You know how it goes…you walk into the store with one or two things on your list and then…POOF! All of a sudden, your cart is full with treasures and you head skip-happy to the checkout line. Tell me I’m not alone, k? At least, I knew when I spied this vintage thrifted footstool, I knew it was meant to come home with me. Do you see the potential too?
It has a solid wood base, but that upholstery job was definitely what I refer to as a Pinterest fail. eep!
I’ll just stop there with that so we can get this DIY party started. If you recall, I’ve had a blast recreating other footstools in the past. For instance, look at this dynamic duo I recovered in felted wool sweaters. (full tutorial HERE)
With that in mind, let’s start this footstool makeover, shall we?
DIY TIME DECONSTRUCTION
First, I remove those tacks and awful fabric from the stool top. In order to do that, I need to remove the hardware and screws with my handy screwdriver.
Then, I can remove the old upholstery and breaking down foam. blucky.
Next, I want to address the footstool base. I could strip it and even bleach that wood, but this time around I’m choosing to use a paint that will compliment this gorgeous rose fabric I have in my stash. When you’re working your own project, you can use your own fabric of choice, of course.
For the purpose of creating an aged appeal, I’m using a flat finish latex paint and brushing the color on. However, you could also use a paint sprayer or spray paint as well.
FABRIC
Meanwhile, while I wait for two coats to cure – dry-time is approximately two hours. I set my task to recovering the thrifted footstool top with fresh batting and upholstery. If you’ve ever wanted to give upholstery a try, a footstool is really the simplest way to get started. You can read my step-by-step tutorial in this past blog post HERE.
To start, I place my fabric wrong side up, topped with batting, and then the stool lid facing down on the very top. Notice I allow enough to wrap the corners and have plenty to staple down.
While I usually use my power staple gun, I’m opting for my hand-held stapler this time around.
Last, to top it off, I cut a square of fabric large enough to cover the bottom of the lid and hide the staples. My battery-operated hot glue gun makes a breeze of that part. To finish, I coat the upholstery with a fabric protectant as well.
JUNK NO MORE
Finally, here is my vintage footstool straight from needing TLC to a new life transformation. tee hee!
While some folks would have stuck the original in the trash headed to the landfill, it only just needed a few adjustments and creativity to bring it to life again. What’s more is the inside offers that bonus storage space for your magazines, sewing supplies, or to hide the treats you want to hoard for yourself and hide from the kids. {{wink, wink}}
ONE MORE THING
Additionally, I want to mention that in order to make room for the hinges, I notched the batting so the hinge could rest flush to the lid. That way there’s no strain on those screws holding the goodness together. Bonus! This fabric, which I believe my mother passed along to me, is the cherry on top of this makeover.
And that, my dear DIY friends, the finish of this adventure. Do you love it? Maybe you would have done a leopard print with a black base, or maybe a bold chevron with gold legs? Either way, my goal, as always, is to inspire you.
Want to make this footstool your own? You can find it and much more in my online store. Discount for those who sign up for my newsletter!
SHARE
Likewise, with that in mind, leave some comment love below on my thrifted footstool makeover. Then, pin and share to inspire others too!
WAIT! Don’t miss out on my next thrifted gem…what is it? I spy hearts… Peek inside HERE.
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Also, more makeovers of a thrifted footstool:
Just adorable. Love the fabric.
Good morning, Colleen!! Thank you. It was a happy stash hunt! 😀
This is lovely Larissa! I actually believe footstools are one of the easier pieces of furniture to redo!
You said it! They’re simple and so versatile. Thanks for the love, Gwen.
What a lovely little footstool. It looks so much better Larissa. That fabric reminds me of a comfy old wingback chair my M-I-L had. The fabric on that was a soft blue floral. Somehow (with just woke up eyes in a dark room)-I thought maybe you went with a soft green.
Thank you. It is in the green family with a touch of beige.
Hi Lady, It’s another great footstool, you rock! Don’t be offended, but I think I would have went with a creamy beige or even a pink, but I love what you have done and how you did it!
I will forever be grateful to you and the rest of the ladies in your group you share with all the time. I have learned so much and I never feel alone in any task I do now! You are always so wonderully careful to hide staples, nails, screw heads, she they need to hidden. Your projects are always “Completely Finished”. Your prices are always fair and your advice is free. I love you Lady Prodigal!
No offense at all as I asked what you would do with it. 😀 It’s fun to hear what other’s see or what pleases their hearts. You sure do know how to make a gal feel special. It is my absolute pleasure to do what I do and the cherry on top is sharing and hearing from readers like you. Thank you bunches, Marietta!
I going to start looking for a thrifted wool sweater to felt for my footstool that needs a makeover. Thanks for the inspiration, Larissa.
That’s awesome! Wishing you happy hunting! 😀
You’ve made it so cute now , The floral print is so pretty w the neutral painted frame. Thanks for your detailed instructions,, so helpful. 😉 h7
It’s truly a pleasure for me to share because I so love what I do and want others to feel confident to try. Thank you!
I do love a stool!! And this one turned out great!! 💕 Perfect size and with storage space??? Yes, please!! 😉😁
Thank you for the smile and kind words, Rebecca. 🙂
Now that there is the difference between someone who knows what they are doing and someone who does not. Such a pretty transformation – love the color and the fabric!
You’re sweet to say so, Marie. Thank you. I just had to relieve it from that upholstery job. 😀