Hello sweet friends! Today, I’ve got an antique oak chair makeover to share!
Y’all may remember my mom claimed this little cabinet from my Painting the Smalls post I shared last week:
She has black and white toile in her home and was determined to find a place for it. I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Then, she saw this chair in my stash…
Evidently, she could see past that very unfortunate upholstery!
She asked if I could make it over to match her bedroom since she had been looking for a small chair for the corner of her room.
I found this beauty at the thrift store for $14.98.
Prep
I started this makeover with a good cleaning first before setting it up in my medium spray shelter and giving it a once over with Rustoleum spray primer:
Priming is not necessary…just a quick way to get a first coat on there! I don’t usually do this with furniture pieces, but I make an exception for chairs!
Even if you don’t want to spray prime the whole thing, I recommend at least spray priming the cane part.
Paint
Then, I followed up with a coat of Dixie Belle’s Fluff:
Fluff is what I like to call a vintage white and has excellent coverage, covering most surfaces in just two coats.
UH OH
And wouldn’t you know, I got the dreaded bleed through!
This is not uncommon with antique oak. So, I spot primed with clear BOSS and let it sit in the sun for a few hours to completely dry. If it hadn’t been a warm, sunny day, I would have let it sit overnight.
Then I gave it a second coat of paint and thankfully, no more bleed through!
My mom doesn’t love a super distressed look, so I just lightly sanded all over to smooth it with 220 grit sandpaper.
Wax
On rare occasions, a liquid sealer will pull through tannins that didn’t come through when painting.
If I had BOSSed the whole chair, I wouldn’t have to worry about that at all. But since I just hit the spots that were coming through, I didn’t want to take any chances, so I chose Best Dang Wax in clear to seal this chair.
I used my Best Dang Brush to apply it:
Then, I used a clean soft cloth to buff in the wax and remove any excess:
Recovering the seat
All that was left to do now was cover the seat.
After removing that fancy Berber carpet looking upholstery, I chose this gorgeous toile to recover it to match my mom’s decor.
But first, I added a layer of gingham across the underside of the seat just for a fun contrast, even though it will never be seen.
Then, I used my cheapo staple gun to add the new fabric to the seat:
The foam was in good condition, so I was able to reuse that.
Piping
Once I had the seat covered, I made piping for around the edges. I like to finish off my chairs this way.
To do that, I first cut my fabric in a two inch strip using my rotary cutter and cutting mat set:
Then, I folded it over cotton cording I picked up at Walmart and took it to my machine…
See more on how to make piping for chairs including a NO SEW option HERE.
I attached it to the perimeter of the seat with hot glue, screwed the seat back in place, and this oak chair makeover was officially complete!
Antique Oak Chair Makeover: the After
Who knew this cutie was hiding under there? (My mom!)
It’s so much prettier now!
Let’s get a look at that piping…
It just finishes it off so nicely!
I found this gorgeous black and white toile fabric on Amazon HERE.
Of course I was already sold with the cane backing when I fist saw this chair at the thrift store, but what about this detail…
I just love these carved claw feet!
My mom already came and claimed her new chair yesterday lol!
That’s another piece from my new Spring 2022 Haul complete!
Visit any you might have missed so far at the links below!
Painting the Smalls #16 (candlesticks, small box, tray)
Stenciled Mirror Makeover
Hutch Makeover
I hope y’all will meet me back here on Thursday to see what I did with this small box :
Endless possibilities!
Update! See what I did with it HERE now!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
EMAIL * INSTAGRAM * FACEBOOK * PINTEREST
Mary Kaiser says
Wow I love how that chair turned out! Your mom has great taste, and a VERY talented daughter! I am sure she knows, the apple probably doesn’t fall far from the tree! Looking forward to see what you are going to do with the box, I am sure it will be inspirational!!
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Mary! Thank you, my friend! See ya Thursday! XOXO
Kelly says
why is it that practically ALL your items are painted white???
Christy says
Hi Kelly! I do use a lot of white because I personally love it and there are so many ways to add something more to white. I also sell my items and white sells well for me. Sharing two new makeovers every week for the past ten years, I have to do what I personally love, but my hope is that you take the techniques I use or the ideas I share and use them in your own way in the colors YOU love. XOXO
Jeanne says
What a nice daughter you are! It came out great. I love the added piping and have done that on my chairs as well.
I am going on vacation too. Nervous but excited. Hope you have a fun, safe time. “See you” when you return!
Christy says
Thank you, Jeanne! It is going to feel so good to finally get away! Enjoy your vacation too!! XOXO
Denise Cox says
Very pretty! I’ve always liked toile!!
