DIY,  Furniture

From Drab to Fab: Lounge Chair Makeover

 

Before After Ikat chair

Styles change over time but that doesn’t mean you should throw out the old.

I love to transform things so when I’m out on the hunt I’m always looking for items with good bones.  This chair though unsightly, made me pause.  The fabric looked like a bad taste of the 80’s but that didn’t matter to me.  Thank goodness, I saw beauty where it didn’t yet exist.  When I sat down and found it sat well, it was sold.  Next stop, my garage for a makeover.

chair J originalLovely bones but she was in desperate need of a new dress and hairdo.  Do you see a beauty – I did!

I decided to go bold and I found the perfect ikat fabric.  Something modern and durable that you wouldn’t get tired of quickly.  That’s my rule for any reupholstery project.  If you are going to take the time to do or pay someone to reupholster make a choice that will stand the test of time.  Good upholstery work is not simple or cheap.  In reupholstery the item is stripped down to the frame and rebuilt.  When it’s finished you have a new piece of furniture.

IMG_2234I started by giving the wood a custom paint job using chalk paint with my recipe and navy latex paint.  I applied the 1st coat, let it dry and painted again.

 

chair j paint w/o uphoolsteryThen, I used a clear wax to buff a nice sheen into the wood and make it more durable.

webbing at bottom of chair Since I was focused elsewhere and on a timeline I sent the chair to an expert upholsterer in my area.  Rebuilding her from the frame up, he gave her the same love and care that I would have, but much faster.

Reupholstered chair WHShe’s almost done.  I had the opportunity to inspect before the final cover was nailed on. Thanks Mr. Harris.

IMG_2311New life has been breathed into this chair.  It’s nice when a vision becomes reality.

 IMG_2312I think it looks pretty good.  See – baby got back too.

Now this chair has a new job making my son comfortable when he’s studying at college.  I expect it to have a lot of late nights doing homework.

 

 

blue white chair ikat by elleI’m glad she brought out the artist and supermom in me 🙂

 

I hope you enjoyed the transformation and it inspires you to …

Signature - Go forth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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