After much deconstructing, button-making, tuft-tying, fabric-stapling, trim-gluing, tack-hammering and cushion-sewing, the tufted sofa is finally done!!
I feel like some confetti should’ve fallen from the sky when Kriste and I put the final cushion in place. It didn’t, but it should have. This sofa has been the most challenging and high-maintenance piece of upholstery I have taken on to date, but it is done and I finally get to show it off.
There it is, all styled and pretty.
And here it is without any pillows or props…
Kriste and I were “oohing” as we were proofing the pictures. It’s just such a pretty sofa!
Here is how it looked when it came into my possession. It was given to me last year after the Lucketts Spring Market for free. Eddie, a photographer and fellow vendor, didn’t sell it, but really wanted to get rid of it, so she gave it to me.
It’s hard to turn down a free sofa, even though I knew it would be a challenge.
Sources…
- The frame is painted in Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint Linen
- Fabric is antique hemp sheets (I’ll be ordering more soon!)
- Fabric on the back is $5.60/yard Sagless Burlap
- Checked pillows are from Ballard Designs
- Linen pillow cover is from Ikea
- Rug is Joss & Main
- Painting is by Cindy Austin
- Caned chairs are painted in Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint Bergere and are for sale in my online shop
If you missed the process of this makeover, you can click through these posts below to see all of the details.
part 1 | stripping & painting the frame
part 2 | making fabric covered buttons
part 3 | troubles with tufting
part 6 | braided jute trim & tacks
A few people have asked if I’m selling it… After such a labor, I need to keep it for a while and love on it. I’m sure I’ll sell it at some point.
But not today.
In other news, we’re installing the built-ins in my mom & dad’s room tomorrow!
101 Responses
Perfection!
It is really gorgeous. Even though I’m not a fan of nailhead trim—I feel like it’s so overdone—this one is subtle. I just adore the hemp fabric and the linen milk paint.
What kind of rug is that, jute?
I’ve wanted those cane chairs for a while but I’m not local… In CT, otherwise I’d own them by now!
Beautiful! What a wonderful inspiration.
LOVE!! Thanks for sharing the (imperfect) process – it helps us not feel quite so bad when we (I) struggle with our DIYs and it turned out so fantastc. I love the simple styling too. 🙂
So gorgeous! I have a love seat that’s been just sitting in my sunroom but I think you’ve pushed me to start. I love your makeovers. You really inspire! Thank you Marion!
I love it and also love the cow painting above it!
Absolutely gorgeous.
You are a force to be reckoned with. There were moments you weren’t so sure but you won. It’s just amazing.
great description of her!
It’s gorgeous!
Ohhhh myyyyy God…. That sofa is pure heaven. Never sell it, and if you do want to sell it, merciful heavens let me know Is it actually comfortable too? …and i’m not bragging but my painting looks gorgeous over it. What a great combination with the painting and the flowers and all of it . These photos are to die for too, wow!. What a beautiful post. Sounds like you went to war with that sofa and you won too!! Haha!
I bet Eddie is sorry but also glad for the second life you gave it! It is lovely!
Wonderful job! You can be very proud of the finished product!
The sofa is stunning, Marian! I wasn’t sure I was going to like the burlap for the back and the twine-type cording, but it really does give the sofa a real uniqueness. The tufting looks fabulous, too. Well, my dear, you deserve to be proud of your perseverance and craftsmanship. You did it! But, here’s the question: Will you EVER do it again??! (I’m betting you will!)
Absolute perfection! I don’t think I could part with it. You did a fabulous job on it!
I have been wondering if you’d sell after all that hard work. I say not! It should be priceless!
Love this SO much Marian!! Absolutely gorgeous gorgeous!!
It came out so lovely! You had a great vision for the ugly duckling that it was! Beautiful!
Wow, it’s STUNNING! So hard to believe that’s even the same sofa. All of your hard work and patience really paid off. Just gorgeous! Hugs, CoCo
Gorgeous! You’ve done an amazing job!
Although I am not a big fan of burlap, I must say that the sofa is looking great (I knew it would!). You have really managed to put your own unique stamp on the piece. I adore the tufting. Well done, Marian. I have two armchairs in the same style that belonged to my grandmother. Seeing you tackle this enormous project and not giving up is providing me with the courage to tackle my own project. Thank you for the daily dose of inspiration that you offer.
