The tulip chair cushions are back from the upholsterer!
I feel a bit uppity and unworthy typing that. This is the first time I’ve hired a professional to sew anything for me. I have a sewing machine. I can sew. But these four cushions were beyond my skill set. I’m talking pucker-prone fabric and heavy duty zippers. Just to be sure, I did try a rough first draft at home on my machine but the results were unacceptable and unsightly. I didn’t take a picture {too embarrassed} but, believe me, it was bad.
FYI – The chairs are from Overstock and come with cheap, white cloth cushion covers. From the beginning, I knew I would be replacing them. White fabric isn’t ideal for a dining chair and after just one wash, the covers were falling apart. The chairs themselves are great though!
I bit the bullet and hit up a reputable, local upholsterer. I had no idea what to expect price wise for labor but in my mind anything <$300 would be worth it. After negotiating {I always ask for a quote and then follow up with “what if I pay cash?”}, labor came in at $175. I chose a vinyl leather lookalike. It was a bit costly per yard but I only needed 2 yards. For a well used surface like dining seating, I told myself it was a good investment. I didn’t want to choose something less expensive or of lesser quality just to have it falling apart and stained beyond repair in a year or two. This vinyl is in it for the long haul. And if you ask me, it’s the most convincing leather lookalike I’ve ever seen in person. It even has the texture and feel of real leather. The cognac is pretty spot on, too. So, so yummy.
When I gave the covers a shot on my own, my seam was terribly uneven and puckered. Vinyl is notorious for that. This one is particularly stretchy which makes it even more difficult to work with. When I picked up the cushions, the upholsterer told me he had to redo the first cover and pull it tighter because the fabric has so much give to it.
I remove the sheepskins when we’re eating and the cushions are completely wipeable which makes cleaning up after family meals relatively easy. We have quite a few messy eaters over here!
The original covers had to be attached to the chairs with velcro which came included. Otherwise, they slid around and off the chairs. The good thing about the vinyl is it has an innate “sticking” ability {but it doesn’t feel sticky at all} so no velcro is needed. The cushions stay in place on their own.
I have to say…paying someone else to the dirty work this time around wasn’t exactly fulfilling but it was just as rewarding and 1000% easier. Usually, I end up cursing my sewing machine and sending it into exile for months before finding the courage / patience to break it out again. I’m learning to pick my battles.
Have you ever hired out for something you know how to do but were worried your results would be subpar OR you just didn’t want to do it?
UPDATE: Per several reader requests, the tulip chair sans sheepskin…
images: Dana Miller for House*Tweaking
budget decor, interior design, kid-friendly