How to Upholster a Curved Back

Take the chair apart. The seat should be easy to pry off the base. If you can't remove the back, you can upholster it as it is.

Remove the material from the back and seat of the chair. Cut pieces of thin foam or cotton batting to fit the seat and the front of the chair, where your back rests. Attach the foam or batting with a staple gun. Place the staples about 2 inches apart.

Cut a piece of new fabric to fit the chair's seat, plus an extra 2 inches of fabric around all sides. Place the seat over the fabric. Pull the material firmly up over the edge. Attach it to the underside of the seat with several staples or upholstery tacks.

Measure two pieces of fabric for the chair back--one for the front and one for the rear--including an extra 2 inches of fabric all around. Cut out the pieces. Attach the rear piece by pulling it tight around all sides and securing it with staples. Attach the second piece to the front of the chair. Pull the ends tight. Make sure the top piece overlaps the other piece, then fold it under the edge of the fabric and secure it with upholstery tacks.

Replace the chair's seat. Trim off any loose fabric or threads.