If I were to say to someone, "I am going to reupholster a chair," I might ... Remove the screws that secure the seat to the base of the chair or bench. Set the chair base aside while you work ...

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you might even move on to curvier and more complicated projects (think wingback chairs). Want inspiration for all those “DIY reupholster chair” searches?

Then, take detailed pictures of the chair from multiple angles, focusing on corners and decorative details. "These photos can be helpful visual references as you reupholster the piece," Reff says.

For planning purposes, do any refinishing or painting to the chair frame before reupholstering the seat and back. To reupholster a basic 20-inch-square chair seat in moderately priced fabric ...