Divine Dining

These simple projects update a dining room with a slipcovered sideboard and coordinating runner, a fabric lampshade, and a stylish seat cover.

 

This fabric-covered sideboard costs less than $50 to make. Storage underneath keeps dishware and glasses handy. Install two shelves -- one for the top and one for tuck-away storage -- using sturdy brackets.

Yardage: 1 1/2 yards (runner), 3 yards (slipcover)
Time: 4 hours to make sideboard, slipcover

1. Measure the sideboard, then plan the slipcover to allow deep pleats at the corners and in the center.
2. Make the skirt, including the pleats, and stitch it to the top piece. Use hook-and-loop tape (one side stitches to fabric and the other sticks to wood) to secure the slipcover to the top shelf.
3. Make a no-sew runner by cutting a piece of fabric 3 inches wider all around than needed.
4. Press under hem allowances and secure with fusible hem tape.

 

Yardage: Fabric 2 inches larger than the seat
Time: Less than 30 minutes

1. For the smoothest fit, lay the removable seat cushion facedown on the fabric's wrong side.
2. Pull fabric to back of seat and staple in the center of one side and its opposite side, then rotate the seat and repeat the process.
3. Pull the fabric tight and continue stapling until all edges are secure.

 

Yardage: Less than 1 yard
Time: 2 hours

1. Take two oval frames and screw four vertical supports between the frames at equal distances around the oval.
2. Cut the supports to the height of the shade minus the width of the frames.
3. Add a center horizontal support for hanging the shade. Paint the lampshade frame or cover it with the same fabric you use for the shade.
4. Cut fabric to wrap around lampshade frame, allowing 1 inch to fold under top and bottom.
5. Staple fabric to the lampshade frame.
6. Cover staples with ribbon glued into place.