Hello again, friend! Today I’m sharing this antique painted chair makeover for Furniture Fixer Uppers day…
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This chair has been in my garage for a couple years. There were random paint specks on the wood from the previous owner. The seat was some kind of leather(?) and used to be red or burgundy based on the edges where the color wasn’t faded away.
It definitely needed some love.
First I removed the seat by unscrewing it. Then I tightened the screws that held the frame together.
Painting the antique wooden chair
I decided on a layered paint look to bring out all the beautiful details. For the first layer, I brushed on Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Coco with one of my favorite Purdy brushes.
For the second layer, I applied Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old Ochre.
I wasn’t trying to get a full, even layer here – just going for depth and dimension.
Finally, one more layer of Coco. Notice that there are still some areas where the original dark wood is showing through.
If I had decided to paint all the wood a very light color, I would’ve used shellac primer first to avoid potential bleed-through. (Learn my best tips for prepping furniture for painting here.) Amazingly, this layered technique hides imperfections well.
Then I gave it all a light sanding with 320-grit sandpaper. This helps blend any paint lines and also helps highlight the wood details better.
Reupholstering the antique chair seat
The cushion was nonexistent in the seat, so I grabbed a piece of 1-inch foam padding and cut around the seat. It’s better to cut a little too big than too small. (I already had all the supplies needed, but you can order some of the items I used on Amazon.)
Luckily, in my stash I found a luxurious-looking clearance curtain. It was perfect because this chair did not need a busy print competing for attention with all those lovely curves and details. (Here’s another chair that I reupholstered with a different clearance curtain.)
I placed the foam on top of the curtain (centered over the pattern) and cut wide with my fabric scissors – leaving several extra inches all the way around.
This thick fabric took some extra time to iron and get all the wrinkles out.
Next I centered the pattern up again and carefully flipped all the pieces over, with the pad between the seat and the fabric. Double and triple check that everything is lined up before you start stapling. Keep a hammer nearby in case any staples need help going in.
Staple the fabric in place with a staple gun, folding the edges under first. Start in the middle of the front of the seat and then outward to the edges.
Then turn the seat around (easy if you have it laying on cardboard), measure where the center is, and then do the opposite side, pulling tightly but not enough to make the fabric bunch up.
Next do the two sides of the seat the same way. Leave the corners for last since they can be tricky.
Below is an example of how to fold and staple the corner of a reupholstered seat. There are several small folds under there and I had to cut away excess fabric. Remember to always keep fabric away from the little screw holes and try not to let your corner folds get too thick.
You can apply furniture wax or another topcoat to the painted wood areas if desired. Finally, screw the reupholstered seat back onto the chair.
Here’s how this antique painted chair makeover looks all finished…
And below is the completed seat reupholstered with new foam cushion and a clearance curtain:
This chair has so many special details. I really wanted them to pop, and I think they do beautifully.
Friend, I hope this antique painted chair has given you some new ideas or fresh inspiration for your own creative projects.
I’d love to know what you think in a comment below. Also, feel free to let me know how you’re trying to stay positive and be creative lately.
Now it’s time for Furniture Fixer Uppers day again with my blogging girls!
Below are the Before photos – visit the links underneath to see the fabulous Afters and to learn how they did it:
1. Confessions of a Serial DIYer
2. Just the Woods
3. Petticoat Junktion
4. Salvaged Inspirations
Cynthia says
The chair looks amazing. I love how you transformed it!
Kristina says
I LOVE what you did with this chair. I definitely want to try the two coat method. The fabric you had on hand is perfect too! I love when that happens!
Staying positive during these unprecedented time is really essential- for me it has to be intentional. I try to get outside everyday for fresh air and to just feel alive- like most people I’m use to being busy. So, I’m trying to focus on what a unique time this is, in that, when would I ever really slow down…..unless I’m on vacation (and not even then sometimes)? I’m trying to look at this as an opportunity to get things done around the house that I’ve been wanting to do, use recipes I’ve thought I just needed more time to make, and feel free to loosen up my sleeping and eating schedule as well as adding a yoga or other workout video. I guess, let it be okay that things are not going to look the same. I also add intentional moments of gratitude. We all have SO much to be thankful for.
Kim says
Absolutely beautiful! Thank you, we all needed that. Stay safe, please keep the inspiration coming!
Carli Eitnier says
“GITG”
Thank you, for sharing this creative alternative look and steps to follow!
I really like the way this transformation turned out, its just lovely!
You are very creative~
Kandice says
Love the detail on that chair. Great makeover. And I sure know what you mean about losing the mojo for projects. I haven’t been in my shop since this whole thing started. 😫
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Jen! Great chair makeover. I find that Coco is a hard paint to use because it is not very pretty on its own so now i know to use it with old white. I am single so i’m spending my time painting smalls and loving on my dog. Without her i would be so lonely. It is a crazy and scary world right now. Creating and painting keeps my mind occupied. Stay safe!
Bonnie Schulte says
Oh Wow, the fabric and the paint color are beautiful! The chair NEVER looked so wonderful. You certainly know how to make a piece of furniture look better than when it was first made, brand spanking new.
kathleen walsh says
It looks totally differant ,a blabs chair to a old world charmer ! I have so much furniture in storage and no room for it in my apt.. Love to reid myself of it .Do did a great job !
