kidproofing the kitchen chairs

[mama2James]

My dh and I bought our dining set about 6 years ago from a run of the mill furniture store. It still looks good, only has a couple minor nicks and scratches, and it's pretty sturdy. The seat cushions however look horrible. They are upholstered in a light colored beige/yellow fabric and have gotten so dirty, I can't even stand to look at them anymore. My son is 3 yrs old and is constantly spilling food and drink or wiping his hands on the seats. I've tried to steam clean them with minimal effect.
Today i picked up two yards of a wipe-able ultraleather fabric at the surplus and salvage store. Dh helped me to remove the seats from the chairs and so far I have re-covered 2 of the seats. I am almost giddy over the improvement!!
Hopefully, we can now get at least another 5 or 6 yrs of use out of this set. The finish of the wood is a darker cherry stain color, which doesn't match our plans for updating the kitchen, but I'm hoping we will be able to paint or refinish the table. I'm not sure if we can sand the top though, because I think it's a thin veneer.
For now, I am happy with just being able to keep it clean!

[TigerGirl1226]

If you can't paint/stain the top could you just make yourself a couple table cloths to go on top so no one would ever know the top doesn't match the "update" look.

[craftypam]

If the set is made well; maybe you could reformica the top. Check a place that does countertops.

[Liane]

Great job on your chairs. It is hard to have children and furniture that survives.

[shoiji]

How about putting a dishtowel down on the chair that your three year old son sits on. That way when it gets dirty you can put it in the washer and protect that chair at the same time.