You’re driving down the street as a family of 8 with a mission to not be late for the concert. Then, you spy an upholstered chair sitting on the curb. Do you bug your family to turn around and grab it, or do you carry on your merry way?
If you say carry on, we can’t be friends. bwahahaha! My husband, JC, had no idea why I wanted him to turn around (because he obviously doesn’t have #trashure vision). He should know by now that I will grab something if (1) I’m interested in it (2) I can save it from the dump and give it to someone else. No need to fill our planet with perfectly useful things, right?
While I’m grabbing the chair, I also grab a book, two pillows, and this lamp. Yes, the lamp is broken at the socket, but that’s a simple fix. The chair has wear and is coming apart at the seat joint, but it is full of potential.
Plus, it’s made by Stanley, a fine furniture company. You just can’t find good furniture like that much anymore.
DIY TIME
First, to start, remove the seat cushion from under the bottom. Typically, there are four screws holding it on.
If they are boogery, you can place your chair upside-down on a surface, like a table, to help. Then, I asses the stability of the frame. In this instance, my chair is coming apart at the seat. No worries, I gently pry it apart more, add glue, and then clamp it back together.
STEP 2
Next, it’s time to make any needed repairs to the finish on the frame to prepare it for paint. My chair is damaged on the back and various spots, but nothing a little sanding and cleanup can’t fix.
My sander helps me quickly take off any worn finish and prepare it for my next step. After sanding, I wipe down with a vinegar/water mix to remove any residue (a 1:2 ratio).
STEP 3
Then, it’s time to paint! {{happy dance}}
First, I apply a base coat to the entire frame. My color choice is a soft, light brown called Basketry in an eggshell finish. You can choose any color you want, but I’m after a layering effect that I prefer to use to create a worn wood look.
STEP 4
Next, while that paint layer cures for approximately 2 hours, I begin to tackle the upholstery. We begin by removing the dust cover on our upholstered chair.
If you are careful, you can save the cloth and replace it when you are done. Even save the labels and replace them too. If you’d like to see simple steps on replacing upholstery, you can see it in this post HERE.
After the dust cloth, you may find a row of welting. Remove that as well and set it aside. A simple tip: I find putting my tool under the welting to pop the staples is much easier than digging in from the top.
Last part of this wickedly tiring staple removal journey is to remove the upholstery. Your hands may be tiring, but power through! haha! Then you can also ask yourself the question, “Why does one seat need 10,000 staples??” {{head smack}}
STEP 5
Last step in recovering the chair is simple. Put it back in the same way you took it apart. Begin with your upholstery on the bottom, followed by batting (if needed to plump up the seat), and then the cushion if present. I’m choosing to use a soft linen as my upholstery.
Also, notice I made a new strip of welting by pulling the cord out of the old and re-wrapping ti with new upholstery. While there is a welting/piping foot for a sewing machine, I use my zipper foot in the same manner.
Again, assembly is in reverse of the way you took it apart. Tack on upholstery and batting, followed by welting, and last the dust cloth.
STEP 6
The last step in our upholstered chair makeover is to put the finishing touches on. However, this time with a soft white, I apply a coat lightly, but quickly wipe off the excess with a damp rag. You can see this process in action in my recent video below and the steps outlined HERE.
ONE MORE THING
Because I have a chair and a lamp, I feel I need a table to go with it. This little cutie was in need of a little revival.
When I bought it, the owner said, “It’s an antique and I painted it.” Yep, it sure is painted, and in not the best job, but DIYers have fun. See the stuff stuck in the paint? That has to go…
THE REVEAL
Are you ready to see my upholstered chair trio? Here it is! It’s funny to think that they were in the trash.
Actually, most everything in my photos is from trash or thrift store. My kinda decor indeed. It makes for a wonderful home story.
This chair only took half a day to work on and the table and lamp were easy fixes. Would you have picked them up off the curb?
Half of the fun of decorating this way is to tell folks where you found it, what it looked like, and what a blast you had recreating it. That’s why I love to create a story-telling home.
Oh, and in case you were wondering…yes, the lamp does work.
If you’d like to make any of these goodies your own, you can find them available in my online shop. (ALL SOLD) When you sign up for my free email newsletter, you get an instant discount on your first purchase – see details below.
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
SHARE
Also, do pin and share my upholstered chair makeover with curbside finds. Let’s inspire others to save beautiful things from the landfill too.
Up next, it’s Trash to Treasure Tuesday! Looky what I found sitting on the curb… See the afters HERE.
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!
Also, here’s more furniture makeovers like this upholstered chair:
I really do enjoy your makeovers. If I win the brushes, I would paint a dresser that has been waiting for quite a while. Thanks for the chance to win.
Thank you, Allison. I think we all have projects like that. 😉
Wow!!! Why can’t I be a “treasure magnet?” You do find and create the coolest stuff!!?
hahaha! You can have my power for a bit…I have enough! 😀 Thank you, Rebecca.
