Worn, cracked or peeling armrests are the most common reason people throw away an otherwise good office chair. In most cases the arm pads can be renewed at home or by a local tailor or upholsterer, which saves money and keeps a sturdy chair out of the bin.

Step 1: Remove the old arms

Most chairs of this type hold each arm from underneath with two screws. Turn the chair over or tilt it back, unscrew them carefully and keep the screws in a small container so none are lost. Take a photo of how the arm is attached before you start.

Step 2: Choose the covering

Take the arms to a tailor or upholstery workshop, or cover them yourself with a durable, tightly woven fabric or faux leather. If you cannot find the exact tone of the original, choose a coordinating colour instead. In this project black looked much better than the original orange.

Step 3: Fit the new cover

If you attach the new cover with a staple gun, keep the staples short. Staples that are too long can poke through and come loose at the top where your forearm rests. If the cover ends up too loose, add a layer of thin foam or a piece of firm cardboard under the fabric. This fills the gap and stops the staples from pulling out.

Step 4: Reattach and test

Align the arm with the mounting holes, refit the screws and tighten them firmly so the arm does not wobble. Press down on the arm and check that it feels stable before you sit on the chair.

Renewing the arms takes an afternoon, costs far less than a new chair and gives a tired piece of furniture a second life.