I hope you like chair makeovers, because I have chairs galore in the studio!
This is another one I found on Craig’s List. It was quite a bargain, because a couple of the legs were loose. This would’ve been a much harder fix on an older chair, but this one had bolts that just needed to be tightened.
We stripped off the old upholstery and removed the piping around the bottom edge of the seat. I added an additional layer of batting, because I wanted to upholster down to the curvy trim. I think it looks better that way and works with the lines of the chair.
The wood frame was shiny and pretty banged up, so I decided to paint it in MMSMP Linen, which is a creamy white. I sanded the glossy finish first and added the Bonding Agent.
While I want to do everything in blues, grays and whites, I need to branch out sometimes, so I’m adding a lot of green to my collection of things for Lucketts. I didn’t need a lot of fabric for this chair, so I used two remnants I had, both green and cream fabrics.
I left the milk paint unfinished, so it has a nice matte look. I also upholstered the arms, since there was a place to upholster them, but they weren’t upholstered before.
See how I changed the line of the trim along the bottom? Now, it follows the curve of the carving instead of just going straight across.
…and I added a surprise to the back again.
I did the upholstery exactly the same way I did the French twins. You can find the six part video tutorial on that HERE.
I already have my dried lavender bunches in, the boxwood and other preserved wreaths and topiaries are ordered….
Things are shaping up for another Lucketts Spring Market!
38 Responses
This may be my favorite chair yet!
Marion, what are your go to places for fabric on line? I have spent what seems like hours scouring sites for drapery fabric. Thx.
Me too …re: fabric! I love this chair!
Try onlinefabricstore.com – like Marian, I do a ton of slip covers and upholstery and they are my go to spot. Often I go to a designer fabric showroom where I live, then find the same fabric for far less there. My most recent purchase was $35/yd in the shop, I got the same fabric at onlinefabricstore for $10/yd!
Fabric.com is a good source as well. I’ve ordered from both sites and not had any problems.
I have found that to be true. They have a great variety and I am seldom disappointed. They ship quickly too.
Thank you both.
Hi Marian, I love how the the chair turned out! I actually have one that looks exactely the same, mine is antique and from Italy, (I am Italian too, I am sure you remember me I am a long time fan!) the frame looks the same with a different tapestry on it..I always wanted to paint and distress it…and now that I saw yours turn out so beautiful I really will do it!!! Thanks you are always amazing! My website is finally up I would love you to see it!
XOXO Carolina
I LOVE this chair! It’s beautiful and I love that you put different fabric on the back. I’ve been watching your slipcover tutorials and reading your blog, hoping to get up enough nerve to tackle a great project.
You’re inspiring!
This is so beautiful! I love that green with the cream, and the fun print, but coordinated color scheme of the back fabric is perfection. You’re inspiring me to take on a chair redo at our house!
Seriously, I wish I could own every char and hutch that you redo! this is so pretty I love the contrast fabrics on the backs of the chairs. The white frame is beautiful too, and toile is always gorgeous.
Magical chair makeover. I need me some Lucketts. 🙂
From beginning to end…how long would you say it takes you to do this kind of magic? 🙂
Beautiful job, again.
With stripping, painting and upholstering, I would say about 6-8 hours for this specific chair.
I have been looking for a green toile fabric for drapes in my living room. Do you know the name of the fabric?
Also, how do you determine what type of trim and what color of trim to use? Is it based on the frame color or the fabric color? How do you determine which pieces get the double welting????
One more question (I promise…LOL) How do you finish the underside of your chairs???
I have this same exact fabric. Got 10+ yards a few years ago on eBay. It’s a waverly linen. Don’t see a name on the selvage.
Thank you. I’m keeping my finger crossed that I can get enough for two sets of drapes.
Thi is just stunning Marian, really my favourite chair you have made over.
I love this chair, I love the fabric, and well done you for upholstering the arms…they would have looked plain without the fabric…your use of two very different but contrasting fabrics is such a great idea….beautiful!
Beautiful!!!!
Drop dead gorgeous! I have that chair and it has been put on the back burner for a re-do, When the time is right, I will follow your tutorial’s to a T. You an Kriste are one fabulous team also!
The green toile with the cream is just lovely.
Gorgeous chair! I love the fabric – such a pretty shade of green! Beautiful job! Hug, Leena
I’m a die-hard blues and greys girl myself, but I confess this green toile has me smitten! it’s so fresh and Springy. great job!
So beautiful for all toile fanatics like me!
What a perfect example of “frumpy to fabulous!” Great job.
Now these are the colors after my own heart! 🙂
If I lived anywhere close to Lucketts, I’d make sure to be first through those doors as soon as they opened. This chair would fit perfectly with the color scheme I have in my house.
Marian, you did a beautiful job on this chair! I LOVE the fabric! What’s your price-tag say?
I SO wish I could attend Lucketts Market, but from Michigan it would be a looo-ong haul for a short time. But I still wishI could! I hope you sell lots of things and then you can go shopping again! That’s what we really love, isn’t it? THE SEARCH. Yes, indeed!
Hi Marian,
For those of us that cannot make it to Luckett’s, will you be offering preserved boxwood in your online shop?
This is absolutely STUNNING – And I am not one who usually likes green! AMAZING transformation!
Oh be-still my heart! I love toile! And I don’t have any b/c my husband doesn’t like it. 🙁
Nice job with the upholstery. To my eye the paint looks too flat and needs a little something extra.
Love this!
I am currently stripping one and following your tutorials. Would like to buy fabric on line, but unsure as to how much material of each type is required and how much trim?
Oh my gosh. Be still my heart!!! LOVE, LOVE it!! I think I would add a little clear wax just to soften the paint look. WOW !!
Oh My Goodness!! This chair is absolutely gorgeous!! I love the fabric choices so much!!
As always, great job!! 🙂
When I saw your email and a pic of a french chair with a green toile, I was so excited as I am making green toile curtains as we speak for my kitchen and dining area. Upon reading your post I discovered it’s my exact fabric !!! Confirmation from the decorating fairies I made the choice !!! I bought a ton of yardage several years ago on eBay and have been drooling over it since. Looks fab on your chair !
What a great fabric. I love that you change the fabric on the back, I think it brings a totally new and refreshing look. Are the fabrics apart of your line?
Oh my gosh I wish I lived near you Marian because I’d buy this gorgeous chair in a heart beat. Love the fabrics you chose.
Love, love this chair! The white wood work and the light green toile makes it delicious!!! I would love to go to Lucketts to see you. I was born in Leesburg, VA but now am a Nebraskan. Can you do a fair here?