Amazing friends, welcome to Trash-to-Treasure Tuesday!! I have the prettiest painted antique chairs to share for my trashy project today! Be on the lookout for my blogging BFF’s trashy makeovers at the bottom!
These chairs had belonged to the grandmother of one of my super sweet former neighbors. She reached out to me a while back saying she had a few things that I might be interested in. I already shared the table she gave me HERE and the magazine table she gave me HERE, but I was taking my sweet time on these!
I was so excited when I saw them, but they needed some TLC:
The seat on one of them was totally shredded:
The reason I was dragging my feet on these is because I’m always leery of what lies beneath the fabric on the seats of these chairs.
Sometimes what lies beneath the surface is pretty gross and this pair was no exception!
After removing dozens of staples and taking off the fabric, this is what the seat pad consisted of:
Now this is a family-friendly blog, but up close that looks a whole lot like millions of tiny hairs from you know where! Right??
Ew.
I’m certain this is some sort of animal hair, but it is really disgusting lol.
Sometimes its just better to not uncover them at all! I didn’t really have a choice here and since I could no longer unsee that, I decided to toss both seats and start fresh!
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Making new seat cushions
I found two scraps of thin plywood and traced around the original seat frames:
Then, I used my Ryobi Jig Saw to cut the wood (I swapped out the jig saw blade for a scroll saw blade which is smaller for more control around the curves.):
This is the cordless version that uses the Ryobi interchangeable batteries, but they make a less expensive corded version too.
Once I had the seats cut, I took a break to have a Panera lunch date with Brennan, and then we swung by Walmart to grab a couple of these foam chair pads:
These are $10.97 which is very reasonable for foam, and they are a decent thickness.
I traced the shape of the wood onto my foam and then used my electric carving knife to cut through it. It is so easy to cut the foam with this knife!
Once I had my foam cut, the rest was easy!
I share step by step how from this point on in this post HERE.
Those are pretty detailed step by step instructions with the very same style seat.
Once I had the seats taken care of, it was time to give these chairs a good cleaning!
Clean
I used my go-to paint prep cleaner, White Lightning. to give these chairs the best possible cleaning.
It comes in a powder form and I mix one TBSP into a half gallon of warm water.
I like these terry cloth applicator pads for cleaning. They’re like a sponge covered in a washcloth and don’t fall apart like sponges eventually do. And, I can just toss them in the wash.
That water shows what was hidden on the surface! Once I had them clean, I swapped out my water for clean water and wiped them down once more.
Stain blocking primer
To prevent any potential bleed through from the tannins on this older wood, I applied one coat of BOSS in clear:
I used the clear BOSS this time because I didn’t want white to show through when I sanded later. (It goes on milky but dries clear.)
I left the BOSS to dry overnight so it could do its thing. Proper dry time is key!
Paint
The next morning they were ready for paint!
I kept envisioning these chairs in a soft cream color and so I chose Drop Cloth for them:
Two coats gave me solid coverage…
Sand and Seal
I sanded all over with a sanding sponge to get a buttery smooth surface and then went back with traditional 220 grit sandpaper to distress a bit.
I vacuumed up the sanding dust with my shop vac and brush attachment and they were ready to be sealed!
To seal, I used Clear Coat in Satin and applied it using a blue sponge applicator which makes it so easy!
The After
Here is how these pretty chairs turned out!
Although my personal preference is a bright white, I love the soft ivory color for these chairs.
This fabric I had in my stash worked so well with it…
When I originally added the new cushions back, there were gaps in the front:
I wasn’t happy with that and decided to make a little piping to go across the front to cover the gap…
I share how to make sew and no-sew piping HERE. (It’s super easy!)
Then I just hot glued it to the inside of the front of the chair:
It closed that gap and added a nice finishing touch across the front.
I went easy on the distressing, just highlighted here and there…
Remember this table?
It was painted in one of the Moonshine Metallics, Steel Magnolia.
You can see that makeover HERE if you missed it.
It was hard not adding more to these chairs, but they were simple and elegant and I really wanted to keep them that way!
