If you need to upholstery Aunt Mary’s favorite chair or that thrift shop find from last weekend, you needn’t break the bank buying fabric for the project. Here are some unusual upholstery fabric alternatives you can consider:
- Vintage tablecloths. Vintage tablecloths make a wonderful upholstery fabric for dining room chairs. Even if one tablecloth is not enough, if you choose another with similar colors, they will blend. If you have tablecloths that are stained, just work around the stain and throw it away (or to be more earth friendly, make it into a wash rag.)
- Artist's canvas. Artist's canvas or painter's floor cloths are a cheap upholstery alternative. The canvas comes in 100-yard rolls. You can use the white or cream canvas plain or customize it using fabric paints. Have fun creating a design that complements your existing furniture or allow your children to use fabric paints on the canvas to create their own work of art
- Vintage blankets. Vintage wool or cotton blankets can be used for durable playroom furniture. They have a faded and soft look that is made for comfort.
- Sheets. Sheets are a great alternative for casual furniture, but be sure to choose a tight weave (250 count or more) for durability.. You can use a coordinating sheet or pillowcases for accent pillows or an ottoman.
- Drapes. Look around at yard sales or thrift shops to find old brocade, silk, or velvet drapes. Usually, just a little cleaning is necessary to make them usable. As with vintage tablecloths, you may have to work around damaged areas, but you will have a rich and elegant fabric for very little money!
- Leather coats. If you just need a pillow accent, look around your favorite thrift shops for old leather coats. They can also be used to cover ottomans or dining chairs.
- Besdpreads. Quilted, woven, or matelasse bed covers found at a thrift shop can be an inexpensive way to cover a chair or sofa. As a bonus, the fabric is almost always washable!
Almost any old fabric item – placemats, quilt squares, or even dresses – can be used to upholster small furniture items. No need to run to the fabric store, just grab your scrap bag!
