Don't Buy New: Give Furniture An Upgrade With A Sustainable Solution

New furniture isn't cheap, but trying to extend your existing furniture's lifespan by reupholstering it isn't cheap, either. On average, it costs $700 to professionally reupholster a single armchair, and if you want to try to DIY the renovation, the upholstery fabric can cost as much as $60 per yard. If you're hoping to breathe life into an outdated dining chair, there's another trick that's friendlier to your wallet as well as the planet. Tablecloths are widely available and much more affordable than upholstery fabric, whether you buy them secondhand or new, and it's generally easy to find a print or solid color that's the perfect match for your room's decor.

As you look for tablecloths for a DIY upholstery project, consider 100% linen or linen-cotton blends. Linen is a durable, versatile, and timeless material that offers an elegant touch to furniture and decor. Plus, when sourced from a reputable manufacturer dedicated to sustainable growing practices, linen generally requires less water and fewer pesticides and fertilizers than cotton. Linen can be pricey due to its environmentally conscious and time-consuming production methods, but it's possible to save money by hunting for vintage tablecloths. Thrifted tablecloths are not only cheaper than new fabric but also help divert textiles from landfills.

Whether you're reupholstering barstools, dining chairs, or ottomans, check your cupboards first to see if you can upcycle an old tablecloth that's no longer used for mealtime. You'll also need a staple gun, upholstery adhesive, or wire brads and a hammer, depending on the furniture you're upgrading. Solid wood furniture may be too dense for a staple gun to pierce, so test it carefully before you get started. Then follow one of the many online tutorials for the upholstery process — try paid sites like Kim's Upholstery, peruse the educators listed on the National Upholstery Association, or search for how-tos on YouTube.

For example, to reupholster a single chair cushion, remove the protective cambric fabric on the underside of the seat, saving it to reattach later if it's still in good shape. Cut out enough tablecloth fabric to cover the cushion and wrap it around snugly, pulling it tight and using your staple gun, glue, or brads to secure the fabric to the frame. This DIY can also give you the opportunity to restuff your cushions and bring your furniture back to life. Work slowly and carefully, and you'll be rewarded with a piece of furniture that's good as new and ready for its second life.

For patio furniture upholstery, look for vinyl outdoor tablecloths. These thicker plastic-based textiles withstand the elements better, and they're easy to wipe clean. If you're in love with a tablecloth that won't survive outdoor conditions, you can upholster your furniture as usual, then add a layer of clear, flexible, UV-resistant vinyl fabric over the top. This should help protect the fabric underneath from moisture and fading caused by prolonged sunlight exposure. You can also use clear vinyl covers indoors to make your furniture easier to clean.