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You are here: Home / decor / Office Makeover Part One: Desk Chair Tutorial
decor

Office Makeover Part One: Desk Chair Tutorial

December 30, 2012

Oh friends, my office makeover is just about finished! I have been working away in there all break. It was honestly like the book If You Give a Mouse A Cookie… Here’s how it went.


-If you give Christi a closet for fabric, she will want custom shelves.
–If you give Christi custom shelves, she will buy lots and lots of fabric and will want an entire bookshelf.
–If you give Christi a bookshelf, she will want cute matching bins for organizing.
-If you give Christi cute matching bins for organizing, she will want the rest of the room to be just as cute.
-Thus, a makeover is in order.

So… my office got an overhaul. =) I now have a new desk, two new bookshelves, one new chest, and a new chaise for relaxing (okay, and working from my laptop). Along the way I did lots of little DIY projects and plan to share them with you too. We’re still putting the finishing touches on the office so you won’t see the whole thing just yet, but here’s the first chair. LOVE!  

Step One: Find old, dirty office chair. I already had one that had been well loved so I skipped this step.

Step Two: Turn chair upside down and take off base, arms, and backrest. 

Step Three: Recover the pieces using cute fabric, thin batting (optional), and a staple gun with 3/8 inch staples. I used batting to give a little extra layer of cushion on the old chair, but stapled it at the same time as the fabric all in one step. Pull it really tight and staple your way around the chair. I stapled at 12:00, 6:00, 3:00, and 9:00 first to secure the chair and then filled in. 

Use lots of staples around the corners.

Step Four: Cover the loose edge of the fabric. I chose to use black canvas I already had, folded the edges over to make a nice finish. You do this to hide your work. I didn’t think it would show and was tempted to skip this step, but after putting the chair back together, I realized I was wrong (ha) and had to take it back apart. Trust me.


Step Five: Sew the back. {Side note: If your chair has a back made just like the arms and seat cushion, you won’t have to sew a thing. Yay! My other office chair was like that.} I used the old cover to make a pattern.

Step Six: Fold your fabric over and pin it together before cutting it out. I used a zipper on mine, so I cut an additional allowance on that edge. I left a rectangular piece along the bottom to serve as a zelcro flap. This flap will be hidden under the seat of the chair after I slip it on, saving me extra zipper work.

Step Seven: Slide and zip your back on the chair and reattach all the pieces. This one shows the velcro flap, which is hidden under the seat.

It’s so pretty! It was surprisingly easy and the fabric was super cheap with my 50% coupon and teacher discount at Joann’s.

 
Okay, that’s all for now. I am *this close* to having the entire office finished so I need to get back at it!

**Update to show the second chair, which was all staples and no sewing!**

 

Need more inspiration for your DIY projects at home or school?

 


organization
by Christi Fultz 

About Christi Fultz

wife • mom • teacher • writer • tech obsessed • sometime crafter • beach lover | Empowering entrepreneurs through branding & website design

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Comments

  1. Sarah Cooley says: December 30, 2012 at 1:48 pm

    That is SO CUTE!!!!

  2. Cynthia says: December 30, 2012 at 1:48 pm

    LOVE the "new" chair! I need to do this to the chair at my reading table. One of kids told me he knew I REALLY loved it because that's where I was sitting everytime he was in my room (ha…he's ONLY in there during that time) and because it had a big tear in it!!! lol

    Now, I'll have to look and see if I can do this. I am NOT a seamstress, but I can cut and staple like nobody's business! HA!

    Cynthia
    http://2ndgradepad.blogspot.com/2012/12/getting-organized-for-new-year.html

    • Christi Fultz says: December 30, 2012 at 5:23 pm

      How precious is he? 🙂 Our second office chair was the all cut and staple kind because the back is also a cushion. No sewing required! It's just the pesky mesh backs that require sewing.

