Remember my great-grandmothers formerly orange torn, ripped and cracked faux leather chairs? Well I finally got on that and finished up the last little odds and ends that were hanging out so that we could officially check these guys off the old to-do list.
I’ve been planning this update for years and quietly hoarding these chairs away in the attic until I got crazy brave enough to try this project out on my own. I could never bear to part with them, over the years they hopped from attic to attic as we moved waiting for the right time and place for an update.
They looked OK from far away and I even grew somewhat fond of the bright orange color. Upon closer inspection they were a bit of a mess, covered in old Naugahyde that had cracked and become sticky to the touch over the years. They smelled musty and dusty and had a weird crinkle to the seat when you sat due to the original horsehair stuffing. After years of waiting it was finally time to get on it and fix up these diamonds in the rough.
I debated a few different options including re-covering them in soft buttery leather or black velvet. In the end I found some great neutral upholstery fabric on the cheap from eBay, clicked bid and the decision was made to keep the chairs neutral. I think it was a good choice since our bedroom already has a ton of color thanks to the curtains and pillows I made.
First I removed all of the fabric from the chair down to the bare frame. The only thing that was left in-tact were the springs, held together by the hand tied twine. This was the messiest part of the job. I had been hoping to leave some of the original insides in tact but once the fabric was pulled away it became clear that everything needed to be replaced. There were 5 bags of garbage from these two small chairs!
We took the chairs out side and did some repair work to the legs. They had become wobbly in spots and needed to be sanded and stained. Bryan used his Kreg jig to drill a few pocket holes and slid a few screws into place to hold the front legs secure to the frame.
The jute webbing that holds the entire seat together had disintegrated in places and had a very musty smell that was only going to be fixed by replacing it. I redid the entire seat by stapling it to the bottom and weaving the jute strips for form a tight base for the springs.
After watching a few videos on YouTube I began retying the springs in spots to make sure they were nice and secure. Added new foam to the seats to replace the old dusty horsehair (it seriously smelled awful) and covered it in some batting and an under layer of fabric in the same manner as I removed it. Just in reverse this time.
They sat like this for some time while I gathered the rest of my supplies and thought about how to tackle the rest of the project. I felt a little paralyzed for a while, knowing there was still a lot of work to be done. Eventually I just decided to dive right in and finish them up. After a few days and some late nights of cutting, sewing, stapling fabric and hammering nails I had two fantastic vintage chairs that we are loving.
To add subtle contrast and highlight the lines of the chair I sewed piping in white denim and added old-fashioned nail head trim to the chairs I think it shows it off just enough to be elegant and refined.
In person the neutral fabric has a subtle hint of green in certain lights. It’s a heavy weight brushed upholstery grade fabric that is soft to the touch but should hold up to years of use.
So the verdict? Even though I had grown fond of the old bold color, I’m really happy I decided on a neutral fabric. They’re classic, fresh and they blend seamlessly into the room. Another perk is that they look fantastic in other rooms of the house too. I’m almost tempted to steal them for another room…almost.
Just so you don’t have to scroll all the way up here’s how they looked when we brought them down from the attic and dusted them off.
And now dun de dun dun… the after.
ooooooohhh
ahhhhhhhh
It’s so wonderful to finish up a big project and have it turn out like you had imagined. With that we can mark off one of the last big projects on this Master Bedroom makeover. We still have a few things to do like adding a new head board, refinishing the dresser and sprucing up the closet doors. But those projects are for another day.
63 comments :
Beth April 9, 2012 8:42AM
They’re absolutely gorgeous – I’m so impressed you did that yourself!
OurLakeLife April 9, 2012 8:57AM
Thank Beth
I can’t believe I did it myself either. There was lots of doing and undoing to get it just right though.
Gail McMurray April 9, 2012 1:43PM
You did a beautiful job, they look great.
OurLakeLife April 9, 2012 2:14PM
Thank You Gail
Bernhardt April 10, 2012 8:29PM
I’m so proud of you! Love the chairs and second your choice to go neutral with the fabric! Great idea with the piping! dee dee
OurLakeLife April 11, 2012 11:52AM
Oh thanks Dee Dee, you’re so sweet
Brittanymakes April 12, 2012 10:47AM
wow! your chairs turned out GREAT! i love everything you chose to do with these chairs, bravo! Upholstery projects always feel daunting in the beginning, but once you’re done all the hard work was worth it! May I ask – where did you get your nailheads? I’m on the hunt to find some good ones.
OurLakeLife April 12, 2012 11:02AM
Hi Brittany, Thank you, I bought a 2 lb box of nail head trim at the link below. I love their site and they have all kinds of good upholstery products. In my opinion it’s one of the best upholstery supply shops on the web. I had tons left over after doing the chair which is good because I think I’m a nail head trim addict now. Hope it helps.
http://www.onlinefabricstore.net/upholstery-supplies/upholstery-tools/decorative-french-natural-nails-.htm
Maria April 12, 2012 9:39PM
Wow those chairs look absolutely beautiful! Nicely done!!!! Love the white fabric and the pretty pillows! Just beautiful!
