Monday, April 20, 2015

French Chair Makeover




This post could easily have been named "Nana and the Three Chairs". Because for the past year, I've been looking for the perfect chair to refinish for my mom, or "Nana" as she is known to her grandkids. I bought two chairs for her - and each one was just not right - until the third!

I'm sure you know the story....

This one was too little.

After



This one didn't have the right lines.

After


And finally, she found this one on her own.




The seller told her it was an antique - which when I finally got a chance to physically look at it - had Phillips screws! French antique? Not!

But anyway, after all of the old and torn upholstery was removed, along with 5,123,842 staples, I prepped it with a light sanding and a thorough cleaning with TSP and two coats of a water-based primer.

I painted it in General Finishes Antique White and added their Satin Top Coat to seal it. Then I added a little bit of detail in the lovely curves by adding General Finishes Pitch Black Glaze. When I add glaze to just the details, I use a small artist's brush and dab the glaze on a paper towel to control how much glaze is on the brush. A little goes a long way - I'll probably have this can of glaze for a very long time!





And then we took it to our friend, the PROFESSIONAL upholsterer! This was expensive fabric, and I did not want to attempt this project with my novice upholstering skills!




And a little surprise on the back!




And so, this story had a happy ending....the third chair was just right (and I was able to stop bringing home chairs to make over)!




Have a fantastic week and thanks for stopping by!



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31 comments:

  1. Jemma@athomewithjemmaApril 20, 2015 at 8:20 AM

    Love your Chair!
    Visiting from Dwellings~
    Jemma

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  2. Parsimonious Décor DarlingApril 20, 2015 at 11:42 AM

    Very pretty, love the soft color! Visiting you from Between Naps on the Porch

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    1. Beth @ Mary Beth's PlaceApril 21, 2015 at 6:59 PM

      The yellow fabric is really pretty - my pictures don't do it justice! Thanks for stopping by from Met Monday!

      Delete
  3. At Rivercrest CottageApril 20, 2015 at 3:52 PM

    thinking any one of them would be just right for this mama bear's house!

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    1. Beth @ Mary Beth's PlaceApril 21, 2015 at 7:00 PM

      Well, Goldilocks and my mom have a lot in common...it had to be "just" right!

      Delete
  4. Ann MarieApril 21, 2015 at 9:04 PM

    It's gorgeous. I saw your link at Amaze Me Monday party and clicked on because I have a couple of similar chairs that I'm about to begin (seats only). I telephoned the upholsterer guy today and left a message asking if I could work on a chair in his shop, for a modest fee, and have him give me pointers. I have to call back but his assistant was encouraging. Fingers crossed. Ann Marie @ Iris Abbey www.irisabbey.com

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    1. Beth @ Mary Beth's PlaceApril 29, 2015 at 7:41 PM

      I think that's a wonderful idea, Ann Marie! Fingers crossed and good luck with your projects:)

      Delete
  5. Barbara @ 21 Rosemary LaneApril 22, 2015 at 4:35 PM

    I love what you did with your chair Beth! The yellow is so pretty just perfect for a French style chair. And changing up the fabric in the back is such a cute idea. Thank you for sharing at SYS and have a great weekend!
    XO Barbara (your newest follower!)

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    1. Beth @ Mary Beth's PlaceApril 29, 2015 at 7:43 PM

      It was my pleasure to share at SYS and I'm so tickled to have another follower! Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  6. ℳartina @ Northern NestingApril 22, 2015 at 7:45 PM

    LOVE that chair!!

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    1. Beth @ Mary Beth's PlaceApril 29, 2015 at 7:43 PM

      I kinda want to "borrow" it from my mom! Think she'll notice it's gone?

      Delete
  7. Kirby CarespodiApril 23, 2015 at 6:55 AM

    I love all of them...and I'm getting ready to do a French chair this summer. Wish me luck!!

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    1. Beth @ Mary Beth's PlaceApril 29, 2015 at 7:45 PM

      Good luck, Kirby! And most importantly, have fun! (Well, the staple removal part won't be fun!)

      Delete
  8. Karen @ karensuponthehillApril 26, 2015 at 5:26 AM

    Beth, your work is so beautiful! I would love for you to stop by my blog tomorrow and join our Something to Talk About link party!
    Have a great day!
    Karen

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  9. AnonymousApril 26, 2015 at 5:54 AM

    So beautiful! You do great work!

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  10. Wendi@H2OBungalowApril 26, 2015 at 6:08 PM

    Lovely work! Love all of your chairs! Thank for sharing & Visiting from the DIY Sunday Showcase :)

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    1. Beth @ Mary Beth's PlaceApril 29, 2015 at 7:47 PM

      It was my pleasure, Wendi! Thanks for the compliment and for stopping by!

      Delete
  11. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.April 26, 2015 at 7:13 PM

    I love them all, but that yellow fabric is really sweet!

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    1. Beth @ Mary Beth's PlaceApril 29, 2015 at 7:47 PM

      My mom was in charge of picking out the fabric - she did great, didn't she! It's so bright and cheerful!

      Delete
  12. LindaApril 28, 2015 at 4:44 AM

    Great job on this chair! I love the details and the fabrics! Do you mind sharing the fabric information? Manufacturer and colorway? Thanks!

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  13. Debra@CommonGroundApril 28, 2015 at 8:44 AM

    Hi Beth, this chair is just wonderful, I know your mom must love it!! thanks for sharing it at SYS!

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  14. Kyla - House Of HipstersApril 28, 2015 at 12:35 PM

    I love the pitch black glaze you used for the detailing. It makes everything pop! Thanks for sharing and linking up!

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    1. Beth @ Mary Beth's PlaceApril 29, 2015 at 7:50 PM

      It takes a little bit of time and a very steady hand - but it is really worth the effort in the end! My pleasure to join your party @ Found & Foraged!

      Delete
  15. UnknownApril 29, 2015 at 4:09 PM

    What a gorgeous chair - that fabric is stunning and you paint job is perfection :)
    Your Mom must have been thrilled !
    XOXO

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  16. UnknownApril 29, 2015 at 4:10 PM

    What a gorgeous chair - that fabric is stunning and you paint job is perfection :)
    Your Mom must have been thrilled !
    XOXO

    ReplyDelete
  17. StaceyDecember 29, 2015 at 4:35 AM

    This chair caught my eye! We just brought one home that belonged to my husband's grandmother. Hers is from the 60s but is very similar. You have really inspired me to make it new and beautiful. Thanks for listing the products and process you used...I'll be getting it upholstered too. :)

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