Restoring my Dream Thomasville Chair| DIY Reupholstery

Hey guys over the last two weeks I ReUpholstered an old Thomasville chair. This poor chair has been sitting around in my basement for the last two years waiting so patiently for a makeover. I finally got to give it the much need facelift that it needed. This was such a fun project after I got through ripping off all the gross old fabric.
Tools I Used In this Project
Fabric: www.decorativefabricsdirect.c...
Upholstery Tools: amzn.to/3jQVmHE
Cording: amzn.to/3YoZNIA
Double Welt Presser Foot: amzn.to/3IfFZBM
Cordless Hot Glue: amzn.to/3xddjTN
Fabric Hot Glue: amzn.to/3lw4iT5
Upholstery Metal Tracks: amzn.to/3HU9WpS
Fabric Scissors: amzn.to/3HVcCTU

[@01Lenda]

The little fuzzy kittys 😺💕 added the perfect touch! Well done! 🌿💚

[@MaileyElaine]

Haha thank you so much!

[@dustydogization]

this is the most helpful tutorial on upholstery I have seen! thank you!

[@MaileyElaine]

Of course! Thanks so much for watching!

[@amymaclure2366]

That green fabric paired with that gorgeous wood frame is stunning! Amazing job!

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@ericaeschenbacher4921]

Chair does seductively whisper " come stay awhile!" It evokes a quiet mossy seat under a tree with dappled light filtering down on the forest floor. I hope you saved your scrap fabric this time? It would make the perfect base covering for a mushroom 🍄 inspired cat scratching post. Maybe I'm being too specific here, but you always inspire me!! Maybe I'm just saying, save the new upholstery by giving the little destroyers what they crave😹😻

[@MaileyElaine]

Oh I know that's what it is saying haha! I definitely did save my scrap fabric I have a plan for it! that is a brilliant project idea I love mushrooms haha. Thanks so much for watching so glad you like it!

[@blossom1643]

Nice description! I love the tip for the Cat Shroom! (If they tear stuff up they Really don’t Mean Tew) 😂 🐈‍⬛

[@rodikalicharan5544]

You said that you're not a professional, but that looks absolutely amazing, you could be a professional.

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you!

[@jenniesmythe8188]

Agreed

[@eavesdroppin1]

I had two custom love seats in a green corduroy many years ago and loved them. The fabric was very good with cats as they didn't seem to be able to tear or scratch it. I would still have them had I known how to repair them as my son pushed them apart when he slept on them. I made many slipcovers, but never re-upholstered anything. You did a great job on your chair!

[@barbaraehrensberger8186]

It’s looking amazing! Congrats.

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@ghoulgoil5029]

You did it! It’s beautiful. Love the color. Your cats made me laugh. Fantastic job!

[@MaileyElaine]

Oh thank you so much! Oh those crazy cats entertain me all day long! 😂

[@sburwell75]

Wow! That chair is gorgeous!

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@notsurewhatisgoingon]

Wow, what a beautiful transformation!

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@ameliehudini9414]

This is absolutely stunning!

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@rebecarendell]

Blooming gorgeous!

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you! 😊

[@amberpolk]

This chair is sooooo good. I love the fabric.

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you so much! I was just down in my basement staring at it for way too long! haha

[@2corgimother]

Love this fabric! I am so impressed with your courage!! Such a great project completed!

[@MaileyElaine]

Than you sooo much! so glad you like the project!

[@juliecastaneda-hicks3792]

This came out so beautifully. Funny, I just made double welt cording for the first time and I also thought it was soooo satisfying!!

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you so much and it really is!

[@shanaproctor100]

Absolutely gorgeous!!

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@maryharper7667]

Love the fabric! It’s beautiful ❤

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you! 😊

[@jeanlanz2344]

Great workmanship. Enjoy it in good health! God bless you!

[@MaileyElaine]

Thanks so much!

[@lopsided8904]

Beautifully done!! Congrats!!

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@DesignOnADimeKwok]

I love how this turned out. You did such an amazing job ❤👍🏽👏🏽

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you!

