I don’t know about you, but I want to know what everyone’s favorite decorating advice is.
For me…
Hmmm, I had to think about this one. But the more I thought about it, the more it came to me.
PAINT!
Have you heard that love covers a multitude of sins?
Well, so does paint!
Paint has completely transformed many an item in my home, and I have used it on much more than just furniture. I have used it on a clock, lamps, tables, chairs, boxes, metal furniture, and I have even used paint on fabric.
Let’s go over how this chair was transformed. If you like it the way it is in the before photo, you might want to skip rest of this post, just sayin….
My mom said, “You are NOT going to paint that ARE you? My answer was, “NO!” Then I whispered the rest of the sentence, “…not until you leave.” So I waited until she went back home, then I cracked open the paint can.
Here is the little thrift store find. She looks pretty sad here. I actually bought two of these. If I find a pair of French chairs, I have a hard time saying no; I’m not going to lie.
I didn’t like the finish, and as you can see the seat was in bad shape.
I painted the chair using chawk paint. I’ll give you the source at the end of the post.
This chair needed a new seat bottom. Of course you could re-cane the seat, but I don’t have time for that right now, so I just added some reinforcement to the seat.
First, I cut out a pattern with newspaper.
Then put the newspaper pattern on my plywood.
I traced around the pattern, and removed the pattern.
Next I cut it with my jigsaw, and placed it on the chair.
Next I sanded down the paint in areas that might normally show wear.
Next I applied antiquing wax.
I removed the excess wax and fully buffed the chair.
Finally, I made a cushion, which will be covered in another post.
And that is that. I love these chairs now! But the best part is that since I reinforced the seats, you can actually sit in them.
Clearly they look totally different. I love the new look!
As you can see the chair looks totally different.
Do you think my mom will notice?
WONDERUL TIPS! Anita your painting skills are the best! YOu are a French Master!!! thanks for putting this together! xo
Love the post and the info on another chalk paint retailer.
Love those chairs and the wonderful cushions. I wish I sewed.
I would have a hard time passing those chairs up too! Great tips and love the paint finish!
Great tips and gorgeous chair! Happy National Down Syndrome month! We are celebrating big in our house!
Susan
Oh I need to check into that. I would love to celebrate Down Syndrome month.
I adore these chairs but what I adore more is the grain sack cushion and pillow! So happy to be partying with you…thanks for asking me!
I agree with you…paint is one of the best decorating tips! It can transform almost anything! I love what you did with these chairs and feel inspired to tackle a couple of my own. Look forward to your cushion tutorial too. Love your blog!
Thanks Gracia!!
Thank you so much! I love the finish on the chairs and you are brilliant!
Have an awesome day rock star!
karianne
Okay, I admit… I am one of the no paint gals….. but…. I LOVE IT. And like the others I am swooning over your fierce sewing skills….lol. I am taking mental notes… really I am! xxx….Brooke from
Creative Country Mom’s Home and Garden
I am in love with both of your houses! Love french style!
Jana
Thanks Jana!!
Hahahaha… Luv it.. ‘paint covers a multitude of sins’ 🙂 As one who works in paint I have to agree ( she says as she types with paint smudges in her fingers).
I say there is nothing that cannot be painted!
Luv, luv the chairs.
Can’t wait til you tell all on the cushion makin…..Hurry now!!!
I couldn’t agree more! And your chairs are FAB. 🙂
The chair is gorgeous! The way you solved the problem of the worn out wicker seat is ingenious and shows there is more than one way to solve a problem solve a problem. It certainly looks easier than replacing the cane seat. too!
A great idea for a regular blog post and as an artist, I would have to agree that my favorite tip would also be paint, especially painting the interior or exterior walls of a home. The color of a wall/walls can brighten, create a sense of more space, set a mood and most of all completely change the appearance of a space. Color can be such a tricky subject though when it comes to selecting, I would say a great tip when it comes to choosing a color is to paint a large swatch in each corner of the room and look at it in different lights at different times of day and under artificial light at night. Also for me, I think going neutral is the key and then introducing color by way of accessories…maybe this is more than one tip so I shall stop here 🙂
Lee
Anita,
Love that chair!!!
To think that you have a pair of these makes me a bit “green with envy”, dear friend.
I would love to come across four of those for our dining room!
You do an amazing job with paint!!!
Thank you for the great tips!!!
Like many others, I’ll be watching for your tips on sewing cushions!!!
Fondly,
Pat
Beautiful job on the chair! Buying a jigsaw is next on my list. I painted a big collection of personalized wall art that would match your chair at http;//www.thepaintedtableboutique.blogspot.com
Anita,
Next time you buy hydrangeas after you cut the stem, take a potato peeler and shave some of it, I tried it and it worked. They lasted alot longer.
Wonderful find and great ideas on how to restore! Thanks for the tips.
you resurrected that chair. honestly. it was still standing, but dead. that paint showed every single marvelous and beautiful thing about that chair. i am so happy you found someone special to recane that thing. it had to be recaned. you worked magic on it and i could almost see it smiling and hear the music of happiness coming from it. great job.
Dang … you stole my favorite tip! However, you do it ever so much better than I do. Found the same chairs (side chairs) at a yard sale. Painted them black, scuffed ’em up a bit … et voila, charming little kitchen chairs for ten bucks each + paint! Love the idea for a regular ‘reader’s tip’ blog … really appreciate the chair seat stabalizer instructions as well. Thanks so much!
Hi Anita,
Yes, I agree that paint is probably the best way to transform anything. It’s really amazing what a difference it can make! Your chair turned out fabulous and yes, I think you Mom will notice – but, in a good way.
Thanks for sharing,
Suzanne
Pieced Pastimes
Love the chair! You handle your mom like I do with mine. I’m grown and what you don’t know won’t hurt, till u read the blog. Lol
Liz, she never reads my blog, so I am totally safe. 🙂
I have looked back on your blog and have not found the follow-up on the cushion, please don’t leave me hanging, I love the look but am a little unsure how to start to make one. But I sure had fun looking over your blog again, you are so talented.
Thanks for the reminder Heather. I have the photos, but haven’t written it yet. I will try to do that ASAP.
I agree with you! Paint! Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with us! Your blog activates my creativity!
I have the grainsacks ready…can’t wait to see the cushion tutorial. After seeing this, I’m even willing to give the painting a go!