Salvage Beat-up Chairs

• Purchasing a new set of dining room chairs can be expensive. As long as the frame of a chair is in good shape, you can re-cover it and give it a new life. After painting the chair in a color of your choice, reupholster the seat with upholstery fabric. First, remove the seat and trace its shape onto a large piece of paper. Add 2 extra inches to the outline you drew, and use the tracing as a pattern for the fabric. Remove the old batting and foam, and replace it with new material, using a staple gun. Then, stretch the upholstery fabric over the seat and staple it to the bottom of the chair to secure, placing the staples 2 inches apart. Use a ribbon to hide the staples, and reattach the seat to the chair frame.
  
  

Create Outdoor Furniture

• If the furniture in your home must go, transform it into outdoor furniture. By reupholstering furniture with a waterproof, weather-resistant fabric, you can be comfortable in your backyard. If you already have outdoor furniture but it does not feel very comfortable, cut and reupholster old sofa cushions in waterproof, weather-resistant fabric so you can reuse the materials outside.
  
  

Trashcan Ottoman

• When you get a new wastebasket, craft an ottoman out of the old trashcan. A wastebasket with a wooden frame that is square or cylindrical in shape works best for this project. Trace the bottom of the trashcan onto a piece of upholstery fabric, leather or micro-suede, add an inch to the traced shape and cut the material. Cut out another matching piece from the material, as well as a piece of material that is an inch longer than the height and perimeter of the wastebasket on all sides. Use spray glue to apply batting to the top and sides of the trashcan, cover the top of the can with the material, using a staple gun to attach the fabric to the sides of the frame. Repeat this process with the fabric that goes on the bottom. Then, wrap the frame of the trashcan with the remaining piece of fabric. Tuck the sides of the fabric under so you cannot see the raw edge. Use upholstery nails to secure the material in place.
  
  

Slipcovers

• Perfect for matching any decor style or occasion, a slipcover is an inexpensive way to give your couches and chairs a new look when you please or to hide flaws you do not want others to see. If you know how to sew, you can craft your own slipcovers out of any strong fabric you please. Otherwise, you can purchase slipcovers at a store that sells decorative items for your home.