Stone Cottage Home

Cottage Style Patio Chair Makeover DIY

Hello friends! Today, Matt & I would like to share a little patio project with you. I’ve wanted to up our game on the patio from the folding chairs we’ve had for over twelve years to something more permanent and comfortable. I spotted a few inspirational pictures of patio chairs on Pinterest and narrowed down …

Cottage Style Patio Chair Makeover DIY

Hello friends!

Today, Matt & I would like to share a little patio project with you. I’ve wanted to up our game on the patio from the folding chairs we’ve had for over twelve years to something more permanent and comfortable.

Inspiration for the patio chair makeover: two rattan armchairs with gray striped cushions from Retreat Interior Design Studio, and a rattan wingback with a floral cushion from Gusto Canasta

I spotted a few inspirational pictures of patio chairs on Pinterest and narrowed down what I was looking for to include:

  • Natural woven materials for a relaxed feeling
  • A high back to give substance
  • The potential for pattern mixing for fun!
  • A budget-friendly project

I turned to Marketplace, and this set of four high-back woven patio chairs popped up for $150 within a reasonable driving distance. If you have browsed for anything patio-related on Marketplace, you’ll know how highly priced these things usually are (at least in our area)! The chairs were in great overall condition. The wicker/woven part was a bit faded, the seats were dirty and stained, and one of the bases was damaged. Matt said he could repair the chair base, and he suggested we power wash and reseal the woven parts of the chairs for longevity. I wouldn’t have thought of this; such a good idea!

Three gray washed woven patio chairs with linen seats, as bought from Marketplace, on the brick porch beside a white side table and a blue and white planter

Matt picked up the chairs for me, and even just as they were, they were an improvement over the folding chairs we’d had for over twelve years. I just love the presence they add to the patio! I’m also excited for the opportunity to do some pattern mixing with recovering the seats and adding back cushions.

Two of the woven patio chairs with gray painted bases and linen seats in front of the brick wall and green screen door, before the makeover

Matt got started disassembling the chairs. Then he repaired the damaged base, power-washed the chairs, resealed them, and repainted all the bases. He is such a blessing!

A patio chair base turned upside down on a drop cloth for repair, with a drill, wood glue, screws and a metal bracket alongside

While Matt was working on the body of the chairs, I went to Joann’s for upholstery fabric. I’d heard that Joann’s was going out of business, so I was hoping to find a good deal on fabric. Since I knew that the patio chairs would be under a covered patio, I wasn’t too concerned about using outdoor fabric, which gave me more options. I found some gorgeous fabric that looked like it would go well with the style of our patio and give an English country house feeling.

Striped upholstery fabric in cream, taupe and rust held against the dining room's floral wallpaper, with a gray floral fabric for the back cushions

When I got the fabric home, I was surprised and pleased to see that the striped fabric coordinated with our dining room wallpaper perfectly!

Four woven patio chairs after the makeover with white painted bases, cream and rust striped seats and gray floral back cushions along the brick porch

Here is the “after” of the patio chair makeover. I have two more back cushions to make, but that will come in time. We have already enjoyed the comfort and style these chairs have brought to our patio. We’re excited about grilling and having company over to fellowship on the patio!

Two of the finished cottage style patio chairs with striped seat cushions and a gray floral pillow beside the sage green screen door

Happy patio season, friends! I hope this post and video have inspired you to spruce up & share your outdoor spaces! If you’re planning your own patio, we have more cottage patio ideas to borrow from.

Warmly,

Rachel

Join the conversation

  1. Traci May 2, 2025

    So lovely! It is patio season for sure here in NJ and we are on round 3 of getting the green pollen off our covered porch, but can’t beat the weather. The chairs look awesome! Nice find.

    1. Rachel Stone May 2, 2025

      Thank you, Miss Traci! Happy patio season!

  2. Niki Tipping May 2, 2025

    The chairs turned out beautifully! I am also a fan of fabric and mixing patterns. These suit your home and style perfectly. You and Matt put a lot of “heart” in you home, that makes all the difference!
    P.S. Be careful, if the previous owners see these now they may want them back. ????

    1. Rachel Stone May 2, 2025

      Haha, thanks for the head’s up – I’ll keep an eye out! 😉

      1. Patricia May 2, 2025

        I loved tutorial and even though my patio chairs are different it has inspired me to “try” to recover my old cushions. I have plenty of fabric choices so I just need to get busy.
        Thank you for welcoming me on to your lovely patio and I love your new chairs.
        See you soon.. hugs!

        1. Rachel Stone May 3, 2025

          Hello there, Miss Pat!
          Glad you enjoyed the video and are inspired to recover your cushions. Thanks for stopping by today!

    2. Patricia May 2, 2025

      I loved tutorial and even though my patio chairs are different it has inspired me to “try” to recover my old cushions. I have plenty of fabric choices so I just need to get busy.
      Thank you for welcoming me on to your lovely patio and I love your new chairs.
      See you soon.. hugs!

      1. Rachel Stone May 3, 2025

        Hugs to you, too!

  3. MiMi May 2, 2025

    The make over of the patio chairs is awesome . Hope they give you many hours/days of enjoyment.

    1. Rachel Stone May 2, 2025

      Thank you, MiMi!

  4. Ilene May 2, 2025

    There is no doubt that you and Matt are total pros with your crafts!!! The chairs are perfect!

    1. Rachel Stone May 2, 2025

      Thank you, Miss Ilene!

  5. Marlene May 2, 2025

    You did a great job and being a sewer myself know those cushions were not easy to do. Your chairs and cushions are just beautiful great job you two!

  6. Debra May 2, 2025

    Looks wonderful. I need to redo my screened back porch.
    Thank you for all the inspiration on a budget!!????❤️

  7. Catherine Glowinski May 4, 2025

    Rachael and Matt,
    Loved the You tube video! The marketplace chairs are a great find…You have such a good eye, and I love how you mix pattern and texture and color together. It is so windy where we live it is actually hard to put any outdoor furniture anywhere:) So always longing for a space like yours… a helpful hint: Harbor Freight sells a cordless stapler. I recovered my 6 dining room chairs, and it was a lifesaver. A little pricey, but I am a weakling, lol That way I could do it on my own. I have to use 2 hands with a hand stapler and then I cannot hold the fabric. Thank you for sharing and always inspiring me. Have a Blessed Sunday!

    1. Rachel Stone May 4, 2025

      Hello, there, Miss Catherine!
      I’m glad you enjoyed the patio chair project & thanks for the cordless stapler tip! May you have a blessed Sunday, as well!

  8. Terri May 4, 2025

    Rachel, I love your budget ideas and your multipurpose thrift finds! Your chairs and cushions look beautiful and cozy with the mixed patterns. This is still a new concept to me but you make it look so easy once we truly know our color palette. I also appreciated your tip to make the pillows fluffier by making the covers smaller!

    1. Rachel Stone May 4, 2025

      Good afternoon, Miss Terri!
      Thank you for stopping by to visit and share your thoughts. I think you’d enjoy the variety pattern mixing brings ~ even thought you are a neutral girl! Enjoy every moment of this gorgeous spring weather!

  9. Matt May 23, 2025

    Rachie, I have loved sitting out on the patio with you having breakfast or dinner. The chairs make it so much more comfortable!

    1. Rachel Stone May 23, 2025

      Yes! I’ve enjoyed sitting out there with you as well.
      Thanks for helping with this project!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Comments are read & approved before they appear.

Letters from the Cottage

A personal weekly letter from the Stone Cottage Home, sharing subscriber-first updates, the rooms & home projects we’re working on, plus our latest interior design musings, delivered every Tuesday morning.

Subscribe