Start by Working Out What You Actually Have

Before you spend a penny, give the chair a proper once-over. Most tired armchairs are not worn out, they are simply dull, dusty or dated. Sit in it, stand behind it, tip it forward and look underneath. Run your hand along the arms where elbows rest, and check the front edge of the seat cushion. If the frame feels solid and the springs are not poking through, you have a project worth saving. If the frame creaks alarmingly or the seat has collapsed entirely, no amount of fabric will hide that.

Look for three things: a stable frame, cushions that still hold their shape, and fabric that is faded or soiled rather than torn to shreds. A chair that is sound but shabby is the ideal candidate for a thrifty refresh. Note down the measurements too, because you will need them. Measure the width across the front of the arms, the height from floor to the top of the back, and the depth from the front of the seat to the backrest. Write these on a scrap of paper and keep them in your bag, because you will be surprised how often you need them in a charity shop or a fabric remnant bin.

The Washable Slipcover: Your Biggest Win

A stretchy, machine-washable slipcover is the single most effective and least expensive way to change the look of a tired armchair. Choose a cover with a bit of elastane in the mix, usually labelled as a stretch or jersey cover, because it grips the shape of the chair far better than a loose woven throw. Look for one with separate pieces for the seat cushion, so the whole thing does not shift every time somebody sits down.

• Fabric choice: a cotton-rich jersey with around five per cent elastane washes well and resists pilling. Brushed polyester feels softer but can go bobbly after a few months.
• Colour: mid-tones hide everyday marks far better than pale creams or deep darks. Slate grey, soft olive and warm oatmeal are forgiving and suit most rooms.
• Fit: check the maximum width and height on the packet against your measurements. A cover that is too small will strain at the seams and pop off the back corners.
• Practical touches: look for elasticated hems and tuck the excess fabric down behind the seat cushion rather than leaving it bunched at the floor.

If you sew, a simple fitted slipcover made from a heavyweight cotton or a washed linen blend will outlast several shop-bought versions and costs a fraction of reupholstery. Use the old cover as a pattern if you can unpick it, or drape and pin on the wrong side, then stitch with a generous seam allowance. Add a zip at the back for easy removal, and pre-wash the fabric before cutting so it does not shrink after the first wash.

New Buttons, Piping and Small Repairs

Buttons are the jewellery of an armchair, and replacing them is a half-hour job that changes the whole feel of the piece. If your chair has deep-buttoned detailing, the existing buttons are often covered in the same fabric. Buy a packet of self-cover buttons in a size that matches, then cover them in something with a little contrast: a linen in a warmer tone, a subtle stripe, or a velvet offcut. You will need a long upholstery needle and strong thread to pull them through, so take your time and work from the centre outwards.

While the buttons are off, deal with the small things that make a chair feel neglected. Tighten any loose screws in the legs, and add felt pads underneath to protect wooden floors. If the front edge of the seat cushion has flattened, open the seam along the back of the cushion, add a layer of polyester wadding, and stitch it closed again. A sagging seat can also be helped by cutting a piece of firm foam to fit under the cushion as a booster. None of this costs much, and all of it adds years to the chair's life.

Layer in a Cosy Throw and Cushions

Once the basics are sorted, layers do the decorative heavy lifting. A throw draped over one arm and across the back softens the lines of a dated chair and introduces texture. Chunky knits, waffle weaves and brushed cotton all work well. Choose a throw that is at least 130cm by 170cm so it drapes properly rather than looking like a napkin. Fold it in half lengthways, lay it over one arm, and let the excess fall down the side of the seat.

Cushions finish the job. A single large square cushion in a plain fabric, plus one smaller patterned cushion, is usually enough. Mixing a textured plain with a print in the same colour family looks considered rather than cluttered. If you want a seasonal swap, keep the plain cushion year-round and change only the patterned one, so the refresh stays affordable.

Seasonal Touches That Cost Very Little

An armchair refreshed for autumn or winter benefits from warmth underfoot and nearby. Pop a small knitted blanket in a basket beside the chair, and add a candle or a sprig of dried foliage on a side table. In spring and summer, swap the heavy throw for a lightweight cotton one and change the cushion cover to something brighter. A simple garland or a small vase of garden flowers on the arm of the chair ties the seating into the rest of the room without any real spend.

Finally, give the whole chair a good clean before you dress it. Vacuum the crevices with a brush attachment, and spot-clean any marks with a mild detergent on a cloth, working from the outside of the stain inwards. Let it dry thoroughly before putting the cover back on. A chair that is clean, well-fitted and layered with a throw and a couple of cushions will look and feel like new, for the price of a cover, a packet of buttons and an afternoon's work.