therese! Thank you so much! I can’t wait to see your new chair!

      Reply
  3. Heather @ Southern State of Mind says

    August 14, 2013 at 9:30 am

    I cannot believe you did this yourself! It turned out so fabulous. Nothing like having a soiree deadline to get ‘er done! Love it!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 14, 2013 at 4:12 pm

      Yea, I can’t really believe I did it myself either! Thanks!

      Reply
  4. Christina at SWEET HAUTE says

    August 14, 2013 at 11:49 am

    LOVE THIS too, big fan of Jonathan Adler designs….I wanted to invite you to share this at my linky party going on now. Hope to see you there…

    Christina at
    SWEET HAUTE
    http://sweethaute.blogspot.com/
    Thursday SWEET HAUTE Share Linky Party

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 14, 2013 at 8:19 pm

      Thanks, Christina! I will head over to link up!

      Reply
  5. Elizabeth @ Real Inspired says

    August 14, 2013 at 2:09 pm

    Love it! You’re always so creative, Jenna! I’ve decided that I’m a Rustoleum girl too. In the few projects I’ve done, Rustoleum is the definite winner!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 14, 2013 at 8:18 pm

      You are too sweet, Elizabeth! Thank you! Isn’t Rust-Oleum just the best? Love their products!

      Reply
      • stan says

        January 5, 2021 at 2:49 pm

        well done!!!

        Reply
  6. MIDNIGHT_RIDER_1961 says

    August 14, 2013 at 3:35 pm

    Having seen this chair last weekend I will be the first to attest that this is both a fine piece of craftsmanship & work of art. And yes, I am gonna let my daughter re-do the other chair. But I am undecided about the colors. Being a Bama Graduate, I think Crimson & White would look very nice and be a comfortable place to be whle I watch the Tide beat up on the likes of LSU, Tennessee, & Auburn. Roll Tide! I guess she & I might have to look for material along with help from my precious granddaughter.

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 14, 2013 at 4:11 pm

      Wow, Dad. Thanks.

      Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 14, 2013 at 5:14 pm

      Mr. J, that’s just rude to call out my Auburn Tigers like that. I love your daughter and that adorable grandchild but don’t think I won’t hurt you or help Jenna steal that chair from you!

      War Eagle!

      Jenna’s friend Lindsay 🙂

      Reply
      • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

        August 14, 2013 at 6:11 pm

        Oh. My. Lord. You two are funny.

        Reply
  7. Lindsay says

    August 14, 2013 at 5:15 pm

    If possible, this chair looks even better in person, y’all! Jenna did an amazing job on it! I’m gonna let her redo my cane chairs like this! 😉

    (Mom, you didn’t just read that. Don’t tell Mamaw.)

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 14, 2013 at 6:11 pm

      Hahahhaa! You are too funny, Lindsay! Thank you, dear!

      Reply
  8. Candace says

    August 14, 2013 at 5:36 pm

    I love your tutorial! I have a pair of chairs with similar style upholstery that needs to be replaced. I keep looking at them, afraid to take the fabric off and attack them. This gives me hope!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 14, 2013 at 6:10 pm

      Candace, I was the same way at first! It is just one of those projects that you have to just say – I can do this – and rip into it!

      Reply
  9. Julie Corbisiero says

    August 14, 2013 at 8:58 pm

    Hi, I can’t believe how beautiful the chair came out! You have a real talent for this and make it look so easy! I saw it on I gotta create!
    Julie from julieslifestyle.blogspot.com

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 15, 2013 at 8:41 pm

      It was so much easier than I thought it would be, Julie! Thank you!

      Reply
  10. Emily @ My Love for Words says

    August 14, 2013 at 9:17 pm

    Great fabric choice! I can’t believe this was your first time doing this. Great transformation!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 15, 2013 at 8:40 pm

      Thanks, Emily! I just love that fabric!

      Reply
  11. Emily @ TwoPurpleCouches says

    August 14, 2013 at 10:31 pm

    Every time I look at this, I love it more! Awesome, awesome job!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 15, 2013 at 8:40 pm

      I am the same way, Emily!! Thanks so much!

