Bergere chairs will be the subject of next tutorials. Here everything you need to know to restore your bergere chair like a pro (this page still under construction, more is coming).
What is a bergere chair ?
What we call a Bergere chair (“fauteuil bergère” in french) is originally this type of chair. It comes in different size and shapes but this is always the same concept. All the armchairs here are Bergere chairs from different style.
How much fabric do I need to cover a bergere chair ?
- 3 to 4 meter of fabric (140 centimeters wide) are enough for a european size bergere chair.
What are the different ways to FINISH a bergere chair ?
- You can use a simple welting cord around the back of the back and on the cushion if you want (3/4 meters for a back and 3/4 meters for cusion)
- You will need a box of nails OR between 9 and 11 meters of braid or double welting cord
- You will also need around 8 meters of simple piping for the borders of the seat cushion
Working on the FRAME
You will need to strip the chair (at least the fabric), maybe you need to glue back some parts or need to change something about the wood.
Link: Stripping and preparing the frame
Bergere chair project: how to upholster a bergere chair ?
There is many techniques involved in the process of upholstering a bergere chair. Let me try to help you out.
You have many option there because There is different ways to upholster and to cover the same seat. Maybe you have to change everyting on your chair, maybe you can keep the back padding but need a new seat and change the inside of the cushion (springs or not? foam or feathers?), maybe it’s just a covering. So what is your plan ?
Let’s see all you can do step by step. My advice is to try to know where you need to go with your project before even stripping to avoid any mistakes. Many of my students regretted stripping the arms straight away to realise later they were in perfect condition. Let’s give this chair a little attention.
How to upholster THE SEAT of a bergere chair ?
You have have to main option for the seat : the seat of a bergere chaire is a cushion most of the time. There is different ways to create this cushion (foam or feather) but you can also have springs (or not) in this chair. Let’s see how it works.
1) Bergere chair with or without springs ?
2) The cushion: Foam? Feather ? Both ?
Most of the bergere chairs got a cushioned seat but if it’s not the case it’s the same seat than for any comfy seat. Pick the technique you want to try for the inside cushion.
The BACK inside upholstery
You also have to figure what to do with the back of the bergere chair. If it’s in good condition you might just keep the old padding, if not you will need to create a new one.
1) Keeping the old back padding (and make it look new)
If you just need an extra layer to make it looks new try this technique to add 1 cm all around it.
2) Create a new one with natural fibres or foam
If you need to create a whole new back with foam or natural fibers you will have to wait a little for the tutorial .
OUTSIDE UPHOLSTERY: COVERING
Here the tutorials for covering:
- Cushion cover for a T-cushion seat
- Covering a bergere chair: coming soon!
Some questions left ?
Please feel free to comment and use the forum to ask any questions and share your chair pictures so we can have a look at it and bring some real help!
