How to Replace a Cane Seat and Cushion

Hey there!

I’m excited to share this cute little table and chairs with you! I found them separately on the Facebook Marketplace. I liked the dark stain of the drum table, but not the glossy finish. The chairs needed a little more love, but they’re really unique and I like their more casual style paired with the table. Their cane seats were long gone so let’s get into how to replace a cane seat and cushion.

Materials Needed

• plywood
• jig saw
• scissors
• stapler
• glue gun/glue
• foam
• batting
• fabric

Cane Seats

First we need to make the structural part of the new seats out of plywood. This process is fairly easy. I used a big piece of paper to trace the frame to create a template. I followed the small holes where the caning used to be attacked. This was about the middle of the frame. I wasn’t too worried about the template or the plywood being perfect because I would be adding batting, foam, and fabric.

We had a piece of 1/2 inch thick plywood on hand. I traced the template onto the plywood twice, and then cut them out with a jig saw.

Adding the Cushion

Next I added foam, batting, and fabric to make the cushions. I cut out the foam to size then glued it to the plywood. Then I placed the batting on the floor and set the seat on it foam side down. I pulled the batting tight and stapled it to the bottom of the seat. I worked my way around the seat until the batting was secure.

For the fabric I placed the pattern so that it was centered and straight. Then I pulled it tight and placed my first staple in the center. From there I worked my way around the seat alternating sides so that the folds stayed even.

Fabric

I thought this was a good opportunity to carry the damask pattern from the upstairs guest room wallpaper to the main floor. Repeating patterns is a simple way to make your home feel more cohesive. This fabric has the look of linen but is a canvas material that I think will wear well, which is important in a farmhouse.

Linking the fabric HERE!

Video of Chair Cushions

Watch me make the seat cushions below!

The Table

I liked the bit of distressing the drum table has so instead of removing the finish I added a clear matte wax over the top of the whole table. It got rid of the glossiness while keeping that character. When looking at traditional Victorian sitting rooms or parlors as they’re sometimes referred, you’ll often see lots of seating options including small tables like this one. Placing it here in our living room has become my new favorite place to enjoy my coffee in the mornings.

How to Replace a Cane Seat and Cushion

Our home is a Victorian farmhouse and that’s how I would describe the decor style. And with some modern elements thrown in it’s really my favorite juxtaposition. Creating a custom budget friendly seating area was such a fun easy project! It honestly just feels so good to start styling another room!

See the entire living room HERE!

Ps We’re starting on the kitchen reno part 2 this weekend! I’ll be sharing progress on Instagram @midcounty_journal