How to … give an old chair new life

Functional, but not very attractive by today’s décor standards, this old chair needs a new lease on life. Follow these easy steps to give any droll seat a very trendy shaggy look.

You’ll need a chair with a removable cushion base which, Depending on the state of the chair, it may need a little repair work, sanding and cleaning. All this prep should be done before applying a white base coat. This chair has had two coats of Plascon’s Greybear enamel, with each application being allowed to dry for 24 hours.The technique for the seat is finicky but the end result makes the process worthwhile. You’ll need fabric, mesh, a pair of scissors, a crochet hook and a staple gun.

STEP 1 Cut your mesh into a size that will completely cover the cushion, allowing for turnover space and stretch. I used mesh from a fabric shop, but you can also use the plastic, non-slip variety from a hardware store. If your cushion needs plumping, remove the existing fabric and add more sponge.

STEP 2 Choose a fabric in two colours, such as this combination of chocolate brown and mint, in the same texture. Try to pick a material that doesn’t fray because it can be messy, and wash it before use to prevent shrinkage and bleed. Cut the fabric into strips thin enough to go through the mesh holes.

STEP 3 Using a crochet hook, pull the fabric strips through the mesh, hooking the ends through the hoops. Alternate the colours and spacing.

STEP 4 When you’ve covered the mesh, pull it taut over the cushion of the chair, fold over the edges and, using a staple gun, attach to the underside. At this point you can check for gaps, trim the fabric and remove any frayed edges. Place the cushion into the chair to complete your project.

OTHER IDEASFor a more interesting cushion, combine fabric of different textures and styles. Use towelling to create a funky bathroom chair or tulle for a girl’s room. If you don’t have a chair with a removable seat, a cushion made using the same method will do just as nicely, or you can make shaggy scatter cushions. This fabric technique can also be used to create small rugs and interesting table features, such as runners and placemats

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