Crafty Makeover: Table and Bench Set (Part 2)

In part one of my post about my table and bench makeover, I told you about how I stripped the paint and refinished this birch dining set. Today, I'll tell you about the fabric recovering process.

When I recovered the fabric portions of the table and benches, I researched the various types of oilcloth and vinyl fabric on the market, since the table had always had vinyl fabric in the past. (A spill-proof material is essential when the center portion of the table is fabric-covered.) I discovered the usual bright florals and classic checks that are common for oilcloth.

I got to thinking, "Maybe I could just protect a fabric that I like?" I remembered a trick that interior designer Sasha Emerson had used on some butterfly chairs: Layering a clear vinyl fabric over regular material. So, I picked up a couple of yards of the Amy Butler fabric at Purl Soho and a couple yards of cheap-o vinyl at my local hardware store.

I measured and cut both fabrics down to size for the bench and tabletops. Then, I stretched the fabric and used a staple gun to staple it into place. I repeated the stretching process with the clear vinyl and voila: A pretty fabric that could stand up to even the nastiest spill.





Even with protection, the fabric has faded and the vinyl has ripped, so it is time for a change. My vinyl trick leaves the range of possible fabrics wide open for my re-do. However, I want to match the fabric to a kilim rug and a red painted table. Below are a series of swatches that could work in the room (you can also see the red of the table in that shot) and a swatch of the rug.