Warning: This is an “I need your help” post. Please read on.
I had a cute little post all wrapped up in a bow and ready for delivery tonight. And then I went thrifting. I can’t believe what I found, and I can’t believe I bought them. Check out these lovely ladies.
Some of you are running away from your computers, shrieking, Dear God! The horror!” while others are thinking, “That lucky DUCK! Look what she got!”. Either way, I think I totally scored.
I mean, really. When can you get two gorgeous chairs for $30.00? I mean it. When? Obviously, I’ve got big plans for these babies. The only problem is that I have NO idea how to re-upholster them.
Ack! What do you do around the base of the arms and the back where it’s tucked in?
Here’s my little “hate me ‘cause I’m lucky” shot. I can even do a coordinating fabric on the back! Candice has nothin’ on me!
Alright. It’s your turn. Can you please help me? What do I do? If you don’t know, find a lady on the street or in the back seat at church and ask her! Please make me be able to do this so I can justify spending the money to my husband enjoy looking at them someday! Any help will be MUCH appreciated, and I’ll think about you the whole time I'm working on them. Doesn’t that sound like a good thing? :)
76 comments:
I've no idea, but I love them! They've got good "bone" structure! And that price!!
I have no clue but I am loving them! :) I hope you find the answers cause i feel like these are going to turn out fabulous!
I love those chairs and I am jealous. I have reupholstered chairs before, but none with arms like those. But I can tell you that I have a book on reupholstering that explains tricky parts like those. They basically cut the material around the base of the arm, fold the edges in and staple it on the bottom. I know that makes no sense to you whatsoever. I might try to take some pictures of the pages and email them to you. (after the kiddos go to bed) But I think you could go to the library and find a book that would give you a clue about what to do. Find one with lots of pictures.
Those chairs are going to look awesome!
Traci
ah! those are gorgeous! you can totally find cute fabric and make them look like they came out of anthropologie. ive been wanting to do this too, but im afraid i will ruin the chairs. please, please, please post your finish product and steps, and i will love you forever.
okay when you figure it out will you let us ALL KNOW since apparently we are all in the same boat? ;)
They are so pretty! I like the orange color as is. I have never attempted to re-do fabric like them before. ~Good Luck! ;)
I love these chairs! Score! I don't know how to do that reupholstering, but my friend Joy might! Check out her fix for her orange couch. I know she did a lot of research before she started!
http://appleblossomstudio.com/blog/2008/04/re-upholstery-step1.html
I have done re upholstery, in fact doing a chair right now. Not like the ones you found, but I find that with every chair, sofa, etc. it all can be a little different. I would take lots of pictures as you go through the process of taking everything off. Label your patterns from the old fabric...ex. left arm...I think you get the point. I have a feeling that there is just stapling going on under the trim and it looks more complicated than what it is. So, just like a puzzle start undoing everything and then you will have a better idea of how to put it back together. I hope that helps some. The other person that comes to mind who might know...Censational Girl. She does a lot of re-upholstery too. Good luck and can't wait to see the finished look!!
Hugs,
~Victoria~
Sorry, had to delete my first comment because it was riddled with spelling errors and it horrified me. Okay, chairs. 1. Yes, I'm jealous of your thrifty finds. 2. No, I have no idea how you get around those arms. 3. If those babies were mine, I would bust out some fabric spray paint and have at it. (My skills begin and end with spray paint :). Can't wait to see what you do with them!
Great buy. They're classics! With updated fabric they can look so modern. They're just kitsch enough to be cool.
Okay,I don't have any technical terms for you, but I agree with Victoria. I believe the secret of the chair will be revealed when you -very carefully- remove the existing fabric. My hunch is that the fabric was cut in one piece, then an upside-down "L" shaped slit was cut into the side of the fabric (but no fabric was removed)where it fits around the base of the arm. Make sense? Then it's just very neatly tucked and pulled. Anyway, I have faith in you! Just jump in!
They're lovely! You're so lucky! Best of luck determining how to reupholster them - where there's a will, there's a way. ;)
Here's what you do: YOU GIVE 'EM TO ME!!! LOL! I am smitten over these!
The way the arms rest might present a bit of a challenge, but you've got some amazing followers and I am sure they will be able to offer you some great advice.
Love,
Taryn
I have NO idea, but I love those chairs!