Bravo!
Looks great! What an accomplishment. I have a similar sofa that belonged to my grandmother that needs recovering. I’m not as brave as you to take that on. I like the idea of paint on the wood to update it. Also thinking about drop cloth.
Marian, you should pat yourself on the back, then snuggle up on that beauty. I love it! So happy you’ve decided to love on it instead of selling it. A true labor of love. <3
it looks awesome! so glad it went to you!
She’s a beauty!
From an ugly duckling to a beautiful swan!!!! Congrats
It is a keeper for sure. I so enjoyed the process and seeing the sofa evolve. Question. How did you plump up the thin cushions to look so lush and comfy? I have a 1940’s couch with thin spring cushions that need some tlc when I redo it and was hoping to see how you tackled it. Thanks for the inspiration.
I actually didn’t add anything to the cushions. I think the new covers just have more structure than the old ones, so they look fresh and fuller.
Love it!
Beautiful!….I’ll take 2!!
I am lovin on the pic hanging above it of the grazing cows…can you tell us where it is from?
Painting is by Cindy Austin link above pic
Congratulations!! It looks amazing. Job well done. ?
It’s very lovely. I particularly like the juxtaposition of the formality of diamond tufting with the humble fabrics.
I would take it in a flash if it weren’t for the fact that my cats would interpret the burlap as an invitation to scratch. I’m afraid it wouldn’t withstand their efforts at “improvement”.
It’s amazing. Can only IMAGINE how tough that was. Looks great 🙂 🙂
Beautious!
Perfect organic GLAMOR!!! Makes me want to design a room around it ?
It is STUNNING!!!
Wow, well done, Marian! And so brave of you to tackle it all in the public eye with no guarantee of a good outcome. Another proof of what faith can do! Your styling and photography are stunning.
Well done! And what an improvement over the sofa in its original condition. Whew! What an eyesore it was! You definitely have vision, it’s a beauty! 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous! You’ve inspired me to tackle my tufted ottoman which is in need of re-covering. Thanks.
It is a stunning piece! All that work definitely was worth it! It’s even beautiful without out the accessories.
LOVE LOVE LOVE what you’ve done with this sofa! Thanks for the inspiration…. 🙂
Wonderful transformation! The pillows are way to big as the cover up all your hard work! Some smaller bolster shaped pillows would be perfect ?
Very nice! I like the little white pillow too…like to have that pattern.
🙂
…should be your signature piece!
I’m in love.
When can I pick it up!???
Love it!
Lovely
Oh my stars and garters ~ it’s gorgeous!!!
I’m happy you are going to keep it for a while. I think it will look perfect in your living room!
What’s your trick to have your hydrangeas live for >24 hours? Blue hydrangeas are my very favorite flower, but every time I buy them, the next morning they’re all withered up and dying. 🙁
P.S. I sent pictures of the questionable MMS paint brush for you to check out to the address you messaged me from.
Happy Valentine’s Day weekend!
That happens to me as well. If I buy a bunch, some will carry on for a few days, but one or more will be withered the next day.
If anyone cuts them from her own garden, maybe she can tell us what’s going on with them.
Oh, she’s a beauty, Marian!
It is so beautiful. This is something you should keep.
It’s breathtaking!!! Looks like it came straight from Europe. Your talents (and persevereance) are endless! Following your blog has caused me to slow down, notice and appreciate the details and imperfections on vintage/antique items. I’ve always loved old things having been drug to countless antique malls, flea markets and garage sales growing up, but you’ve introduced me to ironstone, hemp sheets and milk paint! Thank you for sharing your talents.
Love! Love! Love! Bravo!
Marian, the sofa is absolutely gorgeous! It’s well worth all the effort you put into it.
I love the sofa all by itself, such a pretty shot. I have to give a suggestion, the two plaid pillows seems too large for such a delicate pretty sofa. LOVE the details!
So pretty, better without pillows!
Thank you for sharing your process! It is stunning. Thanks for the inspiration.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!
Wow! The sofa is stunning! What a beautiful job you did!
It is exquisite! All your hard work was worth it!
I’m drooling! Absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for sharing your process and the resources for the accessories!
Wow! Turned out gorgeous. Job well done!
Stunning!!!
You did a wonderful job. It turned out beautiful.
Beautiful love it I have to agree
with others , love it naked !
