How to Restore and Reupholster a Tub Chair

As you may have read in our other DIY furniture blogs, revamping IKEA furniture is increasingly popular. The great thing about IKEA designs is that their modular construction makes them relatively straightforward to redesign and upcycle. They are also quite plain, so they take well to customisation. If you are new to upholstery, reworking or recovering a chair is a little advanced – but with patience and good instructions it can be a rewarding project.

Use the original cover as a template

The removable fabric cover on a tub chair such as the Tullsta is a brilliant guide for getting your replacement foam and fabric to the right dimensions, because it comes off in one piece and splits easily into separate components. If you plan to reuse the same cover, keep the stitching intact. If you have chosen a new fabric, unpick the stitching of the original to separate it into individual pieces and use them as a template for the foam and fabric.

To begin, remove the outer cover using the zip. Take a stitch picker and separate the largest components first (the back and seat pieces, for example). Once the material is split into sections, lay each one on your new fabric to trace around its shape. When every piece is cut, pin them onto the chair to check the dimensions are correct.

Choosing your foam

The next thing to consider is the type of foam for your chair. Many people feel it is only necessary to replace the seat cushion rather than the foam lining the back and sides – but if you'd like to replace it all, please contact us to discuss your requirements. For the seat cushion, you can use a medium-to-high density polyurethane foam, a memory foam pad for added comfort, or a combination of the two.

Measuring and ordering the foam

To order a new seat cushion, you can use eFoam's cut to size tool if you are comfortable measuring the exact dimensions of the seat. However, tub chairs such as the Tullsta have curved backs, so your calculations will need to take that curvature into account. As this can be tricky, another option is to trace around the seat cushion on a large piece of paper and send it to us, and we will cut the foam to your requirements. If you are unsure how, follow our guide to making a paper template.

Assembling the chair

Stitch the fabric for your seat cushion together first, adding a zip similar to the original cover. For seat cushions, we also recommend using stockinette for the foam inserts. Remove the fabric pieces from your chair in one piece, keeping them pinned together so they hold the shape you created while templating. Stitch the pieces together and attach them to the chair with a pneumatic staple gun. For more guidance, contact one of our friendly advisers.

Frequently asked questions

What foam should I use to reupholster a tub chair seat?

For the seat cushion, use a medium-to-high density polyurethane foam, a memory foam pad for added comfort, or a combination of the two.

How do I measure foam for a curved tub chair?

Because tub chairs such as the Tullsta have curved backs, the easiest way is to trace around the seat cushion on a large piece of paper and send the template to us, so we can cut the foam to match.

Can I reuse the original cover as a template?

Yes. The removable cover comes off in one piece and can be unpicked into individual panels, which make an ideal template for cutting both your new fabric and foam.