OurLakeLife April 13, 2012 5:40AM
Thank you Maria
Becky April 13, 2012 6:46AM
You did a great job–I love the neutral, absolutely! Maybe I need to do a couple of these for my living room
OurLakeLife April 13, 2012 7:34AM
Thank You Becky, I want them for my Living room too.
Debbie {visual eye candy} April 13, 2012 11:06AM
They turned out wonderful! You did such a great job!
OurLakeLife April 13, 2012 11:18AM
Thank You Debbie
Erika F. April 13, 2012 12:56PM
These chairs turned out awesome! I know how much work went into this project….especially all the brass tacks….not easy! Thanks for sharing!
OurLakeLife April 13, 2012 3:51PM
Thanks Erika, those brass tacks were not fun at all, but worth it in the end.
Alivedinhome April 14, 2012 10:17AM
They look amazing! I like the neutral color in your space.
OurLakeLife April 16, 2012 10:04AM
Thank You
Samaa Khan April 17, 2012 10:50PM
Wow, those are beautiful! The orange was cool and really fun but I totally love this soothing neutral, and they look so high-end now! You did an amazing job
OurLakeLife April 18, 2012 7:58PM
Thank You
Bettsi McComb April 20, 2012 11:25PM
Holy cow! Give yourself a pat on the back and buy yourself a drink! Beautifully done.
OurLakeLife April 21, 2012 7:08AM
Why Thank You Bettsi
Linda Leyble April 22, 2012 10:24AM
Hi! I just love your chair makeover – what a labor of love that was. I would love to try to do upholstery…but I think I just may stick to painting (I am much better at that!). But I love what you did – it may be just the thing that inspires me to do the impossible (re-do a chair!).
Found you on Miss Mustardseed’s blog.
Can I please ask you what fabric you used for your draperies? I love that ikat you used. And the fabric for the pillows? If you have a moment – please let me know! Gorgeous – love your bedroom also…
Linda
PS – please check out my blog as well – I’m a decorative artist…ou may find my work interesting! Thanks
OurLakeLife April 22, 2012 8:55PM
Hi Linda,
Thank you for your lovely comment.The draperies are Robert Allen Khandar in Jewel and the Pillows are Braemore Wonderland Pearl.
I will come stop by and take a look.
Bjwhatley April 23, 2012 11:37PM
Absolutely beautiful. Just love the color and the material thatyou used, even though I loved the orange also. Did a great job. Thanks for sharing.
Betty Whatley
OurLakeLife April 24, 2012 9:21AM
Thank you Betty
Maryannbaro May 4, 2012 5:51AM
What a great reupholstery job! Those chairs look fantastic and so do your ikat draperies . What a colorful happy bedroom to wake up in everyday! I live in NJ too, in beautiful Hunterdon County. Found you at Exceptionally Eclectic. Can’t wait to look thru your blog! Thanks!
OurLakeLife May 4, 2012 4:29PM
Thank you, So happy you’re enjoying the blog. Always nice to have another Jersey girl around here.
Thanks for stopping by
Soonerlaura May 9, 2012 4:18PM
Wow! I’m not sure I would ever be brave enough or crazy enough to tackle an upholstery project of such a large size. Kudos! They look beautiful!
OurLakeLife May 9, 2012 5:30PM
Haha I felt crazy while I was doing it. Thank you it was worth the work.
Chrissy Johnson June 1, 2012 10:34PM
Adorable: what a great transformation! We just purchased two wingback chairs covered in hideous fabric… I’m SO tempted but even MORE afraid to reupholster myself! You did a great job though!
http://www.everydaywiththejays.blogspot.com
Our Lake Life June 3, 2012 6:03AM
Thanks Chrissy, It was a lot of work but very worth it in the end.
Morgan June 2, 2012 10:13AM
What an amazing redo. You did a great job, I love the piping on the chairs and the nail head trim!
Our Lake Life June 3, 2012 6:02AM
Thank you!
Andrea June 3, 2012 9:00PM
They look awesome. This type of project intimidates me.
Sarah@budgetfriendlydecorating June 4, 2012 9:53PM
You did an amazing job on these chairs. No one would believe that the orange ones were the same chairs!
Our Lake Life June 4, 2012 9:59PM
Haha I know right. They were even worse in person. The pictures made them look too good. Thanks for stopping by
Catherine {Stone and Rose} June 5, 2012 7:35AM
Seriously wonderful chairs! I’m in the middle of a chair reupholstery job myself… unfortunately, I seem to be stuck and not getting anywhere. Maybe if I put it in the middle of my living room I’ll get it done. I hope it looks as good as yours do!!