      Reply
  12. Deborah says

    August 14, 2013 at 10:35 pm

    Nice job Jenna! I haven’t braved reupholstering a chair yet, but I have a couple set aside for the future! Thank you for sharing it and you lamp redo at to What We Accomplished Wednesdays. Have a great week!

    Hugs,
    Deborah

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 15, 2013 at 8:39 pm

      Thank you, Deborah! The chair was much easier than I thought it would be! Thanks for hosting!

      Reply
  13. Krista @ the happy housie says

    August 15, 2013 at 12:32 am

    Okay I am seriously beyond impressed Jenna. That chair is sooooo AWESOME! fabulous job…. And for the record, it is totally possible to lose a chair….

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 15, 2013 at 8:38 pm

      Totally possible, right?! haha! I was impressed as well!

      Reply
  14. Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

    August 15, 2013 at 8:37 pm

    Thanks so much! I love that fabric as well! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  15. Kathy says

    August 15, 2013 at 9:10 pm

    I am stopping by from Happy Hour…you have inspired me to tackle two chairs that have been sitting in my closet waiting for me to do something with them!! Thanks

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 16, 2013 at 6:20 am

      You can do it! It is so much easier than it appears, Kathy!

      Reply
  16. amy @ commona-my house says

    August 15, 2013 at 11:48 pm

    wow!! so great! you are fearless and I love the fabric choice! This would be perfect as MY vanity chair in my bedroom! Wish I could drive over to get it 😉 Thanks for sharing this tutorial, encourages me to tackle a few re-upholstery projects! XO.

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 16, 2013 at 6:18 am

      Thanks! It was much easier than I thought it would be, Amy!! You could totally do it!

      Reply
  17. Milita says

    August 16, 2013 at 12:03 am

    This turned out so cute. I love that you thought to do the frame in gold, unexpected!!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 16, 2013 at 6:17 am

      Thanks! I love that gold frame!

      Reply
  18. Julia @ It's Always Ruetten says

    August 16, 2013 at 1:30 pm

    Jenna, I love the final chair! Great tutorial too! You chose great, great fabric and the perfect shade of gray! I just wanted to let you know that I’ve featured you on my Finding Friday: My Favorite Finds post on my blog It’s Always Ruetten {itsalwaysruetten.blogspot.com}.

    When you have a chance, I’d love for you to come by and grab my featured button!

    Great job!

    Julia
    It’s Always Ruetten

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 18, 2013 at 9:02 am

      Thank you so much, Julia! I was so flattered by your write-up! Thank you!

      Reply
  19. the cape on the corner says

    August 16, 2013 at 2:02 pm

    this is way above my skill set, so i’m just looking at the pretty pictures. and this does look super pretty. what a change!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 18, 2013 at 9:03 am

      You can do it! If I can – you can too! It was much simpler than I thought it would be!

      Reply
  20. Ruth @ Living Well Spending Less says

    August 16, 2013 at 8:44 pm

    This chair is absolutely gorgeous!! You did a fabulous job on it! I love it! Thanks so much for linking up to Thrifty Thursday!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 17, 2013 at 8:27 am

      Thank you and thank you for hosting!

      Reply
  21. Ellya Brill says

    August 17, 2013 at 12:30 am

    Great tutorial. Thank you!

    Ellya

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 18, 2013 at 9:08 am

      You are welcome! It was so much easier than I thought it would be!

      Reply
  22. [email protected] says

    August 19, 2013 at 8:43 am

    Love the chair! The tutorial was great too! I have one in pieces right now on the back burner! Gotta get it finished. Yours my get me in gear!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 21, 2013 at 6:31 am

      Thanks, Deneen! I couldn’t believe how great it turned out and it really wasn’t all that complicated!