You lucky duck you! They are gorgeous and I can't wait to see what you do to them. I have some pieces I need to redo myself and have no idea what I'm doing. I'm sorry I can't help you but I can give you a pat on the back for the great deal you got. :)
That is seriously the deal of the century! My friend just reupholstered her couch and she just got a book from the library! You're crafty, you'll figure it out :)
Love those chairs! Can't help you on the recovering. Wish I could get that lucky!
You could PAINT it!!! I know that sounds crazy, but check out this blog!!!!
http://owcl.blogspot.com/2009/03/cottage-chair-makeover-story-yes-you.html
I tried it on a wingback chair and I LOVE mine!
Yeah. You totally scored! I am intrigued by the idea of painting the fabric, and if you do, you'll have to give us the low-down.
Do the arms come unscrewed, at all? It looks like it might have been upholstered first, and then the arms attached. That would make it simpler, I'm sure.
Good luck!
I have no idea, but visit CentsationalGirl she has done lots of chair makeovers. I'm jealous of your chairs by the way!
You definitely got a great deal...wow! I wouldn't know what to do either. Hopefully you'll get some helpful advice. Can't wait to see the end result.
When you find out what to do, please, please, please put a detailed description on how to did it. I have had two chairs that look almost identical to yours and I have been waiting to try to figure out how to recover them. I can't wait to see what you do they will be gorgeous.
The only part I might be of some help on is the seat ("the back where it’s tucked in"). I just purchased two chairs this weekend -- with similar 1970's orange fabric! -- and started carefully removing the upholstery.
As I did, I realized that there were two screws underneath the front part of the chair - right in the wood trim piece. These screws were holding in the front part of the seat and, once undone, allowed me to just remove the entire thing from the frame. The back part wasn't connected to anything; it was just resting on top of the framing underneath.
Now, with those arms, I'm not sure IF you'll find the same thing or IF it will make a difference. But hopefull, it will give you something to work with... Have fun!!
Wow! What an amazing deal! I can't wait to see what you do with them. I already have a vision on my mind for what you might do.
Leigh
http://leighpritchett.blogspot.com/
Oh my gosh I'm so jealous! Unfortunately, I have no experience re-upholstering chairs, but I did bookmark this link "just in case." http://thecutcloth.blogspot.com/2008/05/re-upholstery-101.html
Maybe it'll help?
What a GREAT deal! They woould look great in a fun print.
My cousin is an upholster, but I have no idea how he does it. :( I'm sure one of your other fablous readers will have the answer.
Wow!! You did score on those cuties!
I believe I would paint them myself... and have someone else do the hard part!!
Can't wait to see them!!
Hey I found a you-tube video that shows how to do it but not all the details...you would have to order the video but I think it will help you. Here is the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmhiONio9kg&feature=related
Let me know if it works for you. I love your chairs they are going to be so amazing!
You know that 'your luck' is really crazy ... crazy like a FOX! I have a couch, from my Grandmother, that would match them perfectly. I'm sure you can always give them to me ~ I'll be glad to take them off of your hands. ;)
I AM SOOOOOO JEALOUS!
I want those chairs!!!! I can't believe how cheap they were. You HAVE to look at what Heather Chadduck did to Sandy Henry's dining chairs. They are similar and you will just die. They turned out so pretty!
Layla
I am so jealous! I love the idea of 2 coordinating fabrics. Definitely a great purchase!
I have no idea what you should do but I DO know that I am totally jealous!!!
Foaming at the mouth over here....what a score!
You should just send them to me and not worry about it :)
I have no idea, but I am sure they will look fabulous when they are done. Good luck :)
You Lucky Duck!!!
Ooooo I'm with the 'you are sooo lucky girl', bunch. I am soo envious, what a bargain!!You know, my mum & dad used to reupholster their furniture that they bought at thrift stores when I was very young. I remember Dad pulling all the timber pieces apart & mum would make a pattern from the old fabric they removed.Then they would lovingly place it all back together. Mum was a SAHM to 5 children so this helped boost the household income. (i'm sure you have already checked if it can be pulled apart though).Failing this , I know there are tools that upholsterers use to shove the fabric into the grooves where the timber couldn't be removed. Dad become very familiar with the local upholsterer in town which helped. Good luck can't wait to see what you do with them.
Cheers
Vicki
OMG! That is such a great deal! I have no idea how to upholster them!!! I'm going to go back and read over the other comments. This might be a good project to see about bartering.