Christy says
Thank you, Denise! I love it too! XOXO
Janice Holt says
Like you, your mom has good taste and I’m sure she was excited to get this chair. Love the toile fabric and the piping just looks amazing.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Janice! She was lol! Have a great week! XOXO
Christina says
Beautiful chair makeover Christy! I know your mom loves it. 🙂
I did not know that about liquid sealers, so thanks for the education.
Have a fabulous vacation!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Christina! She really does love it! And yes, usually the paint will pull any tannins through and you can deal with it then, but they can wait until sealing time to show up. This has only happened a couple of times for me though, luckily! XOXO
Megan Slifka says
Beautiful again Christie, and I have a chair waiting that looks just like it, Burlwood at the top that’s cracked, so I’ll fill it in and get going. You always have a wonderful way of inspiring me! Megan
Christy says
Aww thank you, Megan! Have fun with yours! XOXO
Dana Manning says
what a cute chair she has become! I love your tip about using wax when you have had some spot bleed through.
Christy says
Thank you, Dana! Yep, the wax won’t pull any of those discolorations through. That has only happened a couple of times, fortunately! XOXO
Robin says
OH, I love that toile print. If I’m not mistaken, the pattern is called “Jamestown.” I made shower curtains and window curtains for our “old” bathroom in a former house. It was black and white tile and I never could figure out how to make it modern…..so, I didn’t! It ended up beautiful with other B&W decor. I want that chair! ❤️ Good job! Very, very good job!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Robin! Yes, you are right! I bet your bathroom was lovely…black and white is such a classic combination! XOXO
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
Great save! And great minds…I did two oak chairs for my post today too. Haha!
Christy says
Thanks, Larissa! I just peeked at yours…they needed a lot more work, but they look so good now!! Funny we both shared oak chairs today! XOXO
Cecilia says
Ah yes, much better. Your mom has a good eye. Did she say what she was going to use the small cabinet/spice rack for?
Hugs, Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! She really does! She was going to just hang that rack to look cute, not necessarily to use. 🙂 XOXO
Theresa Martin says
I want those shoes!!
Christy says
Aren’t they fabulous?? I don’t wear them much anymore as I prefer no inches to my heels lol, but they are great for staging! XOXO
Karen Thompson says
I just LOVE everything you do! I like the simple ideas of the hidden gems – like this gingham underneath that noone will see but you will know about 🙂 I’m happy to learn about the piping too – I don’t sew but have been tempted to purchase a cheap or second hand sewing machine for simple things like this! Thanks for sharing another pretty makeover!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Karen! I really appreciate that! The piping is super easy and you can actually do it with hot glue also! XOXO
Marie says
Is there any problems from cutting the piping like that? I thought is needed to be cut on the bias. Is the piping attached to the chair or to the padded seat? Thank you for sharing your expertise.
Christy says
Hi Marie! I think cutting on the bias is probably more important when making clothing. I have always cut it this way for furniture with no issues, and the piping is attached to the underside of the padded seat with hot glue. XOXO
Niki says
These are a few of my favorite things…🎶 cane and toile!! Very French cottage….Who wouldn’t enjoy this sweet little chair! I hope your mom enjoys it for a long time!
Christy says
Right?? Mine too! It worked perfectly in the corner she wanted it for! XOXO
Shirley says
Christy, that little chair is smiling😊😄😃😁 and thanking you for the rescue.
Christy says
I love that! Thank you, Shirley! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
I have said it before, Christy, but I’ll say it again: Your mom is so lucky to have you as her personal shopper (and furniture makeover-er)! 😁
While I’m a big fan of cane, I’m not so enamored of hoof feet, but the white paint makes it more appealing. I was surprised you got bleed through, but you never know with an old piece. Glad it was only a few spots and not the entire chair. Your mom has a beautiful addition to her bedroom now.
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! She eyes everything that comes off the production line ha ha! And yep…the dreaded bleed through was not expected on this one but glad it could be easily remedied! XOXO
Susan says
I love how the chair turned out! So pretty!
2 Qs:
Will chalk paint pull out the tannins, too, if you don’t boss it (around 😂) first? I’ve had trouble in the past painting over Total One primer & Bins, w/latex paint on new wood, and the tannins always come through. Other primers as well. So, if I were to repaint w/chalk paint, shd I boss it first?