      Reply
  23. courtney says

    August 19, 2013 at 9:23 am

    Visiting from Huckleberry Love’s party and from FrySauceandGrits.com! I’m going to attempt to reupholster a family heirloom chair in my living room. Your post has helped me gain some more confidence because this is my first time! The chair turned out great! Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 21, 2013 at 6:30 am

      It’s not as hard as it looks! You can totally do it!

      Reply
  24. [email protected] House and Home says

    August 20, 2013 at 8:26 am

    Hi there! Your chair came out awesome – but it seems like it did take quite a bit of talent and patience! You ARE a rockstar! And your Dad should def get a beanbag chair and give you his chair! 🙂 Julia

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 21, 2013 at 6:25 am

      I really think he would like a beanbag much more, Julia! That’s a fab idea! Thanks so much!

      Reply
  25. [email protected] Stroll Thru Life says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:14 pm

    This looks amazing. I just gave one away, should have kept it. Thanks for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 21, 2013 at 6:17 am

      Oh no, you didn’t Marty!! I love these chairs!

      Reply
  26. Tanya says

    August 21, 2013 at 2:24 am

    Jenna your before and after are gorgeous!! Thank you so much for sharing at Inspiration Monday 🙂 Sharing on FB tomorrow

    xo, Tanya

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 21, 2013 at 6:16 am

      Thank you so much, Tanya for your sweet comment and some facebook love!

      Reply
  27. gail says

    August 21, 2013 at 9:26 pm

    beautiful chair Jenna! you did an incredible job.
    gail

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 22, 2013 at 9:28 am

      Thank you, Gail!

      Reply
  28. Cara says

    August 21, 2013 at 9:38 pm

    You did an amazing job on this chair!!! I love the fabric!

    Cara @ craftdictator.blogspot.com

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 22, 2013 at 9:28 am

      Thanks so much, Cara! I’m pretty happy with how it turned out!

      Reply
  29. Lizy @ http://justdipitinchocolate.blogspot.com/ says

    August 22, 2013 at 12:21 am

    H Jenna! Thank you for the detailed tutorial! The fabric is gorgeous and the way you explained the entire process makes it less intimidating! Thank you for linking your project at the Fluster Buster party, love to see you there next week! Lizy, party co host

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 22, 2013 at 9:28 am

      Thanks, Lizy! I just love that fabric too!

      Reply
  30. Vel says

    August 23, 2013 at 4:10 pm

    This chair is pure gold! Love it! I have a pair of cane chairs that I have yet to tackle! Great job! Linking back from Savvy Southern Style!

    Reply
  31. DesignedByBH says

    August 23, 2013 at 10:58 pm

    You ARE a Rockstar! This chair looks amazing! I love the trim you put on it, too. 🙂

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 28, 2013 at 7:48 am

      I love being called a Rockstar!! Thanks so much!

      Reply
  32. Lauren @ The Thinking Closet says

    August 25, 2013 at 1:25 am

    Oh my gosh. You really are a rockstar, Jenna. This transformation is incredible! And now you’ve actually got me thinking I might be able to tackle a reupholstering DIY of my own someday. You empowering blogger, you!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 28, 2013 at 8:14 am

      Really? I’m a rockstar? Could you call MTV and tell them? Maybe they could give a shoutout to my blog?! Haha! Thanks, gal! You can totally re-upholster something. It really was not near as hard as I thought it would be!

      Reply
  33. Delia says

    August 25, 2013 at 7:06 am

    Wow! This is just gorgeous. I love the selected fabric, the paint color choice, and also the fabulous cane chair. You really need to torment ‘daddy’ until he gives in 🙂
    I admire the effort you put in to reply to each and every post…very encouraging. Keep it up.

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 28, 2013 at 7:48 am

      I know, right?! He should so give me that other chair! They are a pair, they deserve to be together! Thank you so much for following along and the great encouragement!

      Reply
  34. shannon hynes says

    October 29, 2013 at 12:03 pm

    Hi Jenna – I’m visiting this bloggers page…. its relay nice.. you can check out this web site coolrattanfurniture.com for a better knowledge about Chairs.

    Reply

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