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If you can wrap a gift, you can recover a chair cushion….

May 17, 2011 60 Comments

…. well, temporarily.

Here’s the situation:   I love our dog, but she isn’t too nice to our outdoor furniture.  We have a set that is super comfy, but she has gotten up onto the cushions to sleep.  That has made them dingy and a little thread-bare in places.

How to temporarily recover furniture cushions

We host Thanksgiving and Mother’s Day Brunch and before each event, I get new fabric to go with my color scheme/decor and I temporarily recover the cushions.

Back in January I was shopping for fabric for no-sew drapes I was making.  Because I knew ahead of time that I wanted to use turquoise, apple green & tangerine colors for Mother’s Day Brunch, I was able to snap up this apple green paisley for about $2 a yard.  Major score since I needed several yards.

To do this, you literally are going to treat the cushion as if it is a gift you are wrapping… except that you’re using fabric instead of wrapping paper and a glue gun instead of tape.
Flip the cushion upside down, so that all of the seams will end up on the bottom or back of the cushion. (just like you would when wrapping a gift…)

How to temporarily recover couch cushions

Figure out how much fabric you need to use, then cut it.
Now unlike a present, you will secure the “short” ends first.  I do this at the front of the cushion because it creates a smoother look on the finished cushion. (by the way, I wrap the fabric right over the little velcro tabs used for attaching the cushion to the chair.)

How to temporarily recover outdoor furniture cushions

I glue the fabric directly to the ratty cushion and just pull it off when I change the fabric.  If you want to protect your cushion from the glue, just allow for more fabric and glue the fabric to itself as you wrap the cushion.

How to temporarily recover furniture cushions

Then, like a present, fold over the corners of the fabric and secure with the hot glue.  Flip the cushion right side up and pop into the chair.

How to temporarily recover furniture cushions

Finish up the rest of the cushions.  Tah-da. Better.  At least temporarily.

How to temporarily recover outdoor furniture cushions with a glue gun.

Oh, and see the cute turquoise coffee table?

How to temporarily recover furniture cushions

It was a roadside rescue my sister picked up for me.  A few coats of Valspar’s Mediterranean Gloss spray paint and it was all better.  (I think this will be the first color of many layers of spray paint for this guy.)

Spray paint an old coffee table to match your outdoor furniture fabric.

Anyway.  Cheap.  Easy.  Temporary.  (It’s nice to have options).

Filed Under: Before and After, cheap and easy, Crafts, Entertaining, fabric, Furniture, garden & outdoors, no-sew, tutorial

Comments

  1. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    May 17, 2011 at 6:35 PM

    What a great post, thanks for showing us!
    Glad my tutorial helped. You know what is also great if it’s something you don’t use often is a small canvas print, it covers the area perfect!
    Have a great day!
    Kristin

    Reply
  2. MiMi says

    May 17, 2011 at 6:56 PM

    So I have done this before and it IS just like wrapping a present.
    The only thing is that I’m a BAD wrapper.
    LOL
    Um. Do you spend hours linking up?? Holy crap.

    Reply
  3. The Answer Is Chocolate says

    May 17, 2011 at 8:18 PM

    What a great way to think about it and take the intimidation out of it! Love the fabric you found!

    Reply
  4. madison avenue says

    May 17, 2011 at 9:02 PM

    wow! love this post! i have always wanted to try this but i thought it would be too hard! thanks for the inspiration!
    madisonavenue2011.blogspot.com

    Reply
  5. Erin says

    May 17, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    Great info Vivienne, and I do love that blue table!

    Reply
  6. Sunshine and Lavender says

    May 17, 2011 at 11:42 PM

    ok we are totally on the same wavelength… I am doing a post soon about outdoor pillows 🙂 Ca-razy…
    ~Alison

    Reply
  7. Maddie Kertay- The Domestic Anarchist says

    May 17, 2011 at 11:53 PM

    Ohhhh so fresh and nice.. and to think I am sweating out hours of sewing new cushion covers.. I feel like a dumb bunny!

    Maddie

    Reply
  8. Shawn says

    May 18, 2011 at 12:03 AM

    Hot glue? I would never have thought to use hot glue, I would have pulled out the sewing machine and probably ended up throwing it away.

    Reply
  9. ~Lavender Dreamer~ says

    May 18, 2011 at 12:06 AM

    That really looks nice! Love the fabric, too! ♥

    Reply
  10. Judy says

    May 18, 2011 at 12:11 AM

    Great solution. Perfect as a no sew. Thanks for sharing at my Swing into Spring party.

    Reply
  11. Courtney {a thoughtful place} says

    May 18, 2011 at 12:23 AM

    Oh my gosh! WE have the exact same patio furniture. Got it about five years ago and LOVE it.