[@rebeccaslawson8378]

It's GORGEOUS!!!

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you! So glad you like it! 🥰

[@marywilson7669]

Beautiful job girl! Love the green❤️

[@MaileyElaine]

Oh thank you so much! :)

[@JustinDOehlke]

Yeah, I loved it all!

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@GR-mw1tk]

I have a chair almost identical that I need to recover. Thank you for the video as it gave great tips on the process!

[@MaileyElaine]

Oh yay so happy I could help! Good luck on your project! 🥰

[@jessicaboon1024]

Wow, what a stunning job. I would love to have this in my house.

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you so much! I'm in love with this chair now sometimes I just sit and look at it haha! 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@gracendod8301]

Insane! Love it!

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you! 🥰🥰🥰

[@jenniesmythe8188]

Super cool. Amazing job

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you so much!

[@mrwii5741]

You did a really great job putting that chair together! :) Great Job on this video!

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you!

[@mrwii5741]

@@MaileyElaine Your Welcome! :)

[@kerrydutton9019]

Beautiful job Mailey you are a very talented person 💜💜😍

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you so much! 😻

[@beachysands4036]

Looks great!

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@anafreire5618]

Love it!!! It's gorgeous....

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you! 🥰

[@crunchypeanutbutter2771]

Outstanding!!

[@MaileyElaine]

thank you! :)

[@crystalkirkland781]

Love the chair!

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@kscheuerman5378]

You say you are not a professional!! Hmm, you did a perfect job on this chair. You really made it look so easy!!!!

[@MaileyElaine]

Haha I think a professional would definitely see some flaws in my work. But I'm really happy with the outcome and don't mind the little imperfections. 🥰 Thank you so much. This chair for the most part wasn't too bad as far as upholstering goes.

[@geavonnashel9185]

Looks Really Good !

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you!

[@user-xo9lc4hv3t]

I love that content! Watched that video multiple times 😅😁 I wished I had seen it before I reuphostered my chair. Great DIY like always!

[@MaileyElaine]

Oh thank you so much! Well now you’ll just have to reupholster another chair haha! Thanks so much for watching!

[@ps603]

Turned out Beautiful..

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you!

[@tammyharris11]

You did an awesome job!

[@MaileyElaine]

Oh thank you so much! 🥰

[@kimberlyy911]

That table is amazing

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you it was my grandparents

[@blossom1643]

Really Nice job !! Your Kitty Love is Beautiful!!

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you!

[@followmemovebooks]

i really love the fabric color!

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you! It’s such a good green I’m currently obsessed!

[@followmemovebooks]

@@MaileyElaine yes me too! im my new home i will do a green wall and i will paint my billy bookcases in the same green! i can not wait until the 2 weeks are over! i have bought the paint yesterday, and it is so stunning. Greens like this are so right!

[@joycefernandezbaham8380]

You did an awesome job

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you! 🥰

[@thomasortmann41]

Woow ❤what a beautiful chair👍👍.Great Job. Send it to Germany 😅, i take it .Looks so stunning❤

[@MaileyElaine]

Oh thank you so much! And haha maybe you can get the next one! 😂😂

[@lorettamarieaddatu5851]

Beautiful chair! Also, i love your cats especially the one that cant resist your chair 😂

[@MaileyElaine]

Haha thank you so much! And they’re always in the way but I love it haha!

[@emmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm]

This turned out so well! I felt the pain on the cat scratches - hoping my boy will leave my next project alone.

[@MaileyElaine]

Oh we just love our boys! Haha luckily he has totally left the chair alone since finishing it. And thank you so much so glad you like it! :)

[@RandomJayne]

What a beautiful black cat!

[@MaileyElaine]

OMG thank you! I'm going to go tell him right now! 😂😂🥰🥰🥰

[@maureenbudgen474]

Well done

[@MaileyElaine]

Than you!

