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French chair makeover

I have a lot on my plate for the next couple of months and my mind has been churning trying to sort and prioritize.  When I hit these busy seasons, it helps me to get things checked off the to-do list, so I decided to get going right away on things this morning.  Before heading to the studio, I worked some more on the wallpaper mural in the upstairs bath.  Hanging wallpaper is tedious work, so I can only take it in doses.  I just have a few more rows to hang and then it will be all done.  I’m loving how it’s looking, though!

I was a bit scattered when I arrived at the studio.  I wanted to work on about ten things at a time, so I sort of scurried from one thing to the next.  Kriste is great at helping me settle down.  She organized the furniture that was strewn about the studio and set to work.  I decided to focus on reupholstering this chair…

Kriste had already stripped it down for me last week, so it was ready to go and I knew I could get it completed.  I upholstered the front in remnants of a blue-striped grain sack…

The wood was really beautiful with a warm patina, so I didn’t paint it.  I also love how the wood frames out the fabric.

I added a little surprise of a blue & white toile to the back…

mms-5543
mms-5545

I made a video tutorial showing how I reinforced the back, so I’ll share it as soon as I can get it edited.

Towards the end of the day, I was digging through my fabric stash to see what I might want to use on the pair of bergere chairs and I found two of these monogram grain sacks…

All I could think of when I saw the monogram was a “BM” monogram pillow I had for sale at Lucketts a couple of years ago.  My friend and fellow blogger, Breida, was there and jokingly referred to it as the “poop pillow”.  I was telling Kriste about this and asked her opinion on using the grain sacks monogrammed with “BM” on the chairs.  She shook her head, indicating that it wouldn’t be the best thing.  I knew she was right.  While a part of me thinks I just need to grow up and get past the potty humor, another part of me knew I would always think of those chairs as the “poop chairs”.  Thanks for that, Breida.

So, we came up with a solution…

mms-5530

We turned the B’s into Ps.

So, now they’ll be the “goodnight chairs”, which is much better than the “poop chairs”.  Don’t you think?

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

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77 Responses

  1. Can't wait for the tutorial! My hubby and I have tried our hand at rehabing a chair or two but none came out as wonderful as yours!

  2. beautiful!

    I have one of these (Mine has a really wide seat though) waiting for me to conquer ! Mine however is in pretty bad shape and had to remove everything which left me with only a wood frame. I can't wait to see your tutorial . Hofully it will give me some motivation to finish mine!

  3. Absolutely beautiful Miss MS! I am so inspired every day by all the beautiful things you do. right now i am babystepping into slipcovers because of your beautiful work!

  4. They're gorgeous! I'm so glad to hear your lucky french furniture day came! Gives me hope that I could find some too *winks* And I know that feeling…Get me home fast! Anyhoo add me to the list of those who are longing to know all about how you accomplished your transformation. The pale blue color is soooo perfect! Vanna

  5. "I was paranoid that someone would rear end the truck on the way home and turn them into toothpicks or that someone would steal them out of the truck bed while it was in the church parking lot for 30 minutes. I wanted these chairs in my house that second".

    It's not paranoid, (I and I bet I speak for other treasure hunters)have thought the same things after a terrific find.

    The chairs turned out beautifully, hope you get years of enjoyment from them!

  6. I am so happy for you! They are lovely. You have inspired me. I just got back from picking up a drop cloth from Lowes. Before I cut into I have a question. I noticed that they have 8oz., 10oz, & 12oz. drop cloths. I got the 8 oz. I have a heavy duty machine. Is this a wise choice or should I have a different one? Thank you so much for sharing and always making me smile when I see what fabulosity you have created!!!!

  7. The chairs look beautiful. I can't wait to see the tutorial. I have a pair in my storage shed that desperately need to be redone, but I am terrified to mess them up!

  8. I covet these chairs! They are totally gorgeous. I would love to know about the paint and glaze you used so hope it's in the tutorial.

