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Vintage Chair Redo -Before and After

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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.

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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.)  

Finally 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???

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!

How I restored this wooden chair

The wood frame:

First, 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 a just fancy way to say it dries without any brush marks and the very hard thick coat makes it look like you spent hours lacquering the heck out of it.

Warning, this paint does have a very strong odor so I would recommend doing your project in a well ventilated area that’s bug and dust free.

It 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 this would be a popular place to sit I took the cushions to an upholsterer. I’ve done my share of reupholstry 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!

Redoing a vintage side table

Around the same time I found this side table at a vintage furniture shop and loved the detail right away.

It was in great shape but in a wood tone I wasn’t so fond of so I sanded it down and gave it a few coats of spray paint.

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.

RELATED:

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Comments

  1. Ashley @ 3 Little Greenwoods says

    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

    Reply

  14. TitiCrafty by Camila says

    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

  20. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    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

    Reply

  23. Alexis Middleton says

    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. 🙂

    Reply

  35. Shelly says

    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

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