[@dianajohnson50]

AWESOME

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you! 🥰

[@zippyustar6350]

OMy I relate to procrastination; once I get all the supplies and even things I might need…. Cause once my wheels are rolling ♥️🎶ain’t no stopping me till I’m exhausted/ I’m making a velvet desk in green to symbolize all the green I’ll be calculating/ made from really sturdy cardboard that delivered my new air compressor/ also have two rescue cats a tuxedo Tom and an older multi girl. Both were wild discovered in my outside work space, now they have a home.

[@willconquer7701]

Nice colour

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you!

[@lilamcnutt2853]

Beautiful! Thank you. One questions, how do you make the cording?

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you so much. And cording is super easy I use a zipper foot cut a 2 inch stip of fabric. Lay the cording in the middle fold the fabric over. Then sew along that cording to sew it into the fabric.

[@eleanorcm7033]

The chair turned out great. I love your house-panther

[@MaileyElaine]

Haha that’s what my husband calls my Clyde boy. Black kitties really are house panthers haha. So glad you like the chair thanks for watching!

[@gingerdunn6590]

You inhaled the dust and mold spores from when you removed the old fabric from the chairs you need to wear a filter mask when you are reopolstering furniture . You are doing a great job on the chair .

[@MaileyElaine]

Haha yes I definitely should have wore my respirator. And thank you so much!

[@emmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm]

@@MaileyElaine yeah to tag onto this, older furniture, particularly cushions and foam, is often treated with flame retardants, which are now illegal in many states because of how carcinogenic they are. A respirator would definitely help and you might want to replace any foam pieces in the next project if the piece is from a specific year range.

[@MaileyElaine]

@@emmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm oh dope thanks for the info! I look up when they stopped using that stuff. This chair luckily isn’t too old was just real beat up. I think it’s from the early 2000

[@paulktalley]

While we're on safety related issues, please remove your rings and or wear gloves during the removal of old upholstery. Saves getting your hands cut.

[@cleovenus3639]

I absolutely loved the fabric and tutorial you made it look so simple and the finished look was perfect well done and thankyou for sharing how long did this take you in real time?

[@MaileyElaine]

Oh thank you so much! It took roughly 5 days I started Monday and ended Friday. and that was with filming the whole process which of course slows the project way down. 🥰☺️

[@paigiboo4969]

Hello! Love this project. I’m planning to reupholster my chair as well, and was wondering how much fabric you ended up needing ?

[@MaileyElaine]

I got 7 yards but I would highly recommend 8 just in case! I was stretching out that last yard haha. Good luck on your project! :)

[@dukagardiner4280]

You are awesome !!

[@MaileyElaine]

Oh thank you!!

[@sampleworks9432]

Beautifully done…it’s a big job but soooo satisfying hey? Enjoy some good books

[@MaileyElaine]

So satisfying!!! Now I just need to find a good book and get into. I have focus issues haha!!!

[@accidentalbowl]

love this!! may I ask why you had to sew the first piece of fabric for the front part separately before upholstering? It looks to me like you could have stapled it in as you did with others. Trying to take on a similar project myself, for the first time :) thanks!

[@MaileyElaine]

I had to sew it to the black fabric that would go under the seat cushion. One it doesn't waste the real fabric and depending on what fabric you go with it it may be slippery. Also you have to sew it up to work with the shop of the chair. Hope this helps!

[@kategoldstone-zx9mo]

Also just love how it turned out! How much fabric did you end up needing? I’m trying to estimate how much I will need for a sofa

[@MaileyElaine]

8 yards if I remember correctly. Maybe just look up average yards need for sofa

[@deegrant6426]

It came out beautifully. My question is, how much was the final total for the project? I have some old furniture I'm eyeballing, but I'm not sure if I can afford to redo it. Please lmk. Thanks

[@MaileyElaine]

It was about $300 for the fabric nice upholstery fabric can still add up.

[@shellylemons]

You used some material to make a faux-fluted look. Can you tell me what you pick up? I have a small dresser I am thinking to practice on before I start flipping furniture. I love that look.

[@MaileyElaine]

Oh yeah it was just a trim I got from Lowe’s. I’ll see if I can find a link for you!

[@arandomwoman2310]

OH MY GAWD! Such a yummy place to snuggle in! Your follow along tutorial is awesome…thank u! New subscriber!