I sure am glad to have these done! No more wondering what was inside!
Don’t forget to check out what my friends have for you today as well!
This chair had gross stuff inside too:
It turned out super cute though! See that one HERE!
I’ll be back on Thursday with these two pieces!
See ya then! Have a great week!
UPDATE: See these boxes with their fresh new makeovers and a new purpose HERE now!
XOXO,
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Mary Kaiser says
Oh they are not gross any more!! They turned out so beautiful, and I love the fabric you used on the seats to cover. Those chairs will be beautiful for another 100 years. I love that they didn’t end up in a land fill!!
Christy says
Yay thank you so much, Mary! I have gotten a lot of mileage out of that fabric that I found as a remnant years ago. Hopefully, these will sell together! Have a fabulous week! XOXO
Janette says
They look beautiful, I think the colour is perfect and the seat material is so pretty, last but not least, piping, I love piping, it just gives a professional finish.xx
Christy says
Thanks so much, Janette! I had to go with the piping lol! XOXO
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
Great find and even greater save!! Beautiful job, Christy.
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! XOXO
Karen says
Horse hair!
Christy says
Yes…when I think of horses, I think majestic though…that was not majestic ha ha! XOXO
Melissa says
The chairs were filled with horse hair-very common to find in chairs of this age. Your chairs came out lovely! I actually have one of the same design but I haven’t done anything with it yet. These are inspiring.
Christy says
Yes, I figured but still gross ha ha! Thank you so much, Melissa! Good luck with yours! XOXO
Saundra says
The chairs turned out beautiful! That gross stuff is actually horsehair. Antique furniture was traditionally padded with several different types of organic materials, which varied in price and quality. Horsehair, for example — used in antique upholstery up until the 19th century — is a mark of quality because it is strong, durable, and much more expensive than the alternatives.
My mother-in-law had a beautiful antique sofa in her living room with horsehair upholstery that we had to make off limits for my young son because he had asthma and would have an asthma attack every time he got near that sofa. Unfortunately her dining room chairs were also upholstered the same way so whenever we visited it had to be outside or in the kitchen only.
Christy says
Oh my your poor baby! I am so glad this is no longer a practice lol. Good to know it means quality though! Thanks, Sandra! XOXO
Gloria says
Fyi, the stuffing is horsehair. Conventionally used in older pieces, wore well and what was available before foam rubber was invented.
Thanks for another great redo, Christy!!
Christy says
Thank you for the info, Gloria! Still gross ha ha! XOXO
Rhonda says
They used horse hair in the nineteenth century. They did not have cushioning like we use today, so they used horse hair. At least you know your chairs are old!
Christy says
Right? And someone else mentioned the horse hair was a sign of quality so there’s that. Thank goodness for the invention of foam lol! XOXO
Janice Holt says
These chairs turned out so elegant and pretty. Never seen anything like the “stuff” that was in the seats. Wonder what it was. Oh well, they are beautiful now.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! Apparently, it is horse hair. Still gross though ha ha! XOXO
Janis Brown says
Christy – regarding your latest post on the two antique chairs with questionable seat fill, that is spanish moss. Back in the day, before traditional seat, mattress, car seats padding, spanish moss was used. It was collected, dried, and beat to death to remove the outer later. The inner layer was a black ‘thread’ and putting lots of these together it made an adequate cushion. I guess in Virginia you don’t have spanish moss. Need some? I’ve got plenty to spare!
I’d really like to know how you find the time to do all of your projects, post on blogs, sell supplies…… I am envious! Do you have a small army of helpers???
Janis
Christy says
Hi Janis! I wish I had a small army of helpers… how fun would that be?? I’m told it could be horse hair also. I guess they had to use what they had. So glad for the invention of foam! Thank you, my friend! XOXO
Teresa Reep says
Are there any marks showing where and when those chairs were made? It was once a common practice to use the hair of slaves to fill furniture cushions. So, there’s a possibility it is not animal hair, It’s really hard to tell from the photos, though. They are beautiful chairs, with possibly a very different history than expected.
