Woman Uses Pool Noodles To Transform An Old Chair Into A Cozy Piece Of Furniture

Do you have a dull piece of furniture without a home or a mismatched chair otherwise destined for the landfill? Sometimes, an innovative DIY can transform it into something you'd expect to find in a high-end home decor store. YouTube creator Yoduvh Essentials demonstrates the possibilities by completely overhauling an old dining chair into a sophisticated accent piece that you'd never know originated in the summer floaties aisle.

The type of glue used for this project is crucial. Many pool noodles are made from foams like polyethylene (PE), which are challenging to adhere. Popular adhesives like Gorilla Glue or cyanoacrylate-based super glue aren't recommended for polyethylene. And very hot glue can melt the material, as Yoduvh Essentials discovers. Spray adhesives designed for polyethylene foam or a glue gun with a low-temp setting are better options. If you choose another type of adhesive, check that it's specifically compatible with PE or EVA foam as well as whatever material you're attaching it to.

Aside from a pool noodle and the right type of glue, you'll also need upholstery foam and batting, as well as a hula hoop and cardboard for the rounded shape. You'll also want to have upholstery fabric and your decorative embellishments of choice on hand. A staple gun, a drill or screwdriver, screws, washers, and cutting and measuring tools are needed for assembly.

First, strip the chair down and modify the frame if needed. Slide the hula hoop pieces inside the pool noodles to create curved sections, and attach them to the wood with screws. Then, use foam to give the seat and the back of the chair a curvier shape, layering it until it's as thick as you would like. Cover the foam with batting and the fabric of your choice. To create tufting across the new upholstered sections, use a staple gun on the foam and screws with washers on the wood. Finally, secure and trim the excess fabric, and use an accent like Diamond Wrap from Dollar Tree to create sparkly trim. Crystal buttons and smaller gems can be used to further customize the piece and complete the makeover.

You can also swap out some of the materials depending on what you have available. Yoduvh Essentials suggests using a curved piece of iron pipe instead of the hula hoop. Polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or polypropylene tubing are other flexible alternatives. And before sacrificing your time and pool noodle to the cause, make sure your chair still has good bones that are worth the effort. Once you've stripped away the old upholstery, inspect the frame for loose joints or other damage and make any necessary furniture repairs before starting your project.