Lella boutique

It all started with this little table and chair set purchased last year (IKEA-$20). (I can’t believe it took me this long to spruce it up.)

It was actually a really easy redo! The hardest part was just waiting for multiple coats of paint to dry. 

The first thing I had to decide what paint color. I chose one of my favorite fabrics from Olive’s room (“Quirky in Aqua” from “Ruby” by Bonnie & Camille for Moda).

I went to Home Depot and bought a little $2.50 sample jar of paint to match (Behr in Sweet Rhapsody). I removed the white fiberboard seat and got busy painting! I used 2 coats of paint, then finished it with a layer of Minwax (glossy) polyurethane to protect it from future thrills and spills. (This painting process took me a couple of days since I was in no hurry and wanted to give the chairs plenty of drying time between coats. Plus, it was a humid week.)

 

Oh and please note that if you are repainting this specific IKEA Latt chair to avoid painting in the wooden groove area where the seat fits. This is very important as you will need every little bit of space to fit the fiberboard seat back in after it’s covered with fabric.

Rather than just modge podge fabric to the seat, I wanted to add just a tiny bit of cushion. The challenge would be to add fluff while also making sure the covered fiberboard seat would slide into place later. In order to accomplish this, I made a little tuffet. 

To make the tuffet, you will need two squares of batting exactly 9-1/4″ each.  See how it rests about 1/2″ in from the sides of the fiberboard seat? It will in no way interfere with the fiberboard seat fitting into place.

Next, add a little fiberfill onto one of the batting squares. It should be a pretty thin layer and be positioned approximately 1/2″-1″ in from the sides. This is obviously not going to be a big fluffy tuffet.

Pin the other 9-1/4″ square on top and pin the whole thing together, making sure the raw edges of the batting are aligned on all sides.

Top-stitch around the perimeter (approximately 3/8″ seam allowance) with a zigzag stitch.

Then, you will need one 11-1/2″ square of fabric. I used 11″ in this demonstration and have added the extra 1/2″ adjustment as I think it makes more sense. (Fabric shown is “Floral Dots in Pear” from “Vintage Modern” by Bonnie & Camille for Moda.)

Note: I do not claim to be a professional at reupholstering stuff. I’m sure there is a better way to put this all together, but I used clear packing tape. The main thing is to get the cushion to stay centered in place while we cover the seat with fabric. Exhibit A: my little piece of tape.

Next, flip the whole things over onto the [wrong side] of the fabric. 

Tilt one end and fold the fabric over the edge. Tape in place. I don’t know what else you could use besides tape, but my main concern was getting the seat to slide into place and figured tape would offer a smooth process.

Continue with the remaining sides, pulling slightly so the fabric is taut.

 

At the corners, clip as shown below, fold the fabric ends in, and tape well.

 

Check one last time to make sure everything is taped down well and is as flat as possible on that underside of the seat. 

Remove the front of the chair and slide the seat in place. It will no doubt be a tight squeeze, so be as gentle as possible. As long as you have taped the fabric down securely there should be no problem. If you start to get fabric bunching, carefully remove it and re-tape any problem areas. 

Replace the front chair legs, carefully aligning the seat into the wooden groove beforehand. 

Now to decide what to do to the table! I’ve already painted the wooden frame to match the chairs. I’m thinking of making the table top into a chalkboard surface with either contact paper or paint.  Hmmm. I’m picturing lots of chalk on elbows. I may have to sit and think on it a while.

Shared at Tatertots & Jello