Things are finally warming up here (well 30 degrees is definitely warmer than -10!) and I’ve been working on a few new projects that I’m excited to share with you guys over the next couple weeks. Today I have a French chair makeover to show you, and this is one of those pieces that was really hard for me to say goodbye to! I just love the soft romantic look of it.
I found this at the thrift store on 50% off day. I love when that happens!
This cane back chair deserved an elegant makeover, so of course I chose a French theme. 😉 (I kind of have a French obsession since I’ve been fortunate to visit there twice.) I found the perfect fabric at Hobby Lobby. I centered it over the seat and cut it, leaving several extra inches around the sides.
Then I flipped it over and folded the fabric back before stapling, making sure not to cover the screw holes. (See this tutorial for another in-depth chair reupholster makeover.)
Don’t forget to pull the fabric tight across when you’re stapling. Here’s the finished seat:
I already had some Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® and wax on hand – appropriately the color is called Paris Grey.
I gave the chair a couple coats of paint and it was looking pretty crisp.
To give it a more vintage look, I aged the chair by using both clear and dark wax. (Here is my tutorial for how to give furniture an aged look.) Then I screwed the seat back on and voila – a French masterpiece.
Here is a closer look at how I aged the chair in certain places. It just makes it look more authentic now- like it has a long and exciting history to share.
My husband surprised me and had these flowers delivered when he was on a business trip. (Thanks again honey!) They’re a gorgeous burst of color in these photos.
What do you think – too Frenchie, or just enough?
I love comments (and I never share your email address) – so don’t be shy!
Jen
You might also enjoy these makeovers:
5. French Bench
Carol says
I love your French chair, it is perfect!
Crystal says
I love it!! Love the Paris material! The chair is beautiful!! Great job!!
Marcia says
Beautiful! Nice job.
Lee Ann says
So pretty! Did you also wax the cane portion. If so was that tricky?
Jen says
Thanks Lee Ann! I did wax the cane portion because I didn’t want the color to be slightly duller than the rest of the chair. However I used the wax very sparingly, and only used the dark wax in a few small areas.
Brittony says
Do you not have to sand down this wood furniture pieces before painting them? I notice you don’t mention that stage on many pieces.
Jen says
Brittony, to use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint it’s not required to sand the piece in order for the paint to adhere to the surface. I typically only sand if the surface is rough and scratched up- and after the first coat of paint I’ll lightly sand to smooth out any bumps since I can be a sloppy painter. 🙂