Do you remember the 99 cent chair I won on eBay? One of the biggest bargains I've ever managed to wrangle! I felt so bad when I went to pay the poor seller, I tried to offer her $5 but she wouldn't take it, so I figure OK, it's meant to be. This weekend I finally got around to doing something about it. Here's a recap of it before.
The plan is for it to be my sewing chair to go in my studio, so after sanding it back and washing it I painted it white to match the other chair and other furniture. Then came time to recover that seat, it is far from comfortable.
I went down to Clark Rubber and they cut me some foam for the seat. I bought high density foam so hopefully it will stay comfy enough for quite some time. Of course, I'm using fabric from the Drawing Room collection by Anna Maria Horner.
First I gave the seat and foam a light spray of glue, just to keep it from slippping around while I covered it with a light wadding, just to slightly round off the edges of the foam and give a nicer look and feel under the fabric. I also gave the wadding a light spray glue as well, just to keep it to the foam. Using my trusty staple gun I then just pulled it taut and stapled away. That part is fun!
Then it's on to covering with fabric. Position your fabric exactly how you want to. I also gave the fabric a light spray with the glue as well, but it's probably not necessary. Trim your fabric and then start stapling. My tip would be to actually press down on the foam as your pulling it taut to make it as tight as possible. I would recommend two people, I did this by myself and while it's definitely do-able, I think the extra hands would not be unwelcome.
And voila! I'm done. It's certainly far from perfect but I think I'm happy. I'll be giving it a good test run so hopefully it goes OK. I can't believe how easy it is to give an old chair a new lease on life, the whole thing probably only cost be about $35 - including the chair, so I think it's definitely worth a little bit of work.
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. This here is a collection of things I've been making, ideas I like and all things that I find lovely. I get to live in the most beautiful city on earth, Sydney Australia. I'm an online shopaholic, craft lover and devoted to my gorgeous labrador Indiana.
love it!
Posted by: Natalie_Pickles | November 23, 2011 at 04:17 PM
woah its totally different. very pretty.
Posted by: Jeanette | July 01, 2011 at 10:04 AM
Now that's what I call, a good chair makeover. The chair looks really nice, and I think that the design is really cute. And sitting on this chair must be nice, good job.
Posted by: Gerry Bossier | June 01, 2011 at 06:00 AM
I went onto Anna Maria's site to see her fabric collections - Wow they are stunning! I am so disappointed though as apparently the Drawing Room collection is out of print? I loved the fabric you used here Kylie and wanted to purchase it in the blue tone but cant find it anywhere in Aus!!
Posted by: Tamryn | February 17, 2010 at 09:54 AM
Hi,
I loved your chair.
I am creating a link to your site at my blog http://www.sydney4women.com.au and to this particular post too.
If you are not happy about it contact me at facebook.com/karinasydney
Posted by: Karina - Sydney4women | January 28, 2010 at 10:20 PM
Hi Lyn, it was just a white enamel paint, I think by Dulux. I used the Aquanamel, which cleans up in water making it heaps easier!
Posted by: Kylie @ All Things Lovely | December 14, 2009 at 01:36 PM
Hi I love your chair. I have a set of chairs like the original one, they need a new lease of life. This will be my new project as I have some lovely fabric in mind. What paint did you use?
Posted by: lynn savage | December 07, 2009 at 12:06 AM
Great job! I love the fabric.
Posted by: Tracy | March 20, 2009 at 02:49 PM
what a beaut! Going to try something similar to the eye soars in my kitchen and living area! Hurray for Paint!
Posted by: LULU | March 13, 2009 at 09:37 AM
i love it.
Posted by: Down Comforter | October 29, 2008 at 12:58 AM
I've been going through your blog again for lots of inspiration Kylie! This is one thing I really really want to do! How much is the foam from C.R.? and is it comfy to sit on?
Posted by: Kristie | October 23, 2008 at 11:57 AM
great job
i love it
simple and unique
Posted by: Down Comforter | October 12, 2008 at 02:57 PM
WOOT WOOT i knew you could do it. that looks damn fine my dear.. you are going off like a rocket with this blog good on you..
xxoo
Posted by: Brett | October 12, 2008 at 12:10 AM
Hi Kylie,
That looks fab. Every time you sit on it you can be proud that you turned 99c into something gorgeous. I really like your blog by the way.
Joy
Posted by: Joy | October 09, 2008 at 06:01 AM
Fantastic project! I love that Anna Maria fabric too. This looks wonderful!
Posted by: Lisa | October 09, 2008 at 02:57 AM
I stumbled across your blog, a nice find! Love the chair, the colors are fabulous! very very nice.
Posted by: Eco Friendly | October 08, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Oh its gorgeous! Great job Kylie!
Posted by: Rosina | October 08, 2008 at 09:19 AM
Thanks everyone! She is very happy in there, I'm almost too scared to sit on it, and start using it as a chair! Would it be silly to have several 'display chairs'?
Posted by: All Things Lovely | October 08, 2008 at 08:53 AM
That's a beautiful transformation. Is it happy in your studio? Love the fabric you selected too.
Posted by: bandelle | October 08, 2008 at 06:47 AM
It's really beautiful! I love that fabric too!
Posted by: Zee | October 08, 2008 at 06:44 AM
I definitely want to do this--my poor sewing machine chair is very old and worn in the seat.
Posted by: ambika | October 08, 2008 at 03:33 AM
It's fantastic! Great job!
Posted by: Marianne | October 07, 2008 at 05:52 PM
that looks really good kylie!!! well worth the effort!
Posted by: wynona | October 07, 2008 at 10:52 AM
What a score! I love how you used the material. I'll be linking to this!
Posted by: Rachel | October 07, 2008 at 03:46 AM
Looks great
Posted by: Danielle Melnyczenko | October 06, 2008 at 11:37 PM
You have been busy. It looks fantastic!
Posted by: Amanda | October 06, 2008 at 11:00 PM
Great job! I love it. x
Posted by: Chantelle | October 06, 2008 at 11:36 AM