Follow this easy bar stool makeover DIY steps using a little paint, foam and fabric. Upholster and give your bar stool a modern look!
Cute seating has never been one of my strong suits. I always get stumped on doing something practical but still cute. Recently I made a new craft table that is much taller than a typical desk and almost had me stumped. Until I discovered that some stools are taller than 28″. I was stoked! So I started searching and soon found a 29″ plain stool on Craigslist for $10. Score! And so began the diy bar stool makeover…
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Here’s what you’ll need for your own DIY bar stool makeover:
- Stool
- Paint
- Foam
- Fabric
- Staple Gun
I started with a coat of midnight blue spray paint to get rid of the traditional bar stool look. Well, it ended up being like 10 coats of paint actually. Sand the surface down a little bit first to give the paint more to stick to. After I felt like it was finally covered in paint I found some fun fabric that matches my color scheme for my craft room and bought some foam from my local craft store.
I know I am going to spend hours on this stool so wanted something pretty cushy. I bought 2″ foam and then just cut it about the same size as the seat of the stool. Now, this doesn’t have to be exact at all. Heck, I used a cheese slicer knife because it was the best thing I could find to get the job done.
You do what you gotta do.
Related: Check out this simple, yet gorgeous, counter stool makeover!
Once you get your foam cut, grab your staple gun and go to town pulling and stretching your fabric to get it covered just right. Be sure to trim away any extra fabric or staple any bits that need it once you flip the stool over.
Tip: Staple the four edges first and then gather each corner and staple away.
And there we have it! I love how it turned out and can’t wait to show you how it looks in my new craft room. And seriously…who’s not drooling over this fabric? Love!
Are you up for the bar stool makeover challenge?
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If you like this barstool makeover…
I’d love if you shared it with your friends or pinned it on Pinterest. I’ve even added icons below to make it super easy for you.
I love how it turned out and you’re right, that fabric is fabulous!
Love it, Amanda!! So cute! And that fabric; so perfect! I have a stool sitting in my garage that needs a makeover, too!
Thanks! It was a lucky find for sure!!
Such a great makeover, Amanda! I love the think cushion you added to make it more comfy :)
That is super cute, and it looks so easy!
love the stool you gave it a bit of personality
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Thanks for the great tutorial, I tried and mine turned out pretty decent. Yes you got a fabulous fabric!!
Wow this looks so much better! Super cute makeover! XO
That turned out great! Love the fabric! And nice looking bar stools are so expensive new–great idea to take a simple one and make it look expensive :)
Your pretty stool caught my eye at the Get Your DIY On Party. What a difference to that stool – love the fabric!
LOVE this idea. Instead of buying new stool I am going to use the ones of have and bring in a great fabric for the chairs. A GREAT IDEA. Thanks for sharing.
Looks great and I LOVE the print! Where did you get the fabric? I have an office chair to redo and I’m in love with this print.
Hi Denise! Glad you like it. I got the fabric at JoAnn’s.
i’m looking to redo two of my bar stools. about how much paint did you use per stool? would one can be enough for two stools? thanks!
I used one can of spray paint for the stool and there was enough for another one I would say.
I loved it how you turned out from nothing to something exciting and colorful. I have a question. how did you stick cushion to chair seat?
I have two bar stools with backs that I would like to redo. Can you give advice on
how I should go about this project.
Hi Gail! Does the back or the bottom detach? Are you wanting to cover the full stool or just the seat? Either way, I would cover them separately depending on the stool.
just curious as to how much fabric you bought, i would like to do the same inch foam as you did.
I absolutely love it! I have a stool just like it and I wasn’t sure what to do with it! I’ll be doing this for sure! All I need is some Beautiful fabric like yours!
How did you attach the seat to the stool?
Hi Debbie. I didn’t detach the seat. I just put the foam directly on top of the seat and then used the fabric to hold it in place.
Thank you for this post! I’ve been scouring the internet for the right stool for my new office with no success. I saw your post and realized, “Oh wait! I have one of those just sitting in my living room, not being used!” PERFECT! So excited! Now I just have to find the right material. My office is still a little bit of a blank slate with neutral colors. Looking for some pops of color to cover cork boards and now my stool!
Love that! I’m sure you’ll find the perfect fabric!
What kind of spray paint did you use (glossy, certain type?), and how many coats?
Hi Sheila! I used two coats of semi-gloss.
Curious how the stool finish has stood the test of time? I am planning a similar make over for my kitchen stool, but wondering how they will hold up!