Isn’t it swell to have friends in the same mindset as you? The ones that can drive past a pile of trash and see something they know you’ll love. I love friends like that. sniff sniff. My friend was driving home one day and spied this antique settee amidst other goodies on the curb one day. She gave me a quick call and told me she saw something that she thought I would like. gulp.
You bet your lucky stars she peaked my interest. My kids and I love a good trashure hunt, so we hopped in the truck and headed over. Would you have left it sitting curbside? Not me!
TRASHURE
The best part is, that wasn’t the only goodies to be found. Here is what else I scored on that run.
Table legs, bed posts, lumber, a surveyor’s tripod, lamp shade, footstool, and a bag of garment hangers…. POTENTIAL! The next day, they were putting out more stuff and actually went out in the rain with her husband to get some gorgeous mirrors. How cool is that?! I’ll share more on those later.
I was beyond excited to have found all this good stuff and my kids were giddy at the haul too. Making memories is the best part. One day we’ll be sitting around the table saying, “Remember when…”. I love it!
So, you may think, that a busted arm can’t be fixed or maybe you think easy fix. Well, both are wrong. Yes, a busted arm can be fixed but it isn’t always easy. It depends on the break. Take a look…
Originally the arm was held in place by two dowel pins that were inserted into the frame. Clearly it had been broken here and also at the base where the dowel was completely busted.
DIY TIME
The bottom half was an easy repair, just drill out the dowel remnants and replace with a new dowel. (lining up the dowel holes can be tricky though). As for the upper, I went to one of my favorite tools ever, the Kreg Jig- a pocket hole screw system that makes building so much easier!
Clamped that baby on and made some pocket holes and then attached with screws and refinished. Good as new and… dare I say…even better than new! The rest of the frame was another issue. I had to knock it apart and re-glue and do a few minor repairs since most joints were loose or coming apart.
Here it is stripped after one million staples later, and ready for a face-lift.
As much as I wish I could say that I am going to keep the frame that gorgeous mahogany, it just isn’t possible with the repairs. Since the arm is badly broke, it takes a good bit of wood filler, etc. and that doesn’t hide, so I decid to paint. It hurt thought, I tell ya.
PAINT TIME
At first I hate painting. But, when I find that my two layers of Kilz stain blocker aren’t working at first, I am ready to call it quits or paint it black. You see, any cherry or mahogany stained furniture is going to bleed red stain no matter what you do and Kilz has worked for me every time. It was after the third coat that the color was finally sealed in. Yay!!
I decided to use my favorite antique white like I’ve used in so many projects before like this antique dressing table, this other curbside vanity, and this chest of drawers as a couple of examples. To top it off, I used my handmade wax.
UPHOLSTERY
The reason I choose the white is because I fell in love with this upholstery.
A soft green linen with creamy white accents and trim. Do you blame me? I also had these fantastic porcelain casters I had been saving for just the right project. Since the settee design is for casters, I add some. Also, they add so much character.
THE REVEAL
Are you ready to see my curbside beauty restored? I am!
This antique settee would be staying with me if I had room…seriously. I love the upholstery, the simple lines, and it’s oh-so-cozy to sit on. But, alas, it is up for grabs in my online shop.
Do you blame me for considering keeping it? I mean, it could live with the kids, right? They’ll move out eventually. tee hee.
I am definitely considering using the same upholstery on my own living room furniture I have yet to redo.
So tell me…what do you think of my antique settee makeover?
I hope this antique settee project and that it inspires you to take a second look at those curbside treasures and see the potential in them with a bit of TLC.
SHARE
Additionally, pin and share the #trashure love! ♥
Next up for a makeover is this desk…hmmm… Head here to see.
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Also, other curbside furniture makeovers like my antique settee:
What do I think? I think this is incredible. Not only did you put Humpty Dumpty together again, but you transformed him from an ugly duckling to a swan! It is so beautiful, if I lived closer I would buy it. Just wait till I move!! I love the fabric you chose, it lets the curve of the frame shine through. Excellent job! Merry Christmas to you and your family my dear friend! 🙂
hee hee. 😉 You are so fun, Mary! Thanks for getting that the fabric played on the lines of the settee. I wanted something that looked old, but had a modern twist to bring together modern and antique. Merry Christmas to you!
Wow did you hit the jackpot. I was totally drooling over the great things you scored. What you with the settee is beyound words. Merry Christmas
Crazy, isn’t it? Someone was cleaning house and I love that my friends helped me find it all. Now to make use of the rest! Merry Christmas!
Fabulous! Love the mirrors above and basket below, great styling!
Thank you, Ellen! Those mirrors are from a vanity I restored and actually hang above our bed.
I wonder if the people in your area read your blog and say, “Is that MY piece of furniture?” I love the settee fabric and especially think the caster-wheels are a great addition! Merry Christmas Larissa!
Ha! That would be great! It was a fun project to revive, now to find another, right? 😀
Beautiful rescue !….you can almost see the settee smiling. I wish I had room for her.
hahaha…yes, smiling for sure. Thank you for the giggle and I wish I had room too. 😉
It turned out amazing! Love the wheels you added to it! Can I asked if you sealed your paint after a ou were done? If so do your suggest any that prevent the paint from yellowing? Thank you!
Thank you, Morgan! Yes, I used my own handmade wax to add a protective coat.
God has truly blessed you with an incredible talent and style! Love everything you do.
God Bless,
Karen
That is a wonderful thing to hear, Karen. Thank you so much!
I love the transformation! Do you have the name and or source for that fabric? I’d love to put it on my dining room chairs.
Thank you, Mary! I don’t remember the name off-hand, but it came from JoAnn.
Larissa,
I love it. It’s a great piece to have for sure. You did an amazing job.
Thank you so much for the love, Vanessa. It was fun!
Oooooh, I love that fabric Larissa – so pretty. All your hard work paid off on this one and thank goodness for friends like yours!
Wishing you and yours a Very Merry Christmas!
Isn’t it gorgeous? I just had to have some. Thank you for stopping by and showing some love, Marie! I wish I had more time to do the same for others. Merry Christmas!
Amazing, truly amazing. Some people have that special touch and you , young lady, definitely have it. Do you sale the beautiful fabric? It would be perfect for the bench that goes with my Grandmother’s dressing table. Please tell me you do! Thank you, I so very much enjoyed reading your post!
Thank you for your sweet words, Debbie, particularly the “young” part. 😀 The fabric is available at JoAnn’s, so you can do your grandmother’s bench. Yay!
Larissa, your diamond in the rough is truly a gem to behold! I would have a very tough time letting this particular piece go. I love the fabric you chose & the color you painted the mahogany.I think it looks great in your home. Blessings, Jenny
Thank you so much, Jenny! It was a fun save.
I love everything you do, everything would look great in my house.
That is so sweet of you to say. Thank you, Linda!
I hope you decided to keep that settee! It’s gorgeous!!
It’s on its way to the new home today. But…there will be more. Yay!
I totally love that you have a box of old casters! I just scored a small bag of casters at an estate sale, loving my new find!
Great minds junk alike! 😀
Perfect! Just perfect! I wouldn’t have changed a thing.
Woot! Thanks so much!
Gorgeous! What’s the brand and color of the paint used? It’s perfect with the fabric.
Oh my! How have I not seen this beauty!! ? You did such a beautiful job right down to the gorgeous fabric!! Pinning and sharing all over the world!!
You are too cute, Sam. Thank you!