  3. Karen Hester says: December 30, 2012 at 1:54 pm

    Very cute!
    karen
    LittleSecond-GradeSomebodies

  4. The Wild Rumpus says: December 30, 2012 at 2:13 pm

    Very cute! I have a brand new office chair in my classroom that I use in the meeting/read aloud area, but I need something new for my desk–I may have to ask our custodian if there's an older office chair in the furniture storage area…

    • Christi Fultz says: December 30, 2012 at 5:25 pm

      Yes! Give that old chair a new life. 😉

  5. Mrs. Shepherd says: December 30, 2012 at 3:59 pm

    Your new chair looks great!

  6. Christina Bainbridge says: December 30, 2012 at 4:24 pm

    Wow- good for you! The chair is great!

    🙂
    Christina
    *Bunting, Books, and Bainbridge

  7. Fabulous 4th Grade Froggies says: December 30, 2012 at 5:22 pm

    Absolutely FAN-TAB-U-LOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love it! I wish you were my neighbor so I we can play "make over my house" 🙂
    ~Lorraine
    Fabulous 4th Grade Froggies

    • Christi Fultz says: December 30, 2012 at 5:24 pm

      Ooohh, that would be so fun! =)

  8. Shelly Sitz says: December 30, 2012 at 8:50 pm

    My chair needs an overhaul. You make it look so easy. I was thinking of trying to find a parent to do it or pay someone. I don't think mine would look as good as yours. Your directions are great–maybe I will give it a try.

    Shelly
    Smiling and Shining in Second Grade

    • Christi Fultz says: December 31, 2012 at 6:53 pm

      It really is as easy as it looks! 🙂

  9. Lori says: December 31, 2012 at 3:39 pm

    I am impressed! You did a professional job on your chair!! You make is seem so easy. :)Love your fabric choice too.
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

  10. Kate Wright says: December 31, 2012 at 4:43 pm

    I just stopped by to say thank you for the blogger You Tube video that I just used. It saved me TONS of time! I'm new to Blogger and your step-by-step video was a lifesaver! Your chair makeover is pretty groovy too. Clearly you are an excellent teacher! Happy New Year from your newest follower.

    • Christi Fultz says: December 31, 2012 at 6:53 pm

      Thanks, Kate. Welcome to Blogger!

  11. Megan @ I Teach. What's Your Super Power? says: January 8, 2013 at 2:25 am

    Love it! I need to do this to the hot pink pleather chair my daughter has. (No lie-hot pink pleather.) Can't wait to see the whole room make over. My office got an organizational makeover and it needed it big time!

    Megan
    I Teach. What's Your Super Power?

  12. Jimm William says: January 10, 2013 at 9:34 am

    Awesome collection of chairs….
    One Day Sale

  13. FourthGrade Flipper says: January 10, 2013 at 11:20 am

    Wow!! That is a beautiful chair makeover! I just happened to stumble upon your blog and thought, "Hey, I have some of Ms. Fultz's TPT products! I guess I need to do some more blog stalking because every time I do, I find more amazing blogs like yours:)
    ~Holly
    Fourth Grade Flipper

  14. office furniture delhi says: January 10, 2013 at 11:27 am

    This post is so informative and makes a very nice image on the topic in my mind. It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. Keep posting as I am gonna come to read it everyday!office furniture delhi

Christi Fultz

wife • mom • teacher • writer • tech obsessed • sometime crafter • beach lover | Empowering entrepreneurs through branding & website design

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Joy // I shared this in stories, but it deserves a Joy // I shared this in stories, but it deserves a permanent place in my feed too. When do we lose this endless wonder and joy?? These kids are here for a good time all the time. 

They loved a night in a hotel to swim and play. It wasn’t a relaxing experience away with a spa like many of my trips pre-kids, but it was exactly what we needed.
Proof Of Mom // Took the kids to opening day at @k Proof Of Mom // Took the kids to opening day at @kentuckykingdom today. After moving back to Louisville last summer, it’s been fun exploring old places that are “new” to my kids. The new ownership seems to have big plans for the park. Carter is eager for the water rides to open. We’ll be back soon!

#kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #kentuckymom ⁠#locallouisville #louisvillelove #mylouisville⁠ #howwelou #louisvilleigers #momsaroundlouisville #momlife
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New Dress // This girly of mine is all smiles for New Dress // This girly of mine is all smiles for her new Target dress. I have trouble getting her to look directly at the camera and give me a real smile. Swipe to see her “whole face smile” look. 😆 I am so blessed to be her momma.

Spring break was so much fun. It makes me really excited for summer break with them. This is such a fun age.

#kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #kentuckymom ⁠#locallouisville #louisvillelove #mylouisville⁠ #howwelou #louisvilleigers #momsaroundlouisville #momlife #instagrammom #momsofig #girlmama
Spring Break // We had a blast at @greatwolflodge Spring Break // We had a blast at @greatwolflodge for spring break! Carter said his favorite part was a tie between playing and eating… we did a lot of both! This was our first time, but we learned quite a few tips and tricks that I’ll share on the blog soon.

#greatwolflodge #greatwolflodgemasonohio #greatwolflodgeohio #kentuckyblogger #kentuckymom #momlife #instagrammom #momsofig #springbreakwithkids #springbreak2022
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As an experienced third grade teacher with a Masters in Elementary Education and K-12 reading license, I know educational resources need to be both inviting and engaging to capture students' interests. I am passionate about creating user-friendly resources to help all students learn while saving valuable prep for teachers. Read More…

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Joy // I shared this in stories, but it deserves a Joy // I shared this in stories, but it deserves a permanent place in my feed too. When do we lose this endless wonder and joy?? These kids are here for a good time all the time. 

They loved a night in a hotel to swim and play. It wasn’t a relaxing experience away with a spa like many of my trips pre-kids, but it was exactly what we needed.
Proof Of Mom // Took the kids to opening day at @k Proof Of Mom // Took the kids to opening day at @kentuckykingdom today. After moving back to Louisville last summer, it’s been fun exploring old places that are “new” to my kids. The new ownership seems to have big plans for the park. Carter is eager for the water rides to open. We’ll be back soon!

#kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #kentuckymom ⁠#locallouisville #louisvillelove #mylouisville⁠ #howwelou #louisvilleigers #momsaroundlouisville #momlife
Happy Easter // So blessed to be their momma. 🐰 Happy Easter // So blessed to be their momma. 🐰

#kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #kentuckymom  #locallouisville #louisvillelove #mylouisville⁠ #howwelou #louisvilleigers #momsaroundlouisville #momlife #instagrammom #momsofig
New Dress // This girly of mine is all smiles for New Dress // This girly of mine is all smiles for her new Target dress. I have trouble getting her to look directly at the camera and give me a real smile. Swipe to see her “whole face smile” look. 😆 I am so blessed to be her momma.

Spring break was so much fun. It makes me really excited for summer break with them. This is such a fun age.

#kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #kentuckymom ⁠#locallouisville #louisvillelove #mylouisville⁠ #howwelou #louisvilleigers #momsaroundlouisville #momlife #instagrammom #momsofig #girlmama
Spring Break // We had a blast at @greatwolflodge Spring Break // We had a blast at @greatwolflodge for spring break! Carter said his favorite part was a tie between playing and eating… we did a lot of both! This was our first time, but we learned quite a few tips and tricks that I’ll share on the blog soon.

#greatwolflodge #greatwolflodgemasonohio #greatwolflodgeohio #kentuckyblogger #kentuckymom #momlife #instagrammom #momsofig #springbreakwithkids #springbreak2022
Spring // We are all smiles over here for warmer w Spring // We are all smiles over here for warmer weather and days spent playing outside. ⁠
⁠
⁠
#kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #kentuckymom ⁠#locallouisville #louisvillelove #mylouisville⁠ #howwelou #louisvilleigers #momsaroundlouisville #momlife #instagrammom #momsofig #girlmama #springinkentucky
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#kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #kentuckymom ⁠#locallouisville #louisvillelove #mylouisville⁠ #howwelou #louisvilleigers #momsaroundlouisville #momlife #instagrammom #momsofig #girlmama
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