I have always loved the shape of balloon back chairs. Very Frenchy. My parents had a pair in our foyer when I was in high school and they were always some of my favorite pieces of furniture in our house.
During one of my many treasure hunts in my grandparent’s attic, I was thrilled to find the two chairs that matched the ones my parents had in our foyer. It was pretty clear why these two had been left to the heat and bugs. The backs were broken, they were a little rickety, and the fabric…
…well, let’s just say this old girl had seen better days.
So, I glued the backs together and really didn’t mind the fact that chunks were missing. These chairs are well over a hundred years old and still maintain their original horse hair stuffing, so imperfections are expected and okay. I pulled off the old trim and shredded fabric, leaving the muslin cover.
I started out using my staple gun to attach new fabric, but I ran out of staples. I am not a girl who likes to start a project and leave it unfinished. So, I did what any impatient decorator would do…I dug the old upholstery tacks out of the trash and used a hammer to pound them in. They were at the bottom of my kitchen trash, so this was true determination.
I then hot glued a coordinating trim around the edges to hide the staples and tacks.
These chairs are going to flank my husband’s highboy dresser in our bedroom, so they won’t be sat in regularly. They’ll act as a spot for cast-off clothes and a place to put on shoes.
Once I finished, I realized the diamond pattern is ever so slightly askew. Darn it. Oh well. I still need to refurbish the wood a little bit, but I am really happy with how it turned out, despite my imperfect upholstery job. I need to buy more trim before I can do the other chair.
This is the new home for the chair, next to hubby’s dresser.
You can see how well it works with our bedding and canopy. I started my master bedroom makeover several months ago and it stalled. I still have bare nails, a door leaning up against a wall and stacks of pictures and plates. I am now ready to get to work on it again to get it as finished as I can until I find some pieces I need.
As a reminder, Furniture Feature Friday is open until midnight EST tonight and don’t forget to enter my Frog Tape Giveaway.
22 Responses
Hi Marian,
I have been loving your blog for some time now, and I wanted to pass an award to you. I realise you probably have had many, but I really just wanted to acknowledge your awesome blog; I hope you can stop by to see sometime,
take care,
Laura Curriexx my summerhouse
summerhouselc.blogspot.com
Such an incredibly beautiful chair!! Love it!
That is a gorgeously shaped chair! So glad you rescued them from the attic.
As normal you did a fabulous job.
Wonderful job on the chair, I'm so glad you were able to save them, I think you said you had two. I bet they look beautiful in your bedroom. I can't wait to see the finished room. Thanks for sharing.
Sandy
Oh I love your chairs. They are such a beautiful shape and I really like your upholstery too. The trim is great also. Your room is looking wonderful. I can't wait to see it all finished. Hugs, Marty
simply divine! and just perfect for your home. so glad you found them and were able to breathe some life into them so they can stay intact and in the family for many years to come.
You did a great job! I don't mind it if things are a smidge off sometimes. It makes it yours..an original and I like that.
Pretty chairs and what a find!
JenT
Just awesome my friend…Love your bedroom…Pray all is well in your world today…Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
They are beautiful! Great job!!
Very inspiring! I haven't been brave enough to tackle re-upholstery yet, but you make it look easy! Beautiful job!
Gorgeous chairs…I love what you did with them.
These are great chairs and I love the trim you used on the seats. What did they use to attach trim before hot glue? Just regular glue. Thanks as usual for the inspiration.
Oh those chairs are tres magnafique! Love 'em!
Loving the chairs! And they are perfect in your bedroom!! Beautiful!
Hugs
SueAnn
Your balloon chair looks amazing. You did so a great job with the re-upholstery. Looks perfect in you bedroom.
BTW, thanks for hosting FFF, it must be a lot of work. I can't believe how many projects you accomplish in one week, wish I had your energy!
Determination! thats what you've got….great job! smiles.
Those chairs are beautiful! I love the shape and they look just perfect for your purpose.
Wow!! Lovely chair. I am hosting a Giveaway from CSN stores. Do stop by my blog. I would love to see you there! Take care Anu.
Love the chair! I made roman shades out of the same fabrics that you used on your canopy. Loved the fabric, hated the price. I can't believe I allowed myself to spend that much on curtains, and hated every minute of sewing them. I felt like I was destined to ruin such expensive fabric. But I love how they turned out:o) Great job on the canopy too:o)
Skipping around a bit catching up on posts and have to tell you the antlers are not for me {nightmares!} but this canopy is to die for! Currently working on our bedroom and think a canopy is in order!
I love love the chair cover and the chalk board! Would you be able to make covers for bar stools? I spilled cooking oil all over them and stained them forever lol.Thanks so much!
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