Hi friends! It’s getting pretty cold and dreary here but doesn’t mean I can’t have some fun with a bright and colorful chair makeover!
My parents went out of town recently and stopped at a flea market. My mom (who knows me pretty well- she’s brought me several pieces) picked up this chair for just a few dollars! It was simple, sturdy, and I knew it would be the perfect candidate for a playful makeover.
First I cleaned it up and unscrewed the seat.
I really liked how my Bonjour Blue chair turned out so I went with the same color this time – Indigo Streamer by Valspar. Then I added a bit of Old White Annie Sloan Chalk Paint for some contrast on the little spindles.
Then I went to our new Hobby Lobby store and chose some GORGEOUS colorful bird fabric for the seat. I bought one yard but I probably could’ve gotten away with half. (It’s alright, I know I’ll use the rest in other projects!) I laid it over the seat to determine which area I wanted visible- of course it had to be the peacock-looking bird, some flowers, and a butterfly. Then I cut around it leaving about 4 inches extra on all sides. Next I ironed… and ironed… and ironed.
After I finally got the wrinkles out, I made sure it was centered again and flipped everything over. I used a basic staple gun to secure the fabric, sometimes having to hammer the staples down too. I started with opposite sides and cut out little triangles where the screw holes were. I also cut off some of the excess fabric- it’s better to start with extra and then get rid of what you don’t need. The corners were a little tricky- I pulled tightly and made two different folds, securing with staples each time.
After the seat was finished, I screwed it back into the chair frame… Easy peasy!
I love this blue bird chair and I LOVE the fabric. It’s a bright, fun piece that will definitely be a conversation piece in someone’s home!
How do you brighten up the dreary days this time of year?
Jen
If you like chair makeovers, you might enjoy these posts:
Debi at Life Currents says
Great job! I love it! The fabric reminds me of my Grandma’s painting when she would do Ukrainian painted eggs. Thanks!
Beth says
Fabulous! Love the new fabric especially.
Shelly- minettesmaze.blogspot.com/ says
Holy Buckets LOVE that fabric!! This is awesome!! And great color choice!
Leslie @ House on the Way says
Love the colors and the fabric is gorgeous! Great job!
Debbie says
Hi, your chair is great. I am in the process of painting a blue and white chair myself right now. I struggle with the spindles when painting them. I also end up going over and over with paint because I always get marks of paint on the seat or surrounding areas. What do you do to not get the white paint on other parts of the chair? Is there any best way to do this? It takes me forever, I even put tape around but that does’t always help. Any suggestions ?????
Thank you
Dria says
WOW what a difference! I love the after the colors and that fabric are gorgeous, beautiful job!!
Jen says
Hi Debbie- For the spindles I use tape where I can and then for the really difficult areas I just use a tiny artist’s paintbrush and try to have a steady hand! I never get it perfect the first time and usually have to do a few touch-ups to get it looking right. I hope that helps- thanks for your question and good luck with your chair!
Jen says
Thanks Shelly- I know, the fabric is so amazing! I’m excited to find another project to use it on. 🙂
Jen says
Thank you Debi! I’m glad my chair makeover brought back some happy memories for you. 🙂
Dixie Lee says
Would it help to paint the spindles first, let dry completely, then cover with paper and tape at top and bottom?
Amy @ItsAMindfulLife says
Hi Jen:
This makeover is marvelous! You did a wonderful job- what a difference! Fun finding your website!