    Merry Christmas!
    Pat

  9. these chairs are sooo gorgeous! I LOOOOOVE THEM. Great job! I also had dreams of owning that gorgeous setee you redid. I am patiently, pa…tient….ly waiting on your tutorial. I, too, have been scavenging craigslist, garage sales, anything to find some french chairs to redo that weren't $300 a pop. I finally found some 4 months ago! I convinced the guy to give me 2 chairs for $40, in horrible, AWFUL shape! They have been un-upholstered (if that's a word) frame re-stabilized (because they were THAT bad), and stain stripped and now I am paralyzed with fear to touch them. Waiting for you to tell me what to do! thank you….and I love reading your blog

  10. YOur chairs are just devine! You did such a wonderful job on them. I am looking forward to your tutorial as I came across a 3 piece french lounge suite a while ago but have been too scared to redo them myself and can't afford to get a professional to do them right now.. so will have to see how hard they are to do. Once again, wonderful job! take care, Maryann

  11. Oh Marian – BEAUTIFUL! JUST BEAUTIFUL! I just love them! They just oooooze French elegance. They are the perfect addition to your pretty living room for sure. Can hardly wait to hear about how you did the paint technique and the upholstering. 🙂

    xoxo laurie

  12. Unbelievable to think that is drop cloth fabric. What a remarkable transformation. I could look at the before and after images over and over. Just gorgeous!! Sonia 🙂

  13. Dear Miss Mustard Seed:

    Do not sell yourself short….there is no way I could even attempt to reupholster chairs like these and have them look as beautiful as yours do! Isn't it grand when we finally get something we have yearned for. Your chairs are spectacular.

    xo
    LeAnn

  14. Beautiful job. After Christmas, I'll be starting my own upholstering jobs. Nothing French or Provencial, but hopefully just as beautiful. Your room is lovely.

  15. Those are so so gorgeous! I love the fact that you used gimp trim, so easy!! Truly stunning pieces, I can't wait to see all your tips and your tutorial! My favorite picture is the last one with your sweet boy! Your room looks so pretty with these two (and him) in it!
    xo
    Kate

  16. I cannot wait for a tutorial! I also have been obsessed with these chairs for a long time, but I have no idea how to redo them and they are so expensive to buy new! Yours are so stunning!! ~Christie

  17. wait wait!
    In the tutorial will you be discussing what you did to the seat cushion? It looks like you replaced it…that's my problem with tackling upholstery projects. So often the seat cushions have to be totally replaced, and by the time you're done with it, you could have bought brand new chairs for the same price! I am sooo struggling with this.

  18. Your chairs are absolutely fabulous! One would never guess by looking at the photos that they are upholstered in dropcloth fabric.
    Merry Christmas to you and yours!
    Hugs, Cindy

  19. I am of course echoing what everyone has already said. Sigh. Gorgeous. Did you learn to upholster somewhere or are you just an amazing seamstress? Is there hope for me?
    Blessings and Merry Christmas!

  20. PLEASE don't sell these! Don't be tempted (unless someone offers you one million dollars-said in my best Dr. Evil impression). Love it, and they absolutely do make the room. Looking forward to the tute.

  21. They look fantastic! I have two small chairs from my mom's house to redo. Maybe after the holidays. You have inspired me. Did you save the bird fabric? Maybe you could use a piece of the unfaded part for a pillow or other project.

  22. These are unbelievable! You are such a talented lady, a true genius. Can't wait for the tutorial even though it is a bit ambitious for me (and I don't have any French style furniture!).
    Have a wonderful Christmas!

  23. Hello Marian,
    I just love your chairs!
    You did a beautiful job. I wish I lived by you……
    I tried to reupholster my chair… I ended up having to wrap a sheet around it for about two years before finding someone who could reupholster it for a reasonable price. Your chairs look amazing! You can do anything!!!!
    Also that last picture is way too sweet!
    Merry Christmas!
    Thank you for all of your support you have given me this year!
    Take Care,
    Maria

  24. Ok, so ummm … how easy did you make this look!?!?! I feel like I could do this, now!! 🙂 I just saw you're in Gettysburg. I don't know where that is in relation to Chadds Ford, but we go there often to visit Winterthur. Anyway – love this! You're so talented!

  25. These are absolutely beautiful. I have two of them for my beach house that are currently in a fuzzy gold striped velvet and this is exactly what I have been looking for! Love your blog and can’t wait until the tutorial. Thank you!!

  26. Hello – Thank you for this lovely post and inspiration. Can you please send the link to the tutorial you refer to? Love it!

  27. I just LOVE how the chairs look. Now I’m going to be on the look out for a pair of my own to do. Thanks so much for sharing the inspiration.

  28. Your chairs are gorgeous! Could you please let me know where I can find your tutorial?
    Thank you!

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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