When you get it figured out, please, please, please post "how to" pics! I am currently sitting in a chair similar to that- and although the material is not so bad, I still wanna change it w/ no clue how!
Well...At least the way I have done it before...for the arms you make a little envelope seam...you'll never see it.Just try and get the pattern to match. The back is just tucked and stapled (underneath...it is where you will start the whole seat)
Pull the welting/gimp off first, and you will see where it is stapled...
GREAT find girl!
Those are gorgeous! I can't wait to see the outcome! :)
Um, helzyeah, I'm jealous! I've been looking for stuff like that but refuse to pay the exorbitant prices they seem to want on Craigslist.
Can't wait to see what you do with them.
OH.MY.GOODNESS. You STOLE those. Well. I've done some upholstering lately. Here's a link
http://sparrowsnest1.blogspot.com/2009/07/here-she-is.html
As far as around the base you can use trim under your nail head to help to cover the gap. Another thing I found helpful was using the previous fabric as a template. See how the upholsterer did it the first time as you take the fabric off. Anyway, if you have any other questions feel free to ask. I am no pro, but I'll help any way I can.
I got one word for you - Google!
I'd google it! I have no idea but they are an awesome find!!
I know nothing either but... did you see if the arms were screwed in from the inside? Good luck, I would not have bought due to the fact I would have sat down and cried trying to make them fancy but you are so crafty I can't wait to see how they turn out...
Although I have no idea how to do it, I love the chairs! That is an amazing deal!
Ack! They ARE great chairs! Horrendous colors, but that can be easily fixed. Ok, maybe not easily, but it can be fixed. Cannot wait to see what you come up with!
Ga-on with yo bad self!
Hmmm...I think you should sell them to me since it would be such a hassle to reupholster them. Wink, wink...Of course, then I'd have to write a post telling people of my great "score" and asking how to do the same thing.
Seriously, you got a "fabulous" deal. I have no clue on how to do that but if I recall, Cindy from My Romantic Home (romantichome.blogspot.com) redid a chair and there may be instructions on her website.
I love the idea of putting a contrasting fabric on the back.
Great deal! I am SOOOOOO jealous!
Go check out the Centsational Girl blog. She reupholsters thrifty chair finds all the time and it looks like a million bucks. She'd be able to help you out.
You are a lucky duck. I've been looking for chairs like that for a long time.
Paint the wood and recover! Can't wait to see what you do.
sandy toe
Okay! Why is it when I go to my neighborhood thrift stores all I find is some nasty underwear bin? I swear..There is never anything good in our thrift stores...EVER! So not fair...(I am so stomping my feet right now) I have no tricks for you sorry to say..My advice is to just dive in...Have fun with your new lovely pair!
If you can't figure out how to tuck the fabric around the arms, you could always use upholstery tacks all the way around the chair...
Oh, what a deal! I am soooo jealous. I would use a velvet ribbon, which you can hot glue on or some tacks. I can't wait to see what you do! I know it will look amazing.
*whispering to self* Dang it, how did she find such a GREAT Deal?!
*talking out loud* Take each piece of fabric off and use that as a pattern and carefully put the new stuff back on. That is the only way I could figure out those toughies.
Have FUN!!
*whispering again* Dangit!
Sometimes chairs like that are attached with screws/nails/ or those short little dowels, then you can move the arm (and hopefully make life a little easier). If it's the dowel/wood nails, then all you need after is glue and a clamp!
Oh how I wish I could help you out! Im daeling with some cover issues myself. I will get the word out for us and maybe we can get these chairs done. Im one of the "you lucky ducky"....I always cheer for a friend with a great find! You go girl!
I would just start taking it apart honestly, but I would google difficult chairs to reupholster first. Good luck! What colors are you thinking?
she has a chair posted on her blog like yours , check it out!!
http://chriskauffman.blogspot.com/
First of all: I am literally GREEN with envy right now and dreaming of black paint and amazing fabrics...
Second: I have done a small bit of reupholstering and I know it sounds crazy but the best way to do those arm areas might be to take the arms apart and then reattach them. If you were in FL I would give you the name of my amazing upholstery guy that is awesome and inexpensive - but alas...
Good luck anyhow!
OMG. I am LMAO. That orange is horrid.
No clue on how to redo them either.
I personally like them as is, but that's just me. You could keep them as is and pair it with chocolate brown, charcoal gray, black or a deep turquoise. Just a thought. What a score for you!