    Reply
  12. Jennifer says

    May 18, 2011 at 12:24 AM

    Love that fabric! Love the price too! $2?!
    Jen

    Reply
  13. Patti says

    May 18, 2011 at 12:51 AM

    Just what I needed to learn – I’ll be recovering cushions like this soon…NOW, if i could only find $2.00 yd fabric like you did!!

    Reply
  14. Jayna Rae says

    May 18, 2011 at 1:02 AM

    Great fabric. Great thinking.

    Reply
  15. katecreativesalvage says

    May 18, 2011 at 1:12 AM

    HellO;

    Great tutorial, so easy, and cute, I have the same chairs, my cushion need a new wrapping fabric, thanks,

    Reply
  16. Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.com says

    May 18, 2011 at 1:23 AM

    I’ve been waiting for this post since I’m sewing impaired, and my chairs are almost just like yours. I think I will give this a try! I would like to know how this looks on the back side of the chair backrest, though, if you don’t have it up against a wall. Does it look okay?

    Reply
  17. Good Time Charlie says

    May 18, 2011 at 2:57 AM

    This is a relly, really clever idea. But what if you only use Gift Bags instead of wrap presents? Tell that naughty dog to stay off the cute fabric too.

    Reply
  18. Cherished Bliss says

    May 18, 2011 at 5:09 AM

    What a great idea! My husband looks at me funny when I say “I want to change the color of this room.” One day I’m actually ganna do it : )

    Reply
  19. Handy Man, Crafty Woman says

    May 18, 2011 at 5:33 AM

    This looks great! I’m always intimidated to try something like this. Thanks for linking this up to our WAW link party.

    Reply
  20. Deneen says

    May 18, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    Love the color of the fabric! Thanks for making it easy!

    Reply
  21. poindextr says

    May 18, 2011 at 1:07 PM

    cutest fix ever, if I do say so. Looks perfectly perfect 🙂 ~diane

    Reply
  22. Holly says

    May 18, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    Love that paisley fabric! Temporarily recovering the chairs is a great idea, even if they haven’t been messed up by the dog. Make it pretty for any occasion!

    Reply
  23. Tanya @ Greetings From the Asylum says

    May 18, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    I absolutely love your fabric! I want to make something with it immediately! LOVE IT! (and your chairs look great in it too)! 🙂

    Reply
  24. Rebecca @ My Girlish Whims says

    May 18, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    My kinda project, no sewing required!!!! Awesome idea 🙂

    Thanks for linking up to Your Whims Wednesday!

    Reply
  25. Kelli says

    May 18, 2011 at 10:09 PM

    Shoot…Rondell is the gift wrapper in the house.

    Reply
  26. Cozy Little House says

    May 18, 2011 at 11:46 PM

    Great idea! I’ve tucked old antique linens on for a quick look. But wouldn’t have thought of this idea!
    Brenda

    Reply
  27. Amy Gilman and Emily Lee (Sisters of the Wild West) says

    May 19, 2011 at 3:40 AM

    The chair and table turned out great! Have a BLAST and a few glasses of wine OR EVEN A BOTTLE of wine for me! I just LOVE the idea of a girls weekend away!

    Reply
  28. Joyful Baker says

    May 19, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    Those look great!

    Reply
  29. Myya says

    May 19, 2011 at 9:59 PM

    I should totally try this with my outdoor furniture! I’m a great present wrapper!!!

    Holy link ups!!! WOOOOW!

    Reply
  30. At The Picket Fence says

    May 20, 2011 at 1:35 PM

    That is a SERIOUSLY great idea Vivienne! I love the fact that it is temporary so you can change it out to your heart’s content. Thank you so much for sharing another fabulous project with us at Inspiration Friday! 🙂
    Vanessa

    Reply
  31. Sassy Sites! says

    May 21, 2011 at 3:45 AM

    LOVE the paisley fabric! Thanks for linking up at the Sassy Sites Free For All party! When you get a chance, come back by and see what we’ve done for the American Crafter’s competition… and maybe vote for us too! *wink*

    xoxo!
    Marni @ Sassy Sites!

    Reply
  32. Holly says

    May 24, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    Cheap, easy, options – speaking y language lady! Great fabric. My furniture so needs a massive facelift! Great inspiration.

    Reply
  33. Amy @ Positively Splendid says

    May 25, 2011 at 1:02 AM

    SO smart!

