DIY Throne Chair Transformation: Upcycling a Plastic Chair into Royal Seating

Updated at: 29/03/2025

Ever dreamt of owning a throne fit for a king or queen, but balked at the exorbitant prices? What if we told you that regal seating could be achieved with a surprisingly humble starting point – a humble plastic chair? This project transcends the ordinary, transforming a discarded plastic chair into a magnificent DIY throne, showcasing the power of upcycling and a touch of creative ingenuity. We'll guide you through a process that’s both affordable and rewarding, proving that luxury doesn't have to break the bank.

Forget expensive antique reproductions; this project celebrates the art of repurposing and adding personality. We'll breathe new life into an otherwise destined-for-the-dumpster plastic chair, showcasing how simple materials and a little elbow grease can create a stunning statement piece for your home. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and unleash your inner royal decorator because this step-by-step guide will lead you through the entire transformation, from initial planning to the grand reveal of your very own DIY throne.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Plastic chair
  • Cardboard
  • Decorative overlays
  • Plastic sheet
  • Staple gun
  • Foam
  • Fabric
  • Tape
  • Gold spray paint
  • Flexible trims
  • Screws
  • Crystal buttons
  • Picture frame (plastic)
Safety Guidelines
  • Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask when sanding or using spray paint to protect your eyes and lungs from debris and fumes.
  • Ensure the chair is thoroughly clean and dry before beginning any painting or decorating to ensure proper adhesion and prevent peeling.
  • Use caution when working with sharp tools like knives or scissors, and always cut away from yourself.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chair Back

    • Take measurements of the chair back and cut out the desired shape from cardboard.
    • Lay decorative overlays on the cardboard and trace the shape.
    • Carve out the cardboard shape and attach it to the chair back.
    • Add plastic backing to the cardboard for easier tufting.
    Add plastic backing to the cardboard for easier tufting.Add plastic backing to the cardboard for easier tufting.Add plastic backing to the cardboard for easier tufting.
    Prepare the Chair Back

  2. Add Cardboard Structure

    • Add cardboard around the plastic chair to change its look.
    Add cardboard around the plastic chair to change its look.
    Add Cardboard Structure

  3. Upholster the Back and Sides

    • Create points for tufting and use a staple gun to attach tufts to the plastic backing.
    • Staple fabric to the sides of the chair.
    • Staple fabric to the back of the chair, adding thicker foam to the front for fullness.
    • Increase the height at the back of the chair if necessary.
    Increase the height at the back of the chair if necessary.Increase the height at the back of the chair if necessary.Increase the height at the back of the chair if necessary.
    Upholster the Back and Sides

  4. Enhance Chair Arms

    • Add foam to thin chair arms and cover with fabric, using tape to smooth out any bumps.
    Add foam to thin chair arms and cover with fabric, using tape to smooth out any bumps.
    Enhance Chair Arms

  5. Add Decorative Trims

    • Attach gold spray-painted flexible trims to the sides of the chair using screws.
    • Spray paint the legs gold.
    • Cut and attach a spray-painted gold plastic piece (from a picture frame) to the front of the chair.
    • Add gold trim around the edges of the chair and more decorative lace to the design.
    Add gold trim around the edges of the chair and more decorative lace to the design.Add gold trim around the edges of the chair and more decorative lace to the design.Add gold trim around the edges of the chair and more decorative lace to the design.Add gold trim around the edges of the chair and more decorative lace to the design.
    Add Decorative Trims

  6. Add Seating and Final Details

    • Attach foam for seating.
    • Cover openings with leftover chain and staple pins, covering them with crystal buttons.
    Cover openings with leftover chain and staple pins, covering them with crystal buttons.Cover openings with leftover chain and staple pins, covering them with crystal buttons.
    Add Seating and Final Details

Read more: DIY Upcycled Bed Frame: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Use a plastic chair with a sturdy frame to make the project easier.
  • If the plastic chair has holes, add plastic backing before tufting.
  • Use tape to smooth out added foam and prevent seams from showing through the fabric.
  • Add extra fabric if needed to cover any imperfections.
  • Consider adding thicker foam to certain areas to create a fuller look.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Insufficient Preparation

Reason: Skipping steps like cleaning the chair thoroughly or properly prepping the surface before painting can lead to a poor finish and reduced longevity of your upcycled throne.
Solution: Always clean the chair thoroughly, sand down any rough areas, and prime the surface before applying any paint or other decorative elements.

2. Over-decorating or Inconsistent Design

Reason: Too much embellishment can make the throne look cluttered and unprofessional, while a lack of cohesive design will result in an unpolished appearance.
Solution: Plan your design beforehand, choosing a few key decorative elements and maintaining a consistent color palette and style.

FAQs