2. When you put the fluff coats on the cane back, did you have trouble with the paint dribbling down the opposite side? Then when you tried to correct that, dribbles down the first side? 😱 😂 If so, how did you tackle that? Thanks so much! 🌷
Christy says
Thank you, Susan! And thanks for the chuckle lol ” Boss it around” 😀 Ha ha! If you start to get bleed through or suspect bleed through, apply one coat of BOSS and let it sit overnight. Paint the next day and you should be good to go! The wait time in between is crucial. I have on maybe two occasions had to apply a second coat of BOSS, but that rarely happens. BOSS is a game-changer! As for the painting the cane, I really didn’t get much dribbling on the other side, thank goodness, but if I did, I would just give it a quick brush over to catch any drips! XOXO
Sonja Hansen says
Such a joy to bless your mother with the gift of your time and talents. It is a very pretty piece now. And thanks for sharing your skills. It has been 30 years since I did our dining room chairs. I have recently purchased new fabric to do them again. However, my hands have gotten a lot older. I was happy to see you validate the use of glue in some places. I felt less than adequate when I had to resort to glue in one spot before. Now I know it is OK to just plan to use the glue. Have a great day.
Christy says
Aww thank you, Sonja! Yes…glue away!! Whatever gets the job done! 🙂 XOXO
Dalila says
Very nice, Christy. I love toile, too. What a difference!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Dalila! XOXO
Lori says
Wow! Love this chair. I love everything you redo and it gives me ideas and I feel
joy knowing I can learn from you. Thanks so much!
Christy says
Thank you, Lori! I appreciate that so much, my friend!! XOXO
Constance Colvin says
Your lucky mom! I bet she’s also very proud of your success Christy! 🙂
Christy says
Aww thank you, Connie! She loves seeing me doing something I truly enjoy for sure! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
Oh Christy! I have learned the hard way to avoid bleed through by BOSSing all wood furniture. It’s just not worth the extra time to go back and touch up any bleed through. Even if there might be a chance of painting a piece with a dark color….it gets the BOSS! Your Mom’s chair is lovely with the toile fabric. Fluff is my favorite by far! French Lenin was for a while, but Fluff is so versatile. Enjoy your vacation with your men folks!! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! That is probably a very good idea! I have a retailer friend that BOSSes everything because she likes the way the paint goes on over it as well. I do love Fluff also…always a win! And looking forward to time with the boys…Jack might even get to meet up with us for a bit! XOXO
Sue H Mellette says
What a lovely makeover! I love the white finish and the pretty black and white toile fabric. I know your mom is thrilled and will cherish this chair that you redid just for her! Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your week!
Christy says
Thank you, Sue! She loved how it turned out and it fits the corner of her room perfectly! Have a great week too!! XOXO
Karen says
Beautiful! I have always been and will always be a Toile Junkie!
Have so much fun on your much needed vacation.
Christy says
Thank you, Karen! I just love it too!! And I appreciate that..looking forward to a few days of fun! XOXO
Mary says
I didn’t even notice those awesome feet on the chair as I too was enamored with that cane back 🙂 The new lighter color of paint really showcased them both. What a sweet piece! And the piping was over the top professional Christy. Beautiful job!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Mary! Those feet are what really sold me! XOXO
Lane says
I have done a lot of piping on little girls dresses and was taught to cut the strips on the bias. That does allow the pipping to stretch a little. You always seem to do it on the straight of grain or on the crosswise grain. Tell me the difference.
Christy says
Hi Lane! The piping will sit nicer on clothing when cut on the bias but when hot gluing or stapling it in place for furniture, I have gotten equally nice results cutting it straight. XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Friend! I love the chair! Very classy! I also loved your reply to Kelly. I swear you are the sweetest person I know. Have a great mini vacation with your family!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cheryl! I really would paint everything white if I could lol! And we are ready for vacation, my friend! XOXO
Michele M. says
Christy, that looks SO awesome! I bet it’s just perfect in your mom’s bedroom. Well done, lady!!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Michele! It fits perfectly in the corner of her room…always nice to make mom happy ha ha! XOXO
Phyllis says
Love it! A classic beauty.
Christy says
Thank you, Phyllis!! XOXO
Tracey A says
More Inspiration!! Beautiful!
Christy says
Thank you, Tracey! XOXO
Cindy says
Your mom must love the chair! That toile fabric is gorgeous with the white you chose for the chair! Thanks for the tips about BOSS and bleedthrough. 😊
Christy says
Thank you, Cindy! She loves it and it fit perfectly in the corner she had in mind for it! And you’re welcome! XOXO
Becky says
What a lovely end result! You are the queen of piping!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Becky! XOXO