How To Cover Metal Chairs: A Step By Step Guide

Have you ever found yourself staring at a set of metal chairs and wishing they were a bit more comfortable or stylish? Whether you have an outdoor patio set or indoor dining chairs, covering metal chairs can be a great way to add some personality and comfort to your seating. In this article, I will share my personal experience and provide a step by step guide on how to cover metal chairs.

Why Cover Metal Chairs?

There are many reasons why you might want to cover your metal chairs. Maybe they are uncomfortable to sit on for extended periods, or the metal gets too hot in the sun. Perhaps you just want to add a pop of color or pattern to your outdoor space. Whatever your reason, covering metal chairs is an easy and affordable way to upgrade your seating.

Materials Needed

Before we get started, you’ll need a few supplies:

Fabric of your choice
Scissors
Measuring tape
Sewing machine or needle and thread
Elastic or ties (optional)

Step By Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to cover your metal chairs:

Measure your chair seat and back to determine how much fabric you will need.
Cut your fabric to size, leaving a few extra inches on each side for hemming.
Hem the edges of your fabric using a sewing machine or needle and thread.
If desired, attach elastic or ties to the corners of the seat cover to keep it in place.
Place the seat cover over the chair and adjust as needed.
Repeat for the back of the chair, if desired.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Here are some additional tips and ideas for covering your metal chairs:

Choose a durable, fade-resistant fabric if using outdoors.
Try mixing and matching different fabrics for a fun, eclectic look.
Use contrasting piping or trim for added detail.
Add a cushion to your seat cover for extra comfort.
Consider a slipcover for easy removal and washing.
Use a stencil or fabric paint to create a unique design on your covers.
Try using a different fabric for the back of the chair for added interest.
Use a fabric with a water-resistant coating for added protection from the elements.
Make sure the fabric is easy to clean in case of spills or stains.
Consider making extra covers to switch out for different seasons or occasions.

Pros and Cons

As with any DIY project, there are pros and cons to covering your metal chairs.

Pros:

Easy and affordable way to upgrade your seating
Customizable to your style and needs
Can add comfort and personality to your space
Allows for easy removal and washing if using slipcovers

Cons:

May not be as durable as commercially made chair covers
May require some sewing skills or equipment
May not fit as snugly as commercially made covers
May not provide as much protection from the elements as commercially made covers

My Personal Review and Suggestion

As someone who loves to DIY, covering my metal chairs was a fun and easy project. I chose a durable outdoor fabric in a fun pattern and added elastic to the corners to keep the covers in place. The covers have held up well over time and have added a pop of color to my patio set. My suggestion would be to choose a fabric that is easy to clean and durable enough to withstand the elements if using outdoors. Overall, covering metal chairs is a great way to add some personality and comfort to your seating, and I would highly recommend giving it a try!

FAQs

Can I cover metal chairs with any type of fabric?

It is important to choose a fabric that is durable and easy to clean, especially if using outdoors. Look for fabrics labeled as outdoor or fade-resistant for best results.

Do I need to hem the edges of my fabric?

Hemming the edges will help prevent fraying and give your covers a more finished look. If you don’t have a sewing machine, you can hem by hand using a simple whip stitch.

How can I keep my covers in place?

Elastic or ties can be attached to the corners of your seat covers to keep them in place. Slipcovers are also a great option for easy removal and washing.