Old Chair Becomes New Chair Love
About a year ago I was given this kind of ugly old chair by a friend who knew I had a thing for chairs and also a thing for redoing ugly vintage pieces. The chair sat in my garage just waiting for me to be inspired. And finally… I have a new dining chair!
Here is the funky chair before:
This baby was probably gorgeous is its day, but the orange had to go. And the finish on the wood had also seen better days. So, I got to work. I first unscrewed the cushion from the chair from underneath. Then I had to pry off about a million staples. But, this step proved to be quite inspiring. You see, I am a beginner reupholster-er. This chair gave me a bit of creative insight. Once I started prying off the staples I realized that not only was the fabric cover itself tacked down, but also the piping around the bottom of the cushion was a separate piece. This was a strip of fabric folded in half and stapled around the edge. Easy!
Here is a look at the cushion and staples. You can also see the strip of piping.
And here is my new dining chair, including my take on this simple piping idea!
I love how the piping contrasts with the leather fabric. The color ties in with the dining room so well. And here’s the new beauty in its place at the dining table:
The fabric on the table is another project to be coming soon! I am working on a fun table runner to brighten the place up for summer!
Make Mine Eclectic 
J9 said,
June 18, 2011 at 12:44 pm
Did I miss something? Where are the instructions on how you did the piping? *disappointed sigh* Where did you find the piping? How did you apply it to the edge? Please share!
Here is a tip for you the next time you paint over stained and varnished wood. Prep the wood first. Either by sanding or stripping the wood first. If you are on a budget and in a hurry like me sometimes, *smile*, prime the wood first then spray paint it. If not the paint will splotch and not adhere as well to the wood regardless of how many coats of paint you apply to cover. This happened to me twice before I realized I needed that extra step!
I do love your chairs… just noticed that you had the same problem I did.
P.S. Cute painted fridge!!!
jessimarie33 said,
June 18, 2011 at 3:19 pm
Sorry I didn’t explain that very well. I just did exactly what I had found, the folded strip of fabric, stapled to the bottom. Kind of faux piping. Super simple. I also failed to include that I did sand and prime first! Always. The picture looks a little funny, but the shiny black paint turned out very well. Thanks for the tips!
Gail said,
June 21, 2011 at 12:27 pm
You can get an attachment for most sewing machines that is called a Piping Foot. It allows you to sew next to a cord for a more substantial look. You may be able to find one on ebay. Make sure you search with the make and model of your machine so you know it will fit.
jessimarie33 said,
June 21, 2011 at 12:33 pm
Thank you for the tip! I don’t even know how to use a sewing machine yet, but maybe someday when I learn I will try that! lol
Cori Martin said,
June 19, 2011 at 11:58 am
Really cute… Love the pink piping… quick question what kind of paint did you use?
jessimarie33 said,
June 21, 2011 at 12:34 pm
Thank you! I used gloss black spray paint. I have used this before and think it works really well and covers all the tiny areas. I have also not had any problems with peeling or cracking.
how to reupholster a chair said,
April 16, 2013 at 11:07 am
Also remove any foam or padding from the seat. If the client
doesn’t ask, do you promise something anyway or just let the work go to the bottom of the pile. Trim off excess fabrics.