I bought this chair at the Salvation Army (my lucky one) last week for $17. I really enjoyed having another chair in the living when this one was displaced by the Christmas tree and though I wasn't actively looking to replace it, I couldn't resist.
It's clearly in need of a makeover. The fabric -- while not totally offensive -- is dingy and the stain is peeling off the caning on the back. Off the top of my head I thought I would sand and stain it a bit darker and reupholster the seat, adding either nailhead or a fabric trim to the bottom of the seat on the sides. But I just saw Brooke's similar chairs made over on Pure Style Home and I'm reminded of the ease of a little paint. Hmmm. Decisions, decisions. What would you do?
hmmm..that is a touch decision. From what I see in the background, you love vintage. So do I! I want to say paint it, but then I feel like it will ruin the charm of the chair. I saw find the fabric first and then see what you want to do. It's just so adorable! What a great find!
ReplyDeleteDo already have a lot of wood/darker colors in the room? In that case I'd freshen it up with paint. If not, then I'd stain it the darker shade like you had said. And I agree with Danielle and Clint..the fabric you choose will be a determining factor.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck,
Gail
I like your plan to go with a darker wood. The upside of this is that if you really don't like how it turns out (before you completely attach the fabric) you can paint it. Love the idea of nailheads.
ReplyDeleteI'd paint it, then recover the cushion with a funky fabric. The fabric (and your style, of course) should determine the paint color.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really cute chair, can't wait to see it done. Love the price!
ReplyDeletei like your ideas for them. and, actually, i kind of like the fabric that's there (if it were in better shape, of course).
ReplyDeletekelly
Paint or stain it dark. I think the painted white thing is overdone and a darker chair would look more visually grounded next to your mid-dark toned sofa. A deep espresso to pick up the color from the picture frames above the sofa; a putty/almond velvet (or mohair if you're lucky); and nickel nailheads...that's my vote. :) Good find.
ReplyDeleteOh what a fun chair! I can't wait to see what you are doing to do with it.
ReplyDeleteI'm headed to Good Will and the Salvation Army in a bit... still looking for a chair for my nursery. I am determined to find one!
i vote for a darker stain. or, if you do want to paint it, i think it'd look gorgeous in a light almost-white-gray with an gray glaze on top for a french/swedish antique look. if you like that look, of course. i bet the leg detail and those little finials would be totally gorgeous like that with some light blue or neutral fabric and nailheads. LOVE that chair, excellent find!
ReplyDeleteLauren -- definitely loving your idea ... hmmm.
ReplyDeletePlease don't paint. Strip it completely first and check the quality of the wood. If it is heavy, and with nice graining, it would be a crime to paint over. I do believe you found a very elegant chair that deserves to be treated as such, not quaintly.
ReplyDeleteIsabel -- don't worry, it's definitely mass-produced and not "nice."
ReplyDeleteoh, well, do your worst, then! :)
ReplyDeleteI saw this post and thought of you:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.katyelliott.com/blog/2010/02/expert-design-advice-lizzie-bailey.html
Great chair! I would probably paint it (white?) and change out the fabric. Can't wait to see the result!
ReplyDeleteI just love Brookes makeover and yours will be just as great. That chair has great lines, I think it will look fun painted.
ReplyDeletei like your idea of reupholstering... painting it may not be a bad idea either... i'm following your blog, I just got married almost three years ago and we will purchase our first home at the end of the year. stop by and visit me! I hope you'll stay
ReplyDeletebest wishes with your chair...
I like the wood. Unless youre looking for something to brighten up your room, you could do a brighter color or white...but I think the wood is cozier. Depends on what the room needs! :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing find for $17!
ReplyDeleteI just re-did a bench I've had had for ages - I was going to paint it white untill I found the perfect fabric, I think you should fabric shop 1st it may surprise yourslef and you might end up painting it a color --
I'd paint the wood white, for sure.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking paint...
ReplyDeleteI vote for paint. You can always do the stripping thing in a later life. For now, I say white and shiny.
ReplyDelete