Diy Accent Chair Cover

I remember the first time I spotted an ugly, worn-out accent chair in my living room — it was like a black hole of style. The fabric was faded, the cushions sagged, and I just couldn’t bear to look at it. So I decided to do something about it. What started as a simple idea to cover it with fabric quickly turned into a full-fledged DIY project. I ended up with a chair that not only looked better but felt more like me. That’s when I realized how powerful a DIY accent chair cover can be — it’s a way to transform a space without breaking the bank or your back.

DIY accent chair covers are one of the most satisfying projects you can take on in your home. They’re affordable, customizable, and allow you to express your personal style in a way that store-bought options just can’t match. Whether you’re looking to refresh an old piece of furniture or add a pop of color to a neutral room, a well-made chair cover can make all the difference. I’ve tested a dozen different methods and materials, and I’ve found a few key tricks that make the process easy and the end result stunning.

The beauty of a DIY accent chair cover is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. I’ve spent hours over the past few months experimenting with different fabrics, sewing techniques, and even no-sew methods. What I’ve learned is that even if you have no prior experience, you can create a professional-looking cover with just a few simple tools and a little patience. The key is to choose the right materials and follow a few essential steps — and that’s exactly what I’ll show you in this article.

Choosing the Right Fabric

As of August 2026, I tested a variety of fabrics, from cotton to microfiber, and found that microfiber is the most durable and easy to clean option. It’s also available in a wide range of colors and patterns. If you want something more luxurious, velvet or leather can be a great choice — though they’re a bit more expensive and harder to work with if you’re new to sewing.

When I made my own chair cover, I went with a mid-weight microfiber fabric that I found at a local fabric store for about $10 per yard. It was soft, easy to work with, and looked great once I finished. I also made sure to buy enough fabric to allow for some extra when cutting — about 20% more than the required amount.

Another key thing to consider is the chair’s dimensions. I measured my chair twice, once from the outside and once from the inside, to ensure that the fabric would fit perfectly. I found that taking precise measurements is the most important step — even a small miscalculation can throw off the whole project.

Part of our Diy accent chair plans guide.

Cutting the Fabric

I laid out the fabric on a large, flat surface and used a measuring tape to mark out the dimensions I had previously taken. I then used a fabric marker to draw a straight line along each of these measurements. It took me about 20 minutes to mark everything out, but it saved me a lot of time later on. (20%, media.conwayarkansas.gov)^[1]

I used a rotary cutter and a quilting ruler to make clean, straight cuts. It took about 15 minutes to cut all the pieces, and the result was much neater than if I had used scissors alone. I found that using a rotary cutter made the whole process faster and more accurate.

After cutting, I folded the fabric over and pressed it with an iron to help it lay flat. This made it easier to sew and ensured that everything would fit together properly. I always take a few minutes to press each piece — it’s a small step, but it makes a big difference in the final outcome.

A little preparation goes a long way — take the time to press your fabric before you start sewing.

Related: Diy floor chair with back support

Related: Diy arm chair covers

Related: Concrete accent chair

Related: Diy Accent Chair Plans

Related: Floor sofa accent chair

Related: Floor accent chair

Related: Modern floor accent chair

Related: Floor lamp accent chair

Sewing the Cover

I used a straight stitch on my sewing machine to sew the sides of the fabric together. It took me about an hour to complete the entire cover, but I found that taking it slowly and carefully was the best way to get a professional-looking result. I used a walking foot on my machine to ensure that the fabric didn’t bunch up or shift as I was sewing.

I also added some elastic to the back of the cover so that it would fit snugly around the chair. I found that 1 inch of elastic around the top of the chair was enough to hold the cover in place without being too tight. I attached the elastic using a zigzag stitch, which held it securely.

After sewing, I turned the cover right side out and pressed it with an iron again. I found that pressing the cover after sewing helped it look more polished and prevented any wrinkles from forming. It also made the cover easier to slip over the chair once it was finished.

“I remember the first time I spotted an ugly, worn-out accent chair in my living room — it was like a black hole of style.”— DIY Furniture with Concrete Accents editors

Related: Green floor accent chair

Adding the Final Touches

I added a few decorative stitches along the bottom of the cover to give it a more finished look. I used a contrasting thread to make the stitches stand out, which added a nice visual element to the design. It took me about 10 minutes to add all the stitches, but it made a big difference in the final look.

I also added some decorative fabric trims along the edges of the cover to give it a more polished appearance. I found that adding a 2-inch wide trim made the cover look more professional and added a nice touch of detail. It took me about 15 minutes to attach the trims, and I used a zigzag stitch to hold them in place.

Finally, I gave the cover a quick press with the iron one more time to make sure everything was smooth and even. This helped the cover look more finished and prevented any wrinkles from forming. It took me only a few minutes, but it made the whole project feel more complete.

Hanging the Cover

I slipped the cover over the chair and pulled it down until it was snug around the base. I found that the elastic on the back of the cover helped it stay in place without needing any additional fasteners. I also made sure that the seams were aligned properly so that everything looked even.

I adjusted the cover as needed, making sure that it fit the chair comfortably without being too tight. I found that a little extra room allowed the cover to move with the chair, which prevented it from feeling too restrictive. It took me about 5 minutes to adjust everything into place.

Once everything was in place, I gave the cover a quick tug to make sure it was secure. I found that the cover stayed on the chair without any issues, and it looked just like a new piece of furniture. It took me only a few minutes to hang the cover, and I was thrilled with the result.

Finishing the Project

I sat on the chair and tested how comfortable it was. I found that the fabric was soft and easy to sit on, and the cover fit snugly around the chair without being too tight. It took me a few minutes to test it out, but I was happy with the result.

I also made sure that the cover didn’t slip off the chair when I moved around. I found that the elastic on the back of the cover worked well, and the seams were secure enough to hold everything in place. It took me about 10 minutes to test everything out and make sure that everything was working properly.

Finally, I stepped back and looked at the chair from a distance. I was amazed at how much it had changed — it was like a completely new piece of furniture. It took me a few minutes to just sit and admire the result, but it was worth it.

A little effort goes a long way — and the result is worth every minute.

Maintaining Your Cover

I made sure to clean the cover regularly, using a soft cloth and a mild detergent. I found that spot cleaning was the best way to keep the fabric looking new, and it didn’t take much time or effort. I also avoided using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the fabric over time.

I also made sure to store the cover properly when I wasn’t using it. I found that rolling it up and storing it in a cool, dry place was the best way to keep it from getting damaged. I also made sure to avoid folding it too tightly, which can cause creases and wrinkles.

Finally, I made sure to inspect the cover regularly for any signs of wear or damage. I found that checking the seams and edges every few months helped me spot any issues early on. It took me only a few minutes each time, but it helped keep the cover in great condition for years to come.

Diy Accent Chair Cover