    Reply
  34. Rebecca @ My Girlish Whims says

    May 25, 2011 at 1:48 AM

    Hey I featured this on my blog today, come grab a button! http://mygirlishwhims.blogspot.com/2011/05/your-whims-wednesday-8-and-features.html

    Reply
  35. Cherished Bliss says

    May 25, 2011 at 3:49 AM

    I am in love with this green color! I am getting ready to do some outdoor curtains and this is the color I’m leaning towards! Thanks for sharing at Craft and Tell!

    http://www.cherishedbliss.com

    Reply
  36. Esther is not-quite-perfect says

    May 26, 2011 at 6:02 PM

    I must admit, I’ve done this once or many times too. It’s quick, easy, and changeable.

    Reply
  37. Al says

    May 27, 2011 at 12:17 AM

    I just found your blog, and I am your newest follower! I love this tutorial, so quick and easy, I’ll have to try it out. Have a great weekend 🙂
    http://www.skylarkmanor.com

    Reply
  38. xinex says

    May 27, 2011 at 3:18 AM

    Nothing beats free! What a clever idea about the cushion cover. They look really nice….Christine

    Reply
  39. Kelli- AdventurezInChild'Rearing says

    May 27, 2011 at 4:42 AM

    I bought some large “painters cloth” awhile back and have been eyeballing my couches- Now- I’m going for it! (I may use velcro for easy removal for washing- I have 3 boys)

    Reply
  40. Robin says

    May 27, 2011 at 6:32 AM

    I love quick and easy! It’s even better when it looks fabulous when your done. Thanks for the tip.

    Reply
  41. Kelli @ RTSM says

    May 27, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    I have been avoiding our patio set cushions because I really didn’t want to sew that much! I guess I just need to get the hot glue gun out instead:) Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  42. The Answer Is Chocolate says

    May 27, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    So glad you linked this up to this week’s BFF Open House! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  43. shopannies says

    May 28, 2011 at 2:48 AM

    thanks for the tutorial there are a few chairs that can use some touch up around here come see me at http://shopannies.blogspot.com

    Reply
  44. Funky Junk Interiors says

    May 28, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    TOTALLY my kind of sewing project. 😉 Nicely done! Sure looks purdy.

    Donna
    http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  45. Jenn Erickson says

    May 28, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    Viv, what a great idea for a quick and chic furniture facelift! I love the fact that you coordinate the fabrics to your special holiday events.

    Jenn

    Reply
  46. J-ME says

    May 28, 2011 at 10:31 PM

    I have some outdoor chairs that are just waiting for a makeover. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  47. Handy Man, Crafty Woman says

    May 29, 2011 at 5:11 AM

    I need to find some outdoor chairs to try this on! Thanks for linking this up to Wicked Awesome Wednesday!

    Reply
  48. Kim @ It's a Crafty Life says

    May 31, 2011 at 12:11 AM

    Love the new fabric! The chairs look great, thanks for linking up!

    Reply
  49. KAT says

    May 31, 2011 at 12:13 AM

    Thank you so much for this idea pretty easy really ! I’m going to do it to my swing cushions
    kat

    Reply
  50. KK says

    May 31, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    Very very good idea! Freshening up the cushions at a great price and so easily changed.

    Reply
  51. Lindsey @ Inspiring Creations says

    May 31, 2011 at 5:48 PM

    Another awesome transformation! Love that fabric. Thanks for the how-to, maybe now I will try to recover a cushion! You make it look so easy. 🙂

    Reply
  52. Mindy says

    June 3, 2011 at 3:36 PM

    I used that same fabric to make couch pillows. Cute, cute!

    Reply
  53. A Lived in Home says

    June 4, 2011 at 3:11 AM

    Much better! Beautiful fabric!

    Reply
  54. outlast blankets lowest price says

    June 6, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    Really nice Fabric! i like the Color Combination! keep it up!

    Reply
  55. Promosyon says

    September 19, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    Well, I have always wanted to try this but I thought it would be too hard. Your work is best for inspiration.

    Reply
  56. custom suits says

    November 30, 2011 at 11:27 AM

    This is wonderful. It would be great at Christmas to have kids mark where they live. Artistic perfectionism is you done better than my work.

    Reply
  57. Cathy says

    December 7, 2011 at 3:37 AM

    Wow! This is a very creative improvement on your chair. Your dog will surely be shy on ruining it again, eh.haha.

    Cheers,
    Cathy@adar scrubs

    Reply
  58. group lockout tagout says

    January 17, 2012 at 4:02 AM

    Here share above everything is awesome. I like creative improvement on your chair. I impressed by that. I appreciate your work. Thanks for share your ideas.

    Reply
  59. software for sale says

    February 2, 2012 at 3:43 AM

    It was really nice blog. Everything is awesome in above shear. I like your creativity on your chair. I impressed by that.

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  60. Peggy Able says

    March 2, 2012 at 7:43 AM

    I think the best interior design and furniture are necessary for house. It gives new and pretty looks of your house. Thanks for sharing such a great idea.

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    Reply

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