Vintage Chair Redo {Before and After}

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Vintage Chair Redo~Hi there! Are you one of those people like me who love restore old furniture? When I saw this vintage chair at a garage sale for only 30 bucks (over 300 miles from home) I just had to get it. I don’t know what it is but when I saw it, I immediately had big plans to repaint and reupholster it. What can I say I had a vision! Thank goodness I was with one of my besties and she (and her husband) know that when this girl has a vision I have to see it through.
mid century modern chair makeover
So, I paid for it and my bestie’s husband went and picked it up for me and they stored it in their garage for-ev-er because this was pre-kid time for me so I drove a VW Beetle (which doesn’t allow for large furniture purchases on a whim.)  Then about a year later they came down my way and brought it to me. This eye sore sat in my home for way too long. (I was busy doing things like having a kid and moving into our home). But wasn’t it worth the wait???
chair before and after
 Is it possible to be in love with a piece of furniture? I just love the lines! And did I mention it is down filled so it is super comfortable too! Score!

ladder back chair

How to paint furniture with a glossy finish

Ok so here is what I did…

The wood frame:

I lightly sanded the whole thing and painted it with two coats of Glidden Trim and Door Paint. This paint is AMAZING! It has some sort of “Gel-Flow Technology” which is just fancy for drying without any brush marks in a very hard thick coat that makes it looks like you spent hours lacquering the heck out of it. It does have a very strong odor so I would recommend doing your project in a well ventilated area that is bug and dust free. Cause the stuff also takes a long time to dry and you don’t want a fly to get stuck in it. (Which has happened to me before…no fun for me or the fly.)

The Cushions:

I bought the fabric from West Elm. Did you know that they sell some of their fabulous fabrics by the yard? I ordered this Faux Sued Herringbone fabric because I wanted something durable with just a hint of texture. West Elm uses this fabric on a lot of their sofas so I knew it would be durable. And because I knew that this would be a popular place to sit I took the cushions to an upholsterer. I’ve done my share of reupholstery projects but I knew this was a job for a pro and because it was only 2 cushions and I wasn’t in a hurry (I mean I had waited this long) he gave me a super deal! He was also able to guide me when it came to getting the back cushion to have a bit more structure. Do you see how the back cushion in the before picture is all slouchy? Well, the upholsterer fixed that by tufting it with 4 covered buttons. Now, even with it’s popularity it holds it’s shape! Did I mention I love it?

DIY spray painted furniture

I choose to use spray paint because it made it much easier to get into all of those little nooks and crannies.

This little table also has storage and it is the perfect spot for my little one to put all of her puzzles and games.

reupholstered chair
So there they are! Don’t you just want to sit in it?

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About Corey

Corey is the creative behind Hey There, Home where she shares easy-to-follow and beautiful home decor and entertaining ideas. Her mission? To make home decor accessible to everyone, even if you don't consider yourself crafty, and to empower people to decorate their homes in a way that they can actually be lived in, not just looked at.

40 thoughts on “Vintage Chair Redo {Before and After}”

  1. Boy, what an awesome vision you had! This chair is spectacular. Pinning for inspiration! 😉

    I’d love for you to share this project at my Show-Licious Party. The party begins each Saturday morning at 8:00 am EST.
    ~ Ashley

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  2. This is a really good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere.
    Simple but very accurate info… Thank you for sharing this one.
    A must read post!

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  4. […]  You can buy fabric by the yard from West Elm!  I discovered this awhile back when I made over this vintage chair.  I had the dark grey herringbone fabric in mind for my project but couldn’t find it […]

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  7. OMG, love this! Thanks so much for linking up with OPC and The DIY Show Off to support Habitat for Humanity. Featuring you on the blog and FB tomorrow. Thanks again!

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  8. Oh wow! What a huge change, it looks so clean and contemporary now! Love the update!

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  10. Love the chair makeover! The white with the grey make the design of the chair really pop! The table is so elegant, also!!

    Cher @ Designs by Studio C

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  17. Love it! I wish I had one just like it in my house! Thanks for leaving a comment on my retro end table! I’m your newest follower too!

    Reply

  18. Wow That was a huge transformation. That chair looks awesome now, I would love to have it just like it is on my Girl’s bedroom! I wouldn’t change a thing!!!… well maybe the pillow stamp but that is it LOL. I really love it, super motivating =D. Thanks so much for sharing this with me at my Party!

    XOXO
    Cami @ TitiCrafty!

    Reply

  19. Lovely chair! I’m a sucker for unique lines in wooden furniture too. You just can’t beat it!
    Sara

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  20. I liked this chair makeover so much I’ve featured it in my Inspiring Ideas post and pinned it to the feature board. I love seeing your creative DIY projects!

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  23. Wow, you have some awesome vintage furniture! Love it! Great job with the makeover.

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  24. Such a great before and after!!
    Thanks so much for sharing this at our “Best Of The Weekend party”! I have pinned this to our party board and another big board too. We hope to see you again when the party kicks off Friday eve at 8PM EST.
    Have a great week!
    Xoxo

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  25. Love the chair and the table!! Had no idea West Elm sold fabric, will have to check it out :-). Turned out great!!

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  27. Just gorgeous! Thanks for the great tips too! I will have to try that paint, and I had no idea that West Elm sold fabric. I’m a new follower on bloglovin. 🙂

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  28. beautiful! I can totally see why you “had to have it” it’s a great find! thanks for the tip about west elm fabric!!! – Lauren

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  29. That looks terrific! I haven’t tackled a DIY furniture project yet. However, I need to redo my bench that sits by the bed. I’m inspired by your photos.

    Sharon
    http://makeitorfixit.com

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  33. I love, love, LOVE this chair! What a great transformation! There’s something about the grey fabric with crisp white paint on the chair that makes it pop. Thanks for linking up to Frugal Crafty Home! I hope to see you back next week!
    CarrieThisHome.com

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  34. I’m in love with this chair! Redoing old furniture is the best and totally my obsession too! Thanks for sharing on a Frugal Crafty Home!

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  36. My goodness you did an AMAZING job! I love the lines of this chair and the table is gorgeous too!, great find and even better revamp!

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  37. Love those! That chair looks fantastic and I love that side table! Such great pieces.

    Kristin
    ExploringDomesticity.blogspot.com

    Reply
  38. Anonymous says:

    Love it!!! The before and after is crazy!

    Reply

  39. That looks fantastic!!! I’d like you to come share that on a party I cohost every week “DIY Showcase”! It’s open now!!

    Shelly- minettesmaze.blogspot.com

    Reply

    1. Thanks for sharing it!!! I will be pinning this to the board!!

      Shelly

  42. Gorgeous redo Corey!! I think I am in love with the back of the chair too 🙂

    xo, Tanya

    Reply

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