How to Reupholster Wingback Chair: 6 Steps and Yardage
How to reupholster wingback chair frames: strip the old fabric, label every piece, cut the new cover and staple it on in order. Steps, yardage and tools.
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The short answer
- Six steps: photograph the chair, strip the old fabric in order, label each piece, use it as the pattern, staple the new fabric on, then finish the trim.
- Fabric: plan on roughly 6-8 yards for a wingback, and more for a patterned weave or a recliner.
- Recliners are harder: the mechanism, arms and footrest add parts, so a pro is often the better call.
- Do not skip the order: inside pieces first (seat, inside back, wings, arms), outside panels last, so they hide the staples.
On this page
Here is how to reupholster wingback chair frames that are still solid: photograph the chair, strip the old fabric in order, label each piece, cut the new cover from it, and staple it back on in the reverse order. Chairs that are worth saving usually have a solid frame, and when the frame is the problem, the best wingback recliner guide for chairs worth replacing shows what to buy instead.
The steps below follow standard upholstery practice, so treat the yardage and spacing as starting points.
How do you reupholster a wingback chair step by step?
Work slowly and keep every removed piece. These six steps suit a fixed wingback; a wingback recliner is covered in the last section.
- Photograph and label. Take photos of every side and seam, then mark each fabric piece as you remove it (back, wing, arm, seat).
- Strip the old fabric. Use a staple puller or pliers and work in the reverse order of how it was built. Save the pieces whole.
- Check what is underneath. Replace a crumbling seat cushion, flattened batting, and re-stretch or replace sagging webbing before covering.
- Cut the new pieces. Lay each old piece on the new fabric, line up the grain and pattern, and add a little extra margin to pull on.
- Staple on the new fabric. Cover the seat and inside back first, then the inside wings and arms, and finish with the outside wings, arms and back so those panels hide the earlier staples. Pull the fabric snug and staple every inch or two.
- Add trim and cover the underside. Glue on welting or gimp, trim the excess, and staple a dust cover over the bottom.
Clean it before you commit
A dull, dirty cover often looks worse than it is. If the fabric is intact, how to clean a fabric wingback chair may save the whole project.
How much fabric do you need to recover a wingback chair?
Most wingbacks need about 6-8 yards of 54-inch upholstery fabric. Measure the old pieces laid flat for an exact figure, and add extra for a pattern that has to line up across the wings and back. These are common rule-of-thumb figures from upholstery practice.
| Chair | Yards |
|---|---|
| Club chair | 4-6 |
| Wingback | 6-8 |
| Wingback recliner | 8-10 |
Pick a medium to heavy upholstery weave, such as linen blend or tight cotton, because thin fabric shows the padding and wears fast.
Pattern costs yardage
A large floral or stripe has to match across the wings and back, which wastes fabric. Buy the extra yard before the roll runs out.
What tools do you need to recover a wingback chair?
A staple gun is the main tool, and an electric or pneumatic one saves a tired wrist on heavy fabric. Gather these before you start:
- Staple gun with 3/8-inch staples
- Staple puller or pliers for removal
- Sharp fabric scissors and chalk
- Tack hammer and welting cord
- Cambric dust cover for a clean bottom
Can you reupholster a wingback recliner yourself?
You can, but it is harder than a fixed chair. A recliner has a footrest, levers and moving arms, so staples near the mechanism can jam it and fabric must allow for travel when it reclines. Photograph the chair both open and closed, unplug a power model, and never take apart sprung linkage you cannot rebuild from the photos.
When should you hire a professional?
Call a professional when the frame is cracked, the mechanism sticks, or the fabric is leather or velvet that marks easily. Professional upholstery of a recliner costs real money in labor, often a large share of a new chair’s price, so compare it with replacing the chair before you start.
Next in this series: Wall Hugger vs Regular Recliner: Space Needed, Differences
Frequently asked questions
How much fabric do you need to recover a wingback chair?
A standard wingback usually takes about 6-8 yards of 54-inch upholstery fabric. A large pattern that must match adds a yard or two, and a recliner can need 8-10 yards.
Is it hard to reupholster a wingback chair?
It is a patient project rather than a skilled one: wings, curved arms and tight corners take the most time. Expect a few weekends for a first chair.
Do you need to remove the old fabric first?
Yes for a lasting job. The old pieces become your pattern, and removing them shows the padding and webbing underneath.