Students of upholstery often express surprise when they discover cardboard inside their chair project.
This video shows an example of barrel chairs upholstered with & without cardboard in the outside back. Doubters will be convinced!
Watch the video to see a demonstration of how to attach cardboard on a curved back, and gain a new appreciation of how cardboard contributes to the subtle beauty of curves in upholstery.
Subscribe to our mailing list to get monthly updates, tips & projects for natural upholstery!
I am trying to upholster a round backed chair and I have no idea where to get the cardboard I need. Could you tell me where you get the cardboard?
Thanks!
Hi Krista,
The thinner cardboard (about 2 mm thick – not corrugated) used in many chairs can be sourced at craft shops like Michaels or Joann. For a barrel chair with a wide curve, you may need a thicker (3-4 mm thick) cardboard – this is the material used in automotive applications such as inside door panels. It is very stiff, and requires steaming to bend it to fit the curve of the chair (I have left it tied overnight after steaming to ‘set’ the curve). Check with your local auto repair shops or upholstery shops who may be willing to sell you a piece of cardboard from their stock.
Carla