Our Lake Life June 5, 2012 8:46AM
Thanks, Yes having it in the house forced me to work on it. I got stuck too, but finally got sick of the mess and I kept plugging along.
Thanks for stopping by
Our Lake Life June 5, 2012 8:46AM
Thanks, Yes having it in the house forced me to work on it. I got stuck too, but finally got sick of the mess and I kept plugging along.
Thanks for stopping by
Lisa June 5, 2012 11:35PM
I agree with Beth. Fabulous work and I too am impressed on your skills. I usually don’t get past the procrastinating stage. I love the way the reupholstered chairs give a different feel to the room too – even more classy than before.
Our Lake Life June 6, 2012 8:44AM
Thanks Lisa. It was a lot of trial and error. I had to redo the chair backs a few times before I got it right.
Thanks so much for stopping by
Judidarling June 7, 2012 10:41AM
You did a smashing job on these, and they are good for another 30 years. I’m drooling over your drapery fabric-where did you get it? Did you make these drapes, too? Brava!.
Our Lake Life June 7, 2012 11:58AM
Thank You, I hope they do stand the test of time, that would be fabulous.
Yes I made the drapes too
They are Robert Allen fabric in Khandar Jewel.
Thanks for stopping by
Natalie Dixon July 8, 2012 9:46PM
My jaw is on the floor!! These are so gorgeous and I just love the lines of the backs! My husband just brought home a destroyed couch for me to recover so this is perfect timing! I’m planning on going neutral with a bright throw pillows so I’m thrilled to see how well it works here! Pat yourself on the back!!
Our Lake Life July 8, 2012 10:19PM
Thanks Natalie. I love them and they’re holding up great. I was scared to start such a bid upholstery project but I’m so happy I took the plunge.
Thanks for stopping by,
Maria
Nupur July 9, 2012 9:02AM
Gorgeous!!!!! You did a brilliant job! May I ask where you got the drapes? Love them too.
Our Lake Life July 9, 2012 9:58AM
Thanks, I made the drapes. The are Robert Allen’s Fabric Khandar in Jewel. There’s a link in the sidebar to the full DIY breakdown.
Thanks for stopping by
Kim Woodward July 12, 2012 6:16AM
These turned out amazing! I’m actually a bit shocked at how well they turned out. They truly look like new chairs youd purchase At a furniture store. Have you upholstered before? (stopping over from thrifty Decor
Chick.)
Our Lake Life July 12, 2012 9:58AM
I actually only did one other upholstery project before. I a little sewing experience so that help some. The key was to pay attention as you took it apart and I also watched a TON of upholstery videos on youtube and found a really great upholstery series on Design Sponge.
Mel July 29, 2012 6:04PM
You were right to hold on to those chairs. Now they are amazing! Job well done.
Maria July 29, 2012 6:10PM
Thanks Mel. I love hem too and it only makes them all the more special because they’re sentimental.
Angela July 29, 2012 6:30PM
That is an amazing transformation! You are seriously brave. I love your curtain fabric, also. I just found you on Southern Hospitality and am now following you.
Have a great week.
Angela
Maria July 29, 2012 8:24PM
Thanks Angela, so happy to have you!
Nancy July 30, 2012 12:15AM
I am so envious of your drive! You did it! Perfect! You learned that from You Tube?? I am so impressed! Great job especially with the piping and then the nails….
Wow…..
Maria July 30, 2012 8:36AM
Thanks Nancy, It was a combination of you-tube and other tutorials. It’s amazing what you can learn to do by watching you-tube videos.
Jami @ An Oregon Cottage July 30, 2012 10:23AM
Oh wow – drool-worthy and inspiring (I’m thinking of the French chairs I have waiting in my garage, lol). I’m super-impressed (with this project and your blog!). Glad I popped over from Southern Hospitality.
Maria July 30, 2012 11:24AM
Thanks Jami, I love French chairs…now you’ve got me thinking. I may have to find a few of those myself. Thanks for stopping by!
Adjustable Beds January 20, 2013 4:35AM
Greetings from Idaho! I’m bored at work so I decided to browse your blog on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the information you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how fast your blog loaded on my mobile .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, very good site!
Cornelia February 8, 2013 8:26AM
What a job well done! I have been wanting to try a project like this but then get nervous thinking the chair will end up looking nasty. You made this look easy, and have motivated me.
Maria February 8, 2013 10:19AM
Thanks Cornelia, It was a lot of trial and error and patience. YouTube and internet tutorials were my friends through the whole project.
Maria February 19, 2013 7:41PM
Amazing job on these chairs!!! Gorgeous fabric and love the piping and nail head details!!
Very inspiring- I would love to tackle a project like this too!
Maria February 20, 2013 8:29AM
Thanks Maria, it was a lot of work but so worth it in the end