You're such a great shopper! I'm going thrifting this Saturday, and I hope I find some treasures! I think there's a lot of stapling involved, and I think I even see a tiny piece of fabric just below the bottom of the arms. The furniture comp. probably pieced it together but made it look like one piece of fabric. You can do it! I can't wait to see how it turns out! I have to do my 6 chairs in my kitchen before September. Good luck!
Love the chairs and the price.
What a great price! And they are in wonderful condition! Good luck with the reupholstery!
just start taking it apart! remember how you took it apart and thats how you put it back together. thats what I did. you can either live with it the way it is, pay someone (I know you won't do that!) or take a chance and make it lovely ( I know you will) I recovered my dining room chairs I thought it would be really hard but I took a chance and it was really easy. check out my blog to see!
They're lovely! You're so lucky...
About this i don t have any idea
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___________________
susana
Naton wide cash is easy and fast
I have no idea BUT I did read on somebody's blog (can't remember which one) that you can PAINT fabric... seriously.. I know it sounds weird but maybe it's worth a shot?
I used to have one of that style chair to sit on every day at work. Love it. Pretty thing. My employer at the time had it professionally re-appolstered. I would actually recommend it. The piping & the edges might be a bit tricky. But if you are absolutly determind to DO-IT-YOURSELF, then I would say try a light gather under the arms. If that made any sense.
I love the chairs. Like a lot of people i have no idea how to do it. But please, please, please do pics throughout the project and how to.
i just wanted to let you know that i read on another blog that apparently goodwill is started a blog and looking for people to share their goodwill "re-dos". i know you would be the perfect person to do this - all of your projects are so amazing and inspirational!! go check out livingwithlindsay.com to find out how to share your projects. btw, i love your blog - thanks for sharing your creativity and organizational awesome-ness!!
I have no idea!!!!but the chairs are looking Gorgeous....good luck
--
Reenee
Plug and play Security Systems no Contracts at the best affordable Prices
I'm so stinkin jealous!!!! I have a thing for old chairs and have reupholstered a few. It's not that difficult. I'd love to see after pics.
Hi there! I love your chairs! I also love to upholster furniture! To re-upholster these two chairs you must first take off the gimp (braid) then remove seat cover taking out all staples! This is a must to have a smooth finish when you are done! Next gently remove the seat cover without messing up the cotton etc thats under there. Once you have your old fabric save for pattern!! Simply measure from side to side and from back to front the old fabric and the chair too. Remember measure twice cut once~! You should have a rectangle shape. DO NOT CUT OUT Where the places are around the arms or back of legs! When you cut for upholstery you only make your cuts as you put the new fabric back on. Lay your new fabric piece that you cut on to the chair seat. Then put in 4 staples one in front center pulling material through back and one in back center then do this on sides. It should be stretched firm but not so tight that you have a tack pull where you put the staple. Especially in front~! This stablizes the fabric. Next standing in front of the chair fold your fabric in so that it rest right next to front arms. To make your cut you cut angle straight from 3:00 to just before the fold in fabric. Then cut a small v. You should be right at the inside arm. Tuck in v cut and fold sides a little and wrap around arm. If there seems to be a bubble right to where you cut on the seat. This means you need to cut a litte more. Just go slow, work your fabric around the arm and pull down to staple on either side of outside arm and then repeat for the other side. Now the back legs you cut a little different. Remember you have that one staple in back so bring your fabric back through except of course where the staple is holding it. Fold your fabric toward you and smooth out the fabric like it will be in center of chair when you are finished. This puts the fold at a 45 degree angle. Now study the chair back legs and notice that they are angled too. Make sure the fold of your fabric is next to the inside back of the leg. Your fabric should be laying in a v shape on each side. Start your cut from the bottom of the v and cut to just this side of the fold closes to you. Make a small v notch and then fold back the notch and the side of fabric and gently wrap around the back leg. Pull tight and staple. Remember when you make your cuts you are only cutting a simple straight line. Do not cut out squares or hunks!! Once you get the other back leg cut the same and wrapped around the back leg, then start from center front work to side pulling at an angle to remove wrinkles and staple as you go. You will find that your sides will be harder to do then the front and back because of the curve. Good luck and remember take your time, its a work of art. If you wish for more instructions or have a question pls email me at mbrownvidor@sbcglobal.net.
What an amazing find! Love your blog. I would take apart and use those pieces as a pattern. Looks like you got better advice.
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