Should You Cover Dining Chairs With Vinyl To Avoid Messes? We're Weighing In

A family home with kids, pets, and wine lovers can quickly leave things looking suspiciously like a crime scene. If that sounds like just another day in your house, covering your dining chairs in vinyl might be the answer. The process itself is relatively straightforward, especially if you have the right tools and some DIY savvy. No, it's probably not the way to make a statement with your dining room, but then, neither is having it look like the set of a CSI episode. That said, the payoff of an easy-to-clean surface might outweigh any potential downsides.

The first step is to clean your chairs with a good upholstery cleaner. Alternatively, you could always reupholster them in fabric first. From there, it's a matter of cutting the vinyl fabric with enough excess to wrap around the seat, and then securing it with staples to the underside of the chair seat. Warm the vinyl with a hair dryer to make it more malleable and help stretch it nicely. The results are certainly pleasing, but let's take a look at the pros and cons of going the vinyl route so that you can make the right choice for your home.

Vinyl covers are tough, water-resistant, and easy to clean — just a quick wipe and they're good as new, making them ideal for homes with small humans and animals. They come in a wide range of colors and textures, including options that mimic leather, giving your chairs a mini makeover without breaking the bank. With proper care, vinyl can last for years. Plus, it's simple to put on, take off, or swap out when needed. Let's be honest, the plastic design won't win any style awards. If your decor type has you pondering things like how to choose dining chairs that won't make your table look too boring, vinyl may not be the best fit. They also don't feel great to sit on, especially in summer when bare legs can stick to the surface. Vinyl isn't easy to repair either; a rip or tear usually means recovering the chair.

Over time, vinyl covers can shift, wrinkle, or crack, although this is less common with dining chairs than with couches, where the material isn't pulled as tightly. There's also the potential for moisture to get trapped underneath, leading to mold or mildew in damp environments. Plus, it's also prone to fading if continually exposed to strong sunlight. Ultimately, vinyl covers are a practical choice for busy households — but style and comfort come at a cost. If you find them wanting, but need to avoid upholstery until the kids are older, wood dining chairs are always worth the splurge.