[@kategoldstone-zx9mo]

Love this! Do you give yourself a margin for error? I’m new to this!

[@MaileyElaine]

Not really so I would recommend getting an extra yard or two more then you need

[@lizmarin9568]

Stunning! Don't let the cats destroy it.

[@MaileyElaine]

Thank you! And ooh I won’t I haven’t let them in our basement since finishing this chair haha! 😂

[@ronell.realtor]

My grammie and mom had a upholstery shop. I love seam ripping - kinda zen - right? I wonder is grammie would have liked hot fabric glue? You've really got this.

[@MaileyElaine]

Oh seam ripping can be very zen! and that's awesome I'm sure they are so good at upholstery I'm just winging it haha!

[@nancynewlin]

One other thing I know about reupholstering a chair is that, over time, the foam inside still becomes dried out and stiff.

[@MaileyElaine]

It can just depends on where it was temp of house that kind of stuff

[@nelsontriana5397]

First thing first one the chair look beautiful but you are gorgeous

[@MaileyElaine]

Oh thank you so much!

[@sharond.5749]

Excellent job. How long did the total project take?

[@MaileyElaine]

3 days total I can’t say how many hour since I didn’t track that... but filming everything makes everything take a lot longer. I could have gotten this project done in a day without filming haha. So definitely still a great weekend project.

[@margaretminchew5635]

Where did you get that awesome pin cushion?

[@MaileyElaine]

Haha I made it! If you want to see how it’s in one of my very first videos it’s was fall decor that I turned into a pin cushion haha.

[@user-oi3ll8ht7f]

Would you mind sharing what type of staple gun you were using?

[@MaileyElaine]

It’s a freeman pneumatic staple gun

[@mallorymyers7525]

I am surprised, lol. I'm here to cross verify the first video that used hot glue bc that didn't seem right.

[@MaileyElaine]

Haha I know hot glue didn’t seem right to me either but it is indeed used. Even when I was pulling off the original cording it was all held on by hot glue.

[@victoriabonacquista1470]

Hi, I am not sure how I can contact you but I am starting my first re-upholstery of an antique chair and I am wondering what your prefered tools are? I was also curious how I find the cardboard and metal spikes you used for the back of this chair. You did a really great job by the way. Thank you

[@MaileyElaine]

Here is a link to my storefront. If you click on the picture of the chair you'll see the tools I used for this project... hope this helps! 🥰 www.amazon.com/shop/mailey_elaine

[@victoriabonacquista1470]

OMG! Thank you so much, I love your chanel and I will defeninatly be following it more DIY projects@@MaileyElaine

[@MaileyElaine]

@@victoriabonacquista1470 oh thanks so much so glad you like my content! 🥰

[@krystalarete]

Hahahah looks great. Called it on the cat scratching though

[@MaileyElaine]

Oh yeah I haven't let them in my basement since finishing this chai! haha and thank you so much! 🥰

[@Jrtjazmyne]

About how much fabric did you buy for this project?

[@MaileyElaine]

I bought 7 yards I wish I would have 8 yard now looking back. I had to get a little creative at the end with cutting out all the pieces haha.

[@leahthorpe9379]

😊

[@beachbaby3203]

2 Things….1. Excellent job! It is such a gorgeous piece and you did such an amazing job! 2. Dogs…😂don’t need scratching posts. Just kidding, black cats are worth it. 😊

[@MaileyElaine]

haha oh I'm a cat person all the way. I'm too lazy to have a dog 😂😂😂

[@ritagraybill9414]

How many yards of fabric did you buy?

[@MaileyElaine]

7 but if I could go back I wish I would have gotten 8 or 9 yards! :)

[@TherealGregM]

How did you know how much fabric to buy?

[@MaileyElaine]

I actually just looked it up. I typed in the style of chair and went ahead and order that. I will say I would order an extra yard or two so that it wasn't so close of a call near the end.

[@sprout001]

This gives me anxiety...looks soooo difficult!!! The chair I have is carved wood and stuffed with some straw type stuff!!!