Mary says
This chair looks ah-mazing!! I’m glad you decided to attempt even tho you weren’t feeling creative. I especially love the paint treatment. I’m a huge fan of Annie Sloan paint! Do you happen to sell her paint?
I also checked out the throne chair makeover. That was a stunning transformation! You’re so creative!
As for how I’m staying sane (so far, lol) during this time of self-quarantine, I’m staying mostly at home unless I need groceries. I’m a preschool teacher and I’ve been off since 3/13 and we aren’t going back until at least 5/1. I am a homebody at heart, so this hasn’t been terrible for me. I’ve been doing some serious spring cleaning and organizing. My current project is to turn a room into my studio. I think once I finish, I’ll be eager to work on some creative ideas I’ve got percolating in my mind, lol!!
My hubs is working from.home and our 2 pups are in heaven that we’re both here all day! I hope you and your family stay safe, healthy, and happy! Hang in there, Jen! We’re all in this together!! 🥰
Kathy says
Love love it…keep up the awesome work..stay safe..
Valerie says
So adorable!
Linda P says
This has got to be one of my absolute favorites ❤️❤️❤️
Wendy MacDonald says
This looks fantastic! I’ve been doing a lot of projects since the quarantine keeps me sane and I love what I accomplish!
Stephanie says
That’s an amazing improvement!
Vikki says
Great job! I have a chair to paint and your photos will help. One day I’ll summon the courage to try upholstery too!
Shellene Guerra says
Love the chair! I wish I had the nerve to paint some of my antique pieces.
Lezaly says
Great detailed instructions. Really appreciate it. Am currently working on a very old 11 & a half foot curved church pew — base coat Rustoleum aged gray, with Rustoleum linen white on top. Wish I’d taken a before photo. I still have a lot of work to do to get it looking as good as your chair!
Jude says
I love your creativity. This chair is beautiful. <3 <3 <3
Christy James says
Wow the paint really does bring out all those gorgeous details! I am feeling this thing too. I also feel like I just need to keep going, keep creating, keep posting and sticking with my routine for my own sanity! Hoping this cloud lifts soon! XOXO
Pat Bradley-Hasting says
That turned out fantastic. Love it!
Marie says
I’ve been finding it hard to be creative these days too, Jen. I forced myself to start a project earlier this week and it really helped ease the anxiety and get my creative mojo back. The chair makeover is gorgeous, love how the details shine with the paint layers. Miss you guys! xo
Robin says
What a stunning transformation! Interesting use of 2 paint colors. BTW, take milk thistle for liver cleansing. My hubby does. Just a hint…
Rose LEFEBVRE says
That is the perfect fabric for this piece! It looks great!!
Mary says
Yes Jen, so much character was added to the chair and your paint job really brings out the beauty of the chair!! I still love chalk paint after all these years.
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks so much Cynthia!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
So well said, Kristina. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks so much Kim, I appreciate that! I’ll still be working, just at a little slower pace. It seems even more fitting now that the word I chose for this year is “intentional.” 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks so much for your kind words, Carli. Take care!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Kandice- it stinks, doesn’t it? I’m glad I’m not alone but it’s a major bummer for sure. I’ve been doing a few smaller crafty projects that are quick. The furniture can wait a bit longer…
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks Cheryl! I definitely agree that Coco is not very pretty on its own. Paired with white, cream, or stained wood it looks very nice. And used with brown or black wax it looks good also. I’m glad you’re staying safe at home. Our two dogs are helping us get through this too. 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks so much for your kind words, Bonnie – take care!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you Kathleen! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Mary, thank you so much! I love Annie’s paint too, but no I don’t sell it. I have a nice stockist nearby who’s very helpful. 🙂 My hubs has been working from home, I have two boys doing eLearning plus another who’s 4 and very active, and then two dogs. There’s never a dull moment around here, haha. Thankfully we’re all safe, and I’m glad you are staying busy at home too. The studio sounds like a fun project!!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you so much Kathy- take care! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
I’m so glad you like the chair Valerie! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
You are too kind – thank you Linda!!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you Wendy! I’m so glad you’re staying creative and busy with projects. 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
I appreciate your kind words, Stephanie! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you so much Vikki. Thankfully this type of upholstery isn’t too difficult. Just take it slow and give yourself some grace. 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you so much Shellene! I have a few antiques that are beautiful and I wouldn’t paint them, haha. But if they’re damaged or just really ugly, I don’t worry much about it. 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Your church pew sounds amazing! I have a 6ft one (also curved) in storage for the modern farmhouse we’ll build hopefully next year. 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you so much Jude! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks so much girl. I’m trying but it’s just a little harder lately. I think because my boys are all still young and require my attention throughout the day. I have been working on some smaller crafty projects though. The furniture will have to wait a bit. 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks so much, Pat!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you Marie, we miss you too! I hope all is well. It definitely feels better to have my special “me time” to work on projects. It will take a little while to get into a new routine but we’ll get there eventually. 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you so much Robin! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
You’re too kind, Rose. Thank you!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you so much Mary! I hope you’re doing well and staying safe at home. 🙂
Lori says
This chair is beautiful! If I find one similar, I am definitely going to buy it. You did a fabulous job. Thanks for sharing.
Wilma Willson says
What an incredible job…. You have certainly inspired me to work over some of the chairs that I have been collecting in my shop. (Hope they’re half as nice as yours.)
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
That’s so kind of you to say, Wilma. Best of luck with your chairs!