DIY Projects: Updating Old Chairs

Consignment shops and yard sales are stuffed with chairs that have seen better days. While some of them are ready for chair heaven, many just need a little TLC.

Making an old chair new again can be a big project - think professional reupholsterers and gargantuan budgets - or a very, very small one - think spray paint and cloth remnants. How much time and money you invest is entirely up to you. On both ends of the spectrum, the results can be well worth it.

Here are a few ways to breathe new life into that old chair:

1. Recover. The most time and resource-consuming option, recovering is a big project but done right, it can make the most run-down chair look brand new again. Make sure any chair you choose to recover has "good bones" - its springs and structural elements should be in good shape.

Also, recovering removable cushions, like those on many dining room chairs, can be as simple as cutting fabric and using a staple gun. For small cushions, I've even used cloth napkins to cover - couldn't be easier!

2. Paint. Ideal for metal and wood chairs, a coat of paint is an easy coverall. Make sure you sand away old layers of paint before starting, though, or you'll end up with a bumpy mess.

3. Unpaint. Once you do that stripping, you may realize that you don't need to paint at all. If the wood looks good, leave it natural (but protect the chair with a stain and/or varnish).

4. Slipcover. Caterers do it all the time. The quickest way to change the look of a chair is to add a slipcover. Premade slipcovers, such as the ones available at IKEA, will work for many standard chairs, but custom-made covers will look great and aren't that difficult to make.

5. Wrap. For a more casual slipcover, try draping fabric over a structured chair, and tying it at the back. It's easy, easy to update, and looks fantastic.

6. Pillows and cushions. Sometimes the simplest upgrade is best. A new throw pillow, cushion cover or even a casually tossed blanket can hide a lot of flaws.

7. Leg up. Many chairs have removable legs - and that can be your great advantage. Add a new style of leg (or simply paint the old legs) for a new look.

Add your own tips in the comments, or take the discussion over to the buzz board – each month, the best design tip or story (related to this or any other home design project) will win a $50 gift card to a one of several home design stores (more details here). August's contest ends August 31st. Good luck!