[@MaileyElaine]

Ahh it sounds like your chair is much older. I think this chair was purchased in the early 2000. So I’m not totally sure what that straw stuff is and how to work with it

[@pmreynolds4547]

How do you measure for the amount of material needed

[@MaileyElaine]

I just knew from a previous project accent chairs are usually 7/8 yards. But if you have a specific piece most of the time you can look it up. 🥰

[@christykarnatz8412]

Instasubscribe! Love this video and your whole vibe. 🥰

[@MaileyElaine]

Oh thank you so much! So glad you liked the project and the vibes 😂!

[@christykarnatz8412]

@@MaileyElaineHow many yards of this fabric did you end up using?

[@dao8805]

The fabric for piping and double welt cording should be cut on the bias :)

[@MaileyElaine]

I unfortunately just didn’t have enough to cut on the bias or else I would have definitely should have gotten a few more yards

[@brittanieaugust1105]

What’s the staple gun you used

[@MaileyElaine]

It's a freeman pneumatic staple gun

[@libramagyk]

Ok toss the pillow and I'll take it 😂

[@MaileyElaine]

Not my rose pillow! I love that pillow haha! 😂😂

[@skolrelaterat4113]

I read a lot, but I'm not good at reupholstering. You can give me the chair. OK? Joke aside, it's a very nice chair, you did very well and I would like to have it.

[@MaileyElaine]

haha my mom always jokes that she is going to steel it! and thank you so much! 🥰

[@unakeane532]

Are you making a footstool for it?

[@MaileyElaine]

I wasn’t planning to unless I find a similar or matching footstool I can reupholster. :)

[@unakeane532]

@@MaileyElaine thanks for the reply. The chair is stunning and really well done.

[@MaileyElaine]

@@unakeane532 of course! I’m so glad you like it!

[@barb2062]

Sometimes I wear a mask when I am taking anything old apart. I get sinus issues with the dust. I always think of legionaries disease 😂.

[@rachelgardner8672]

Your video has taught me that going to a professional is what to do. Too complicated for me.

[@MaileyElaine]

Haha! Yeah reupholstering isn’t for everyone! But you could totally do it!

[@rachelgardner8672]

@@MaileyElaine I can strip the chairs down to prep for the pros. Your encouragement is very nice to see. Be well.

[@blues4424]

Like for CAT too👍❤

[@mararundell2500]

[@Rebecca-zr3lu]

Blessings in an abundance of the faith. I salute you. 😘🙏🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍👣🎚️🤲💌📬🔐 Grace and peace be unto you and to this place. Thank you for teaching us. Wisdom, thou art my sister. ❤❤❤🤍🤍🤍🙏 I appreciate this. Very much. I have a chair that I am reupholstering myself. Thank you for teaching me. 😊Will you believe and receive Jesus Christ as your LORD and personal saviour??? I do.

[@MaileyElaine]

So happy I could help! and I do follow Jesus for the last 25 years!

[@Rebecca-zr3lu]

@@MaileyElaine Amen 🙏

[@whimsy339]

Why wouldn't you replace the nasty, old compressed foam on the arms? It must have absorbed years of sweat and dirt. Same with the cushions. You're putting nice, clean fabric over old and yucky stuff.

[@MaileyElaine]

Honestly it was to just keep cost down. I do a lot of projects and they all add up quickly. The foam I reused was on the side of the chair where no one sits so it didn’t bother me. And the cushion inserts I figured I could replace at some other time since I sewed in a zipper. 😬

[@user-ps8um9mw7t]

could do a better job...........

[@MaileyElaine]

Thanks for watching!

[@lolo77222]

Too much talking, not enough concise instruction

[@MaileyElaine]

Thanks for watching

[@patriciau6277]

Too much talking.

[@MaileyElaine]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-xg6xl6ev7i]

Annoying voice. Too silly,

[@MaileyElaine]

Well I can’t change my voice or my personality! But thanks for watching!

[@naam9484]

But but what is the stapler you use ?? 😢😢

[@MaileyElaine]

It's a freeman pneumatic staple gun with craftsman air compressor