Sure wish I could find some “trash” like this. No one leaves things at the curb here as they will not be picked up by the trash truck! You did a great job with these treasures. I would love to know the type of paint you use. I have a cabinet from a school that I am in the midst of stripping off 6 layers of paint that were put on to last a lifetime. I want to redo it in a navy, but am not sure what type paint to use. The brushes you use would be great to get into all the nooks and crannies. Thanks for the give aways!
haha. Around here if it’s set out, it’s fair game. 😀 These folks just moved and left behind the items they didn’t want. I was excited to save it as trash pickup was the next morning. Such a shame if it didn’t get rescued. I typically use Glidden Premium in different finishes. You’ll love the brushes!
Thank U Larissa for this great giveaway opportunity.
I sure could use a set of them wonderful brushes.
I have an adorable little table that I had just picked up a few days ago & it really needs a Big makeover really bad.
It’s a very nice, heavy little entry table, but who ever had it before did a terrible job of painting and in such an ugly color.
You wonderful sometimes just what people are thinking when it comes to redoing furniture.
Thanks again and wishing you a safe and wonderful day.
You’re welcome. Sounds like a sweet project. I hope you enjoyed my fun today too. Crazy what people toss. 🙂
Trash to treasure! Love the natural finish on all three of these items! Keep inspiring me!
I have an end table that I’ve been wanting to paint. I’m thinking of painting it navy or possibly just sanding and sealing it for a natural look!
Yahoo! Thanks so much, Ginny. I’m always trying! 😀 End tables are fun to do. You’ll love the Zibra brushes for it.
That chair is so cute! And the table and lamp fit with it so perfectly. You did a wonderful job on them!
Thanks, Patti! 😀 It truly was a fun find. I’m glad they didn’t head to the trash.
I recently redid my dining room chairs and table in a similar Color. I had no idea the work I had gotten myself into with 6 chairs plus the table. It took much. Longer than I anticipated-they usually do ?. But I preserved. I love the results. I learned as went. . I wish I had known about these brushes prior to the project. I used my husbands regular paint brushes.
Ooh…I feel ya. I use my sprayer when possible for jobs like that. However, the right brushes make it even better too because the right ones fit the job. I’m so glad you tried! That’s half the battle.
Defiantly turn around. Great job on the chair. I think they are on the top of the list for me to make over, especially ones with fabric. It can change a dumpy old look to a fabulous new look!
Yes!! So much potential in them for sure. You’re a kindred spirit, Nancy.
I have some of those chairs Larissa. One of the screws refuses to stay tight no matter what I do. Yours turned out really pretty with the new paint job,
Have you tried filling the hole with glued in dowel, and then re-inserting the screw? I use that method on most anything, including my interior door hinges. Works every time.
Love what you did to your trash! Some of my best projects have come off the curb!
Thanks! It sure makes for a fun adventure, doesn’t it, Lori?
Wow, I’ve never had brushes like that. I’ve been meaning to paint this little side table that I’d like to convert to a nightstand…I think these brushes would do the job nicely! Thanks for the giveaway! P.S. My house is like yours…nearly everything I have was a curbside find, given to me, or something I picked up at one of the local ReStores. =)
They are amazing! 😀 I can’t say enough good about them. It sounds like you and I are peas in a pod, Michelle. 😉
Beautiful job! That chair especially!
Thanks so much, Micah. I’m glad we happened to be passing by.
Your projects from the curb turned out so well! I appreciate not adding useful items to the landfill. My first painting job with the Zibra brushes will be to update a garden bench. Thank you for the opportunity to win 🙂
Thank you for the vote of confidence. It sure makes a fun adventure. You will definitely love the Zibra brushes too.
I love how you redid the chair, lamp, and table! So pretty! If I won, I would paint the vanity in my guest bathroom! I’ve painted my master bath vanity, but I feel like the guest bath could use a refresh! Thanks for the giveaway!!
Thanks, Babette! 😀 I love it when paint can refresh a space so easily.
I figure if I keep following your amazing makeovers some of your talent will rub off on me. I finally am in the middle of my first furniture redo–my daughter & I are painting the desk I bought for myself 40 years ago when I was 12. It’s going to be quirky just like my daughter. ? I’m convinced I need some of these great Zibra brushes for my next project (painting my mom’s childhood desk for our new home office). Thanks for all your inspiration!
You go girl!! You seriously just made my day, Sheri. Thank you so much. I would love to see it if you want to email. 😀
I love smaller makeovers like this that are done in a day! Great job
Me toooo!! Thanks so much, Shelly.
You are really amazing. All the trash to treasure that you make really are inspiring. I enjoy each and every transformation. Thanks for sharing. God bless.
I’m so stoked you think so, Annette. Thank you!
