DIY Sunburst Chairs: Hand-Painted Upholstery with an Ethnic Chic Twist

Sometimes the perfect upholstery pattern just doesn’t exist on a fabric bolt—you have to make it yourself. That’s exactly what I did with these mid-century modern dining chairs. Inspired by the layered, global vibe of Ethnic Chic—a style that blends cultures, textures, and traditions into one “well-traveled” look—I decided to hand-paint my own bold sunburst motif. The result? A fresh, personal update that feels both modern and timeless, and a project anyone can tackle with a little creativity and patience.

How to Paint Your Own Upholstery Pattern

Supplies You’ll Need:

• Dining chairs (or any upholstered seat with removable cushions)
• Screwdriver (to remove seat + seat back)
• Wax paper + inkjet printer
• Computer design program (or a printed pattern you love)
• Fabric paint + small paintbrushes
• Damp cloth

Steps:

1. Prep your chair
   Unscrew the seat and seat back to make painting easier.
2. Create your pattern
   Design your motif on the computer (I went with a circular, sunburst-style pattern). Convert it to a bold outline in the color you’d like—reddish-brown worked beautifully on my cream fabric.
3. Transfer the design
   Print the pattern onto wax paper with your inkjet printer. Lay the print ink-side down on the fabric and rub the backside to transfer the design. Wax Paper Ink Jet Transfer Tutorial
4. Paint the pattern
   Use fabric paint and a stiff brush to carefully go over your transferred lines. Don’t rush—steady brushstrokes will make your design pop.
5. Clean it up
   Once the paint is completely dry, gently wipe away any leftover transfer marks with a damp cloth.
6. Reassemble your chair
   Screw the seat and seat back into place, and admire your one-of-a-kind creation!