Sometimes the perfect upholstery pattern just doesn’t exist on a fabric bolt—you have to make it yourself. That’s exactly what I did with these mid-century modern dining chairs. Inspired by the layered, global vibe of Ethnic Chic—a style that blends cultures, textures, and traditions into one “well-traveled” look—I decided to hand-paint my own bold sunburst motif. The result? A fresh, personal update that feels both modern and timeless, and a project anyone can tackle with a little creativity and patience.
How to Paint Your Own Upholstery Pattern
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Dining chairs (or any upholstered seat with removable cushions)
- Screwdriver (to remove seat + seat back)
- Wax paper + inkjet printer
- Computer design program (or a printed pattern you love)
- Fabric paint + small paintbrushes
- Damp cloth
Steps:
- Prep your chair
Unscrew the seat and seat back to make painting easier. - Create your pattern
Design your motif on the computer (I went with a circular, sunburst-style pattern). Convert it to a bold outline in the color you’d like—reddish-brown worked beautifully on my cream fabric. - Transfer the design
Print the pattern onto wax paper with your inkjet printer. Lay the print ink-side down on the fabric and rub the backside to transfer the design. Wax Paper Ink Jet Transfer Tutorial - Paint the pattern
Use fabric paint and a stiff brush to carefully go over your transferred lines. Don’t rush—steady brushstrokes will make your design pop. - Clean it up
Once the paint is completely dry, gently wipe away any leftover transfer marks with a damp cloth. - Reassemble your chair
Screw the seat and seat back into place, and admire your one-of-a-kind creation!