Love the vignette with the chair. I also have never tried those brushes, I very rarely bother with giveaway entries, but I did for this one, lol. Typically, i get brushes at Walmart, yeah…bad…lol
hahaha! You are too funny, Laura! If you don’t win, I’ll personally send you one of my faves because you gotta dump those brushes. 😀 😀
I sure wish someone would put their “trash” out for me. This was a great find. You are blessed to have a hubby willing to help you. These brushes look awesome.
Right?? I’m always like ooh…LOOOOK!! Then, I’m like…I have no room. Hubby knows the wrath if not. haha! I’ll go get it myself.
Great job on all three pieces, Larissa! One thing I’ve done when reupholstering is to take a piece of the old fabric and attach it to a small card. On the card I write my name, city/state, date the piece was redone and if there were any unusual qualities that I ran into when redoing the piece. I then put the card inside or underneath the dust cover and attach with a staple or upholstery tack. Fun for someone else to read when they decide to redo the piece.
That’s a lovely idea! I’ve done something similar with just a marker, but not on a physical card. I love seeing notes from previous handi-folk.
Great job on the chair! It’s always fun to see your makeovers. Thanks for the chance to win those brushes. I have a desk that I would like to paint.
Thanks! You will love them for sure.
Beautiful job on everything!wonderful how you can find random furniture on the side of the road and turn it into a beautiful matching set. And thank you for a chance to win the brushes. Love your makeovers!
As i was moving my son out of his college apartment this weekend, I noticed all the trashure on the curbside there. I didn’t have time to pick up anything, but if I did, I would have filled the truck up!Love the chair and lamp! Thanks for the giveaway!
It can be hard at times to drive by…I do it often! 😀 I don’t have enough space, time, or me to go around to take it all in. You’re welcome!
I’d paint my kiddo’s dresser!
I love the paint job on the chair. The colors blend beautifully!
Thank you. This technique is one of my favorite methods to use.
I love how the chair/table/lamp look together! The chair turned out beautiful!!
Yay! Thanks so much. I thought they made a fun trio.
I love your blog. You do a great job turning your curb side finds into beautiful, useful pieces. Keep up the great work!
Your words, Kelly, mean so much. Thank you!
I have two chairs similar to yours that I need to paint!
The brushes will help. I hope you enjoyed my work shared today. 🙂
Thanks for the inspiration once again Larissa! And I hadn’t thought of the fact we keep things out of the landfill when doing the rescues! These finds are like treasures, aren’t they? a big ole’ treasure hunt! 🙂 If I won the brushes I would paint the old cabinet in my bathroom that hasn’t been remodeled in 35 years…Would love to get a new one, but not in the budget right now. Thank you for the give-away too! Blessings!
Yes, for sure! So many are wasteful, it’s sad. They sure are #trashure ! 😀 Sounds like a great project piece.
I love to rescue furniture too. It is so satisfying to make something new from something old.
Yes! Especially when we save it from being turned into trash.
I try not to let envy be a part of my life, but I must confess I find myself somewhat envious of your ability to find such great curbside pieces. There is no such thing in our area. As expected you turned that little table into the perfect piece to go with your chair. My first project when I finish the boxes of our kitchen cupboards is to paint a little wall magazine rack that needs repainting before I return it to the end of one cabinet. It has several little spindles.
It is a blessing and sometimes a seemingly curse because I don’t have enough space, time, and energy to tackle it all. That’s why I pick it up and pass along to others most of the time. At least that way it is not headed to the landfill. 🙂 I love those kinds of racks. They’re handy for magazine, baking sheets, etc.
Love the makeover and I would love to win the paintbrrushes!
Thank you, Cindy.
Larissa, you are a miracle worker, very nice job!
And you know how to make me smile. 😀 Thank you, Terri.
I have a whole pile of gorgeous trashed chair that just need cleaning, glue, and paint. Some of them need new fabric…
They are all stacked in a storage unit, waiting for my home to suddenly grow a workshop. 🙁
Beautiful job!
I feel ya, Chris. I have very little room and work where I can. It makes it interesting!
What a cute threesome! I love the wood-and-paint table! I have some cabinetry that needs to see paint, and Zibra brushes are my favorite way to do that!
Thanks! I love those kinds of pieces you can tuck in here and there.
As always, fantastic makeover!!!!! I have a bedside table that was a rescue and is in desperate need of paint! That is the next project on my to do list and those brushes would be perfect!
Thanks! sounds like you will have some fun.
It’s so much fun finding treasures on the curb!
I really need to paint my sidebar!
Yes, it sure is. Thanks.
Hi Larissa! Unfortunately, I never find anything on the side of the road. I dont know why. Any suggestions? This whole ensemble is so pretty.
Hi Cheryl! You can always get the word out to neighbors and friends you’re hunting. Many are happy to oblige. I turn stuff down all the time.