Bonjour mes amis! Ready for Themed Furniture Thursday? It’s about time for a makeover anyway, right? I’ve been spending so much time lately on my Fall décor! Can you guess what this month’s theme is? If you guessed French, you would be right!
I have painted many French graphics on pieces over the years, but for this challenge, I chose a chair and I chose not to paint graphics.
Here is the chair I chose:
I found it a couple of weekends ago when all furniture was 20% off at one of my favorite thrift stores, and it looked like a good candidate for a little French makeover.
Here’s how it looks now:
As you can see, the seat was missing from this little cutie.
I decided to cover it with fabric and add a French-inspired graphic using Lesley Riley’s TAP paper…so easy! I love this stuff. I buy it here on amazon. (Affiliate link) It allows you to iron on graphics that you print from your computer, to fabric perfectly!
But first, here’s how I fixed the seat:
- I cut a piece of plywood to fit the seat with my jig saw, sanded the edges smooth, and screwed it in place.
- Then I added three layers of batting, using spray adhesive between each layer, to prevent shifting.
- Next I used a staple gun to attach the fabric, then trimmed any excess.
- To cover the seam, I added double welting using hot glue. Don’t worry, if you can sew a straight line and have a Walmart nearby, you can totally make double welting…I show you how here.
That’s it!
I used DIY chalk paint in pure white for this chair, but gave it two good coats of spray shellac first since this was a bleeder. Then sanded and sealed with clear soft wax. (Full chalk paint tutorial here if you have any questions.)
I love how sweet and dainty this little chair is now.
The graphic is just right for this piece:
I found this graphic here, through this Pinterest board which has a great collection of French graphics.
Using the transfer paper is simple. You can see how in this post where I made over this $8 men’s valet into this sweet feminine bench:
Men’s Valet Stand Turned Pretty Stool for Her
I also used it on this $5 yard sale stool:
Mini Drop Cloth Rosette Stool Makeover
Here are my Furniture Flippin Friend’s Frenchy makeovers too! (Try saying that three times fast.)
I’ll be back to share how my sectional turned out next time! UPDATE: See how my sectional slip cover turned out here now!
As always, I’m SO glad you stopped by!! 🙂
XO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
Love the Frenchy improvements you’ve made, Christy! I have an almost identical chair and have done the same thing with replacing the seat. So many go to waste otherwise. 🙂
Lindsay Eidahl says
Oh my goodness, I love the fabric and that stool is AMAZING!!!
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Sweet little chair! I need to pull out my TAP and use it on something (before it gets old and unusable again! lol) . I love all of your projects with it. 🙂
xo
Nancy
Lucy @ Patina Paradise says
French is so your signature style! Love the details especially the double welting. Beautiful piece. ;o)
Paula@SweetPea says
Cute makeover, Christy! After seeing how easy it is to replace a chair bottom, I’m going to try this for myself soon.
I actually ordered some TAP recently after seeing one of your creative uses of it.
Marie@The Interior Frugalista says
Dang, there’s that TAP paper again that I’ve been meaning to order and your fabulous double welting. Love what you did with this chair Christy – so pretty!
Tami @ Curb Alert! says
You found the perfect little chair! I love the soft distressing, just what it needed!
~Tami
Jeanette says
That is the sweetest chair ever! I’m got to try your double welting, soon.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Jeanette! It’s not too hard at all! 🙂
Karin Chudy (ART IS BEAUTY) says
Oh my gosh! It turned out perfect! I love that seat! It looks so great!
Hugs,
Karin
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Karin! 🙂
Christy @ Our Southern Home says
That chair shape is just perfect!!! Love what you did with it and that romantic French graphic!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Christy! I see you found a little down time…are you at Starbucks lol? XOXO
Terry says
Hi Christy! Another great makeover! You did a beautiful job on the seat! I would like to invite you to share your posts each week at my Making Broken Beautiful Party. it has already begun but there is still time to join in.. It goes every Thursday from 6:00pm (MST) till Saturday 6:00pm (MST). It is a furniture and home decor party. I hope you can join, you have great taste!
Smiles!
Terry
http://thecuratorscollection.wordpress.com
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Terry! Sorry just seeing this now, so I missed your party. Maybe next week! 🙂
Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique says
It looks amazing Christy and I love that graphic you used too.
Thanks for sharing it at Shabbilicious Friday. I’m delighted to be featuring your lovely French chair at tomorrow’s party.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Christy K. James says
Thank you, Kerryanne!! 🙂
sharon says
Thanks, Christy, for such a great tutorial. Your chair is gorgeous as are all your other “Frenchy” projects and your inspiring blog. I have a similar chair in my dining room that has been in this sorry state for 2 years!! I tell everyone not to sit in it; it’s just not safe! I bought beautiful robin’s egg blue fabric about a year ago for the upholstery but was at a loss on how to get this to work. Your method is perfect!!! I can’t wait to tackle this woefully neglected project. Also loved the double welt tutorial Thanks so much for posting it 🙂
Sharon
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Sharon! Glad I could help. 🙂