How to Reupholster a Recliner Chair

This article was written by Ryan Podnar, furniture expert at La-Z-Boy South Texas

Reupholstering a recliner chair can be a rewarding DIY project, allowing you to breathe new life into a worn-out piece of furniture and customize it to suit your style. Whether your recliner has a few worn spots, outdated fabric, or simply needs a fresh look, reupholstering is a great way to restore its comfort and appearance.

While this project requires patience and attention to detail, it can be done with the right tools and techniques. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reupholster a recliner chair.

Coming Up…

• Tools and Materials You'll Need
• Step 1: Remove the Existing Upholstery
• Step 2: Inspect and Replace Padding
• Step 3: Cut the New Upholstery Fabric
• Step 4: Attach the New Fabric
• Step 5: Reupholster the Recliner Footrest
• Step 6: Reassemble the Recliner
• Step 7: Final Touches
• Do You Have the Right Recliner?

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:

• New upholstery fabric (measure your recliner to determine how much fabric you need)
• Staple gun and staples
• Upholstery tack strips (optional)
• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Upholstery foam (if necessary)
• Sewing machine or fabric glue (if you're making custom cushions)
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Fabric adhesive (optional)
• Heavy-duty needle and thread (for hand sewing)
• Painter’s tape (to mark fabric patterns)
• A plastic putty knife or flathead screwdriver (for removing staples)

Step 1: Remove the Existing Upholstery

To begin, carefully remove the old upholstery from the reclining chair. Start by turning the chair over and using a screwdriver to remove any screws or bolts that secure the fabric to the frame. Depending on the recliner's construction, there may be several layers of fabric and padding to remove.

• Remove Staples: Use a staple remover or pliers to pull out the staples securing the old fabric. This can be time-consuming, but it's important to remove them carefully to avoid damaging the chair frame.
• Take Note of the Pattern: As you remove the old fabric, take note of how it was attached to the frame. You may want to use the old fabric as a template for your new fabric, so be careful not to tear it.

Step 2: Inspect and Replace Padding

Once the old upholstery is removed, inspect the foam padding and any other internal cushioning. Over time, padding can become compressed or worn out. If your recliner feels lumpy or uneven, now is the time to replace the foam.

• Measure and Cut New Foam: Use the old foam as a template or measure the areas of the chair that need new padding. Cut the new foam to fit, ensuring it's the same thickness as the original to maintain comfort.
• Add Extra Cushioning (Optional): If you'd like extra cushioning, you can add an additional layer of foam or batting. Attach it with fabric adhesive or by stapling it to the frame, ensuring that it's secure.

Step 3: Cut the New Upholstery Fabric

Now that the chair is stripped down and padded, it’s time to cut the new fabric. The amount of fabric you'll need depends on the size of the recliner, but typically, a full-size recliner requires between 6-10 yards of fabric, depending on the design and the complexity of the job.

• Use the Old Fabric as a Template: Lay the old fabric pieces on top of the new fabric and trace around them. Add an extra inch or two around the edges for seam allowances.
• Cut the Fabric: Carefully cut the fabric using sharp scissors, making sure you follow the traced lines as closely as possible. If your fabric has a pattern, be sure to align the patterns as you cut.

Step 4: Attach the New Fabric

Start by attaching the fabric to the back of the chair and work your way around the seat and armrests. Here’s how to proceed:

• Begin at the Back: Position the fabric on the back of the recliner and begin stapling it in place. Pull the fabric tightly as you go, ensuring there are no wrinkles or slack. Use the staple gun to attach the fabric to the frame, spacing the staples about 2 inches apart.
• Move to the Seat: Once the back is secure, move to the seat. Pull the fabric tight and staple it along the front edge of the seat. As you move around the seat, be sure to pull the fabric taut to avoid sagging.
• Work on the Armrests: Attach the fabric to the armrests in a similar fashion. Use the staple gun to secure the fabric, and make sure to tuck the corners neatly to give a clean, professional look.

Step 5: Reupholster the Recliner Footrest

If your recliner has a footrest, don't forget to reupholster it as well. You’ll need to remove the footrest from the chair if it’s removable. Otherwise, you may need to recline the chair to access the footrest area.

• Wrap the Footrest: Use the same method you used for the seat and back. Wrap the fabric tightly around the footrest, securing it with staples. Make sure the fabric is smooth and free of wrinkles for a polished look.

Step 6: Reassemble the Recliner

Once all the fabric is securely attached and the chair looks the way you want it, reassemble the recliner.

• Reattach the Recliner Mechanism: If you had to remove any parts of the recliner mechanism to access the upholstery, now is the time to reattach them. Use a screwdriver to ensure everything is secured tightly.
• Check the Functionality: Test the reclining function to ensure that the chair still reclines smoothly and that there is no interference with the mechanism due to the new fabric.

Step 7: Final Touches

Once your recliner is reassembled, take a step back and inspect your work. Look for any wrinkles or areas where the fabric may need to be pulled tighter. You can use a plastic putty knife or flathead screwdriver to tuck fabric into tight corners for a neat finish.

• Sew or Attach Any Remaining Details: If necessary, sew any edges that require it, or use fabric glue to secure any areas that need extra attention.

Do You Have the Right Recliner?

Reupholstering a recliner chair may take time and patience, but it’s an incredibly rewarding project that can save money while giving your furniture a fresh, updated look.

By following these steps—removing the old fabric, replacing any worn padding, cutting and attaching new fabric, and reassembling the chair—you can breathe new life into your recliner.

Whether you’re updating the fabric to match new decor or simply restoring a beloved piece, all of these steps will be for nothing if you’re not happy with the feel of your current recliner.

If you want to get a newer, more comfortable recliner instead, visit your nearest La-Z-Boy South Texas store to see how our recliners fit you.