What a great job!! It is soooo beautiful. My parents caught me staring at their similar living room couch and imagining what you could do with it!
Marion,
Beautiful job!!! Your patience paid off! I enjoy your inspiration!?
beautiful! i wouldn’t even cover it with pillows!
Your craftsmanship continues to amaze me!! It is so lovely! Great job girls!
Beautiful work Marian!! I can understand you wanting to keep it but if you change your mind, please get a hold of me. :0)
A STUNNER! Might be my fav of all your projects! If it were mine, I’d never sell it.
It’s Beautiful! Now sit back and enjoy!!!
This is gorgeous! Love it!
Turned out beautiful but the pillows have to go!
Amazing! Looks stunning . . .
I’m not sure why so many people are against the pillows, I really love the whole look. While the couch alone turned out so beautiful, the pillow add a casual warmth to the entire look. You are so talented Marian! Thanks for taking us with you on this journey. Job well done!
Beautiful! Such a labor of love, I’m glad you stuck with it! I once stripped a tufted chair and gave up midway through. I could not have possibly had the right tools, I worked on it for days before finally sending it to the upholsterer.
Thank you so much for sharing your process!
well done Marion, it’s beautiful, I think if I sat on this I would never get up one I had a book in my hand 🙂
Love the sofa but I can’t stop staring at the picture of the bouquet on the blue and white dish. That is so, so beautiful.
What a beauty and no one can blame you for keeping it.
I love the work you did on this piece. It truly is a treasure. I’m so glad you’re not selling it. I have to say though that I’m really not loving the checked pillows. The scale is off, I know it’s good to play with scale to add interest but in this case it only detracts from the sofa in my opinion.
Just Lovely! I tried sewing on some burlap and it kept getting caught in my machine… Was this grade of burlap something that could go through a sewing machine? I love your Hemp Oil, how will you recoat at it on this lovely sofa when it needs it? I learn so much from your questions and answers…. Thks!
It may have more to do with your sewing machine than the burlap. If it’s meant for light-duty, the burlap might just been too much for it. It does also shed and fray a lot, so that could be the source of the problem.
I actually didn’t use hemp oil on the frame. I left the milk paint “raw”. If I did use hemp oil, it really wouldn’t need a re-coat, since a sofa frame isn’t a “high traffic” surface. A table-top might need it once a year or so.
I love, love, love everything you did with that sofa!! Stunning!!
Incredibly beautiful! I admire you for sticking to the job. I was following your progress and I was so impressed. The room looks amazing also. Jane Flora Doora
Really really beautiful ! Sooooo Frenchy Farmhouse !
The perfect combo !
You and Kristie have done amazing work as always !!!
Thank you for sharing
Tufting is not for the faint of heart, so glad you stuck with it and the outcome it amazing! I wouldn’t want to sell this ever!
I’m in LOVE!
Your patience has certainly paid off.
Simply wonderful!
Wow! I am speechless! It looks like a completely different sofa – and the fact that you did it yourself is just unbelievable. It is so gorgeous now!!
Sheila
http://www.maisondecinq.blogspot.com
The sofa turned out beautifully. And I love those cane chairs – I wish I lived closer so I could actually buy them!
It’s beautiful. Worth the hard work!
Just gorgeous!
I think it’s gorgeous, Marian!!! I actually love all of your makeovers and I’m thinking of ordering soon MMS milk paint to attempt a makeover of my own. Wish me luck :).
Thank you so much for the amazing inspiration you post!
Eva | Design Cafe
xx
Oh my goodness. I am in love, it is beautiful Marianne. So much detail and care & sweat 😉 went into this, and it shows. I can see why you don’t want to part with it yet, I don’t think I ever would!!
Great work 🙂
Lauren | Lovely Decor
xx
If/when you sell the sofa, I would love to buy it! Beautiful!!
Love this transformation, and have been looking for a similar sofa for the right price ever since you started sharing your progress. I finally found one and am going to give this look a try on it! Can you share how many sheets you needed to use (size of sheet) and would 3 yards of the burlap be enough?
Thank you!
I have a sofa that is nearly identical to this that I am getting ready to transform. Could you give me an estimate on how much yardage of the two fabrics you used / bought?
BEAUTIFUL… WoW!!
Beautiful!
Where can I get the hemp fabric for the Uphostery?