Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Updating a pair of chairs...

This weekend I finished up a project that I started the weekend before - painting and reupholstering two chairs that I bought on Craigslist. I love how they turned out, and this project has given me the confidence to tackle more furniture projects in the near future (in particular, I would love to paint my kitchen table and chairs).

First, here is the Craigslist picture of the chairs. The seller claimed they were mahogany, but were worn and in need of work. I loved the detailing on the backs of the chairs, so I thought they would be the perfect chairs to paint.
After following the tips suggested by Kate at Censtsational Girl, here, Brooke from Blueprint Bliss, here, and Janell from Isabella and Max Rooms, here, I first sanded the chairs (or should I say, my kind husband detached the seats and sanded the chairs for me). Next, I used leftover primer that we had to prime the chairs. Since it is winter here and I had to work indoors, I didn't use spray paint. Next, I applied two thin coats of Sherwin Williams Dover White paint, which was also leftover from painting all the trim in our house. For the last step, my husband applied wipe-on poly to give it a nice shine and to protect the paint job.

Here is the end result:

For the seat cushions, I only kept the original wood and replaced everything else. The original foam cushions were gross, so I used two foam cushions that I got at Joann's Fabrics that I cut to size. In hindsight, the cushions are probably too plush for the height of the back of the chair, but, they are very comfortable so I don't mind that they are not proportional. I then wrapped some batting around the foam cushions and used my staple gun to secure the batting to the back of the wood seat. Next, I centered and wrapped around the green trellis fabric that I bought at Joann's, and stapled the fabric to the back of the seat. Then the seats were reattached to the chair.

Here is another look at the finished chairs.
We are going to use one for our computer desk and the other for my sewing desk. I also think they're cute enough to pull into our family room when we have guests over and need extra seating. I can't wait to paint something again. I may have a problem . . .

36 comments:

Blueprint Bliss said...

Christine- they look so great! Glad I could inspire you in some way. You are inpiring me to sand/prime next time because your result looks so good!

Can't wait to see what else you paint around your house...

I'm about to tackle a baby bed, a dresser, and a chest of drawers for the nursery. Lots to do but it will be worth it in the end!

paula said...

these turned out gorgeous! great fabric choice.

Emily A. Clark said...

These look amazing! Love the glossy look.

Lavender and Lilies said...

They look so great!

Isabella & Max Rooms said...

You have a talent for this!! I actually like that the seat cushions are thicker, and hey, if they are comfortable you'll use them more!

The fabric you selected along with the glossy white frames really works. Now go find some more stuff on Craigslist!

Janell
p.s. Thanks for the mention!!

Flory said...

Christine that's so clever=)



follow me: Living Creatively with Flory
http://flo-ry.blogspot.com/

Test123 said...

Well done!! I have a chair in the works that I just can't decide what colors I want to work with. Thanks for sending this my way! These are my favorite posts.

Alaina

Marija said...

Great job! I am so impressed with your seat reconstruction - painting I could handle but re-doing the seat would have done me in. And you could so totally use those in any dining room! Marija

LindsB said...

I love how shiny they are and the green fabric is really pretty- what a great makeover!

bluehydrangea said...

oh, I love them!! Wish you could paint some furniture for me!!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

"The seller claimed they were mahogany" : ) You attorney, you! Your "alleged" mahogany chairs turned out beautiful! Love the fabric! I wouldn't worry about the seat ~ they look fine and you want them to be comfortable for what you plan on using them for.

I know what you mean about feeling more confident. I was really pleased with how I did on my living room coffee table {which I still have to post about}. I'm looking forward to moving onto an armoire we have in our guest room next!

Miss Wendy said...

Those came out so well! I love the cushions.

Laura@JourneyChic said...

They came out so well! I love the fabric choice - looks great with the white. Congrats on completing another project!

Karena said...

Beautifully done transformation!

Karena

Tammy@InStitches said...

They look great, love the fabric !

Chic Coles said...

ooh, love what you did! They look soo good!

High-Heeled Foot in the door said...

Bravo! They look great! I love the color combo you picked and they do look quite comfy!

Erin said...

a-freakin-dorable. Great job!

Emily said...

Great job! they came out great and i love the colors you used. can definitely go from room to room!!

Centsational Girl said...

OK, first of all, those were a Craiglist score ! Dover White, bravo. That green trellis fabric. OMG, swoon. I heart your chairs !!!

carlee said...

I love your chairs. The detail is gorgeous and I adore your fabric choice!

Vanessa said...

They look great!!!

Sara @ Russet Street Reno said...

Wow, those look amazing! I love that glossy white finish with the fabric, bravo!

ps - I'm so glad you found my blog today, you have a new follower!

~Sara

Ericka said...

These are gorgeous chairs! I love how they turned out and the colors you chose for the fabric and paint...so classic!

Sarah @ Hennessey House said...

love love love your redos. that seat fabric is divine!

Kim said...

This is a huge difference for these modest little chairs. I see this style frequently, I may have to get a couple myself.

Cristin said...

Love your new chairs! The green & white geometric pattern too.
xo,
cristin

AutumnBrooke said...

I was actually going to say that I loved how much more plush they were than the originals before you said that you should have made them less so! They turned out great!!

Autumn
http://www.theficklehobbyist.com

Lost In Tarnation said...

They turned out great!!! I love that green fabric!

Karen@StrictlySimpleStyle said...

I am in love with that fabric!

inthetweeds said...

The chairs look AMAZING! Love the fabric choice an especially the glossy white. So chic!

Teri said...

These are gorgeous, and they look so comfy!! :)

Paula Grace Designs said...

Wow, great transformation. Love the fabric.
Paula Grace ~

Living It At Home said...

The chairs came out great! Your inspiration rooms are sensational. I love them. Good Luck!

Miss Mustard Seed said...

They look great in the white paint and with the new fabric. Those were a good find and you really took them to the next level.

Art Furniture said...

The finishing looks nice. But you could have added little more color to the upholstery.