Wednesday, February 16, 2011

A Grey and Blue Striped French chair

I bought some beautiful vintage Louis french chairs on eBay for $40 each.  A fabulous price because the guy sold them as Victorian chairs, if he's used the word French they would have gone for a lot more. Yay for bargains! Well I've finished one of them and my little boy has staked a claim on it for his upcoming 5th birthday.

lilyfield life french chair upholstery


I have to agree with Miss Mustard Seed and say that a staple gun is totally the wrong tool for the job but it's all I had so I made do. There were a couple of points along the way where I really doubted my ability to do this and nearly gave up but I'm so pleased I kept going. That blue upholstery trim hides a multitude of sins!!

Here is the before photo.

lilyfield life french chair upholstery

I took me ages to remove this tapestry upholstery. I ended up with blisters and sore hands.  I then sanded back the chair and painted the first coat in Dulux's Limed White and then second coat with Dulux's Limed White quarter strength. I then lightly distressed it and using a Walnut wood stain and a very fine artist's brush I highlighted the detail of the chair.  I was really scared of doing this but figured that I only paid $40 for each chair that I may as well experiment with it.  I then gave it all a top coat using a water based polyurethane.

I used the striped material as have made some curtains for my boy's bedroom with this material. The material also has a little bit of grey in it and it nicely matches the paint colour I used.  It was really hard doing the upholstery!  But I am pleased with the result.

lilyfield life french chair upholstery

lilyfield life french chair upholstery
lilyfield life french chair upholstery
lilyfield life french chair upholstery

and here is it next to the other chair I still have to do. My daughter wants this second one for her room.

lilyfield life french chair upholstery
after on left and before on right.
Fiona xx

22 comments:

  1. What a difference! I love the new fabric,it looks great. So glad you didn't give up!

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  2. this is just gorgeous! I want one! :)
    I wanted to invite you to link this to my Transformations and Treasures party tomorrow!

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  3. What a beautiful chair. I featured it on my site. Please stop by and check it out. http://diyhshp.blogspot.com

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  4. What and amazing transformation. This would make a fabulous dining room furniture addition or accent piece.

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  5. This is beautiful! It must've been made by the same furniture maker as mine. The flowers at the top and arms are exactly the same.

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  6. Wow, what a difference. You did a spectacular job. ~~Sherry~~

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  7. gorgeous! what i really love is that bit of contrast trim- it really pops!

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  8. You did such an amazing job. I just love it. I found you over at the Shabby Chic Cottage. I am your latest follower. I would love for you to come and check out my blog and follow me back at www.diybydesign.blogspot.com. Thanks so much.

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  9. Beautiful!! I love the fabric you picked!

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  10. Hi Fiona it looks fantastic, Im looking for ideas to update a very old childrens chair thats been in my family forever looking for some inspiration never upholstered a chair before. I have a post of it on my blog if you would like to take a look. Id appreciate your advice you have done such a great job of yours :)

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  11. Wow, what a transformation. The shape of the chairs is so pretty.

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  12. Oooh I love this chair! The shape and style! I love the color paint and the fabric for the chair. It is just perfect!

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  13. I'm so glad you linked this up! Again, love this transformation, you did an outstanding job. Have a great weekend!

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  14. What a fabulous job you have done! Your chair looks great! Thanks for commenting on my scrabble tile pendants.

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  15. Love your chair! It turned out darling! You did such an amazing job!
    -emily
    www.nestnestingnested.blogspot.com

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  16. It sure doesn't look like you had a hard time, it looks gorgeous! I wish I had the nerve to tackle the job, been wanting to forever but unlike you I haven't found the courage!

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  17. hi Fiona! Thanks so much for stopping by, you did a fabulous job on your chair! It does get easier as you start to understand how they are put together :0) I think I'm getting addicted to it! ;0) Good luck on your second!

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  18. I have two of these exact chairs I need to recover! If you have any helpful tips, I would be grateful!! It's been a year of procrastinating!!

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  19. hello i found your blog today while visiting another i love the chair your did a beautiful job

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  20. Your chair turned out lovely. I have been keeping an eye out for some on craigslist and kijiji, but that sure sounds like a lot of work prepping them!

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  21. Well I'm glad you hung in there too because it looks gorgeous! Thank you for linking with Air Your Laundry Friday! - Jami

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Thanks for taking the time to comment! Sorry if you have trouble commenting, you can always email me at lilyfieldlife@bigpond.com