Fabric by project

Fabric for Dining Chairs

Dining chairs get sat on every day, wiped down after dinner and pushed in and out a hundred times. Here's what to look for when you're recovering yours, how much fabric to plan on, and a place to start looking.

Upholstered dining chairs around a wooden table

What kind of fabric works

Look for upholstery fabric rated for everyday seating. Our FAQ suggests 15,000 or more double rubs for everyday home seating, and every fabric in this selection is rated at 30,000 or more. Woven fabrics such as jacquards and plain weaves give you pattern and texture. Check the cleaning code on each product page before you choose.

Fabric to start with

See all Dining chair fabrics

What to think about

Durability

Look at the double rub count on the product page. Higher means tougher. 15,000 or more suits everyday home seating.

Cleaning

Each product lists a cleaning code. W means water-based cleaners, S means solvent only, WS allows either. The fabric care guide explains each code.

Width

Most upholstery fabric is about 54 inches wide. Check the width on each product page, since wider fabric needs fewer yards.

Pattern

Stripes, plaids and bigger patterns need to line up, which uses more fabric. Add about 20 to 25%, and more for a large repeat.

How much fabric?

For a dining chair seat only, plan on about ½ yard per chair. For seat and back, plan on 1 to 1½ yards per chair. These are estimates for plain fabric 54 inches wide, so add extra for patterns, piping and other details. Order everything at once, since fabric from different orders can come from different dye lots.

Open the full yardage guide

Try it before you cut

Swatches are 9x9" and $10 each, and ship for a flat $15 anywhere in Canada. You'll get a $15 code toward a future order of $100 or more.

Choose swatches

Questions

How much fabric do I need for 6 dining chairs?

Seat only: about 3 yards in total (½ yard each). Seat and back: 6 to 9 yards in total (1 to 1½ yards each). Add 20 to 25% for patterned fabric. These are estimates from our yardage guide. Email us your measurements at info@thefabricshoppe.ca if you're unsure.

What does double rub count mean?

It's a wear test. Higher means tougher. 15,000 or more suits everyday home seating.

Can I use indoor fabric outside?

No. Only use fabrics from our Outdoor collection.

Can I return fabric if I order the wrong amount?

All cut fabric is final sale, with no refunds, returns or exchanges. Order a 9x9" swatch first and use our yardage guide to plan.

Cut fabric is final sale. Shipping and returns