Christy says
I don’t see anything, but I don’t believe they are that old. I’m told it’s horse hair? Who knows…it’s gross lol!
Peggy says
Wow! Very elegant. You made that look so Easy! 🤍🤍🤍🤍 Did you glue the piping?
Christy says
Thank you so much, Peggy! I did…I glued the piping to the inside of the seat frame before adding the cushion. 🙂 XOXO
Deanna Wiederhold says
I am fairly new to your site and am enjoying your makeovers. I, too, am a DIYer and love home projects such as yours and I’m always on the lookout for pieces to transform. I have to admit I am beginning to tire of the “distressed” look and wonder what you see for future projects insofar as trends because this one is getting boring and they are showing up at flea markets and yard sales everywhere being passed over. Is it just me?
Christy says
Hi Deanna! Thank you! Most of the pieces I find have their share of bumps and bruises. Simply painting them and calling it a day would show many of those imperfections, so I do lightly distress here and there for that reason. I don’t usually go crazy with it. I don’t tend to follow trends…I do what I personally love which you kind of have to do if you’ve been doing this for over a decade like I have lol. My feelings won’t be hurt if you tire of what I share. I’m glad you got to enjoy it if only for a little while. XOXO
Nana Diana says
Hi Christy,
Love those chairs! I have always made my own cording, too, using my regular presser foot. Do you cut your fabric on the bias? I was always told to do that but it looks like you just cut straight edge pieces? Does it ‘wrinkle’ as you go cutting it straight?
I think I saw this post once a long time ago but I could be wrong….lol. xo Diana
Christy says
Thank you, Diana! Yep, I just use my regular foot too for this simple piping. I do not cut my fabric on the bias and have never had an issue. I feel like that may be more important with clothing rather than something that will remain stationary, but I’m not an expert on that lol. I’ve never had any issues with it wrinkling though. This is a brand new post, but I have used this fabric on a couple of older projects. Have a great week! XOXO
Gayle Stewart says
I had to laugh, Christie, at your comments about the seat filler. I’ve done a few chair seats in my time and have found some pretty disgusting things, including a petrified mouse in one! Who knew I could jump laterally 5 feet in 2 seconds?!?
Maybe the filler is unrefined sheep’s wool? Anyway, I love the chairs and the simple and classic beauty of their design and finish! Great job!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Gayle! And OH NO!! That mouse would have done me in! I’m told it is horse hair, but I was thinking it looked more like sheep’s wool too. All I know is that it had to go and I am so grateful we now have foam ha ha! XOXO
Denise Zdziennicki says
…”looks a whole lot like millions of tiny hairs from you know where!”😂🤣🤣 Thanks for my morning laugh Christy! Your antique chairs turned out AMAZING. Pinned! XOXO
Christy says
It does, right?? I’m told it’s horse hair…but from what part of the horse?? LOL! Thank you, my friend!! XOXO
Roberta says
I would run not walk to get those chairs if I lived by you!
Christy says
Aww I wish you were closer, Roberta!! XOXO
Jackie C says
I laughed out loud at this post 😂 and the chairs are beautiful!
xoxo
Christy says
Ha ha! Thank you, Jackie!! XOXO
Niki says
Wow! These are perfect Christy. I like the cream, and the fabric adds a touch of soft elegance.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Niki! XOXO
Cheryl r Atkinson says
Hahahaha. You made me laugh but you are right and you really can’t unsee this. Why would they use a filling like that? Those chairs must be so old. They turned out so pretty though. Drop Cloth was a good choice. Thank you for the laugh this morning.
Christy says
I know, right? Apparently it is horse hair and is a sign quality? SO glad for the invention of foam ha ha! Thanks, Cheryl! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
They are beautiful, Christy. Sometimes it’s hard to stop once you start embellishing, and these chairs are perfect without anything else. Horsehair is so gross! (I have a chair that had horsehair and old orange foam that was completely crumbled. Of course, I decided to tackle it in the living room and was vaccuming orange dust for weeks 😬) The fabric is stunning with the paint color, I’m sure the chairs are going to sell quickly.
Christy says
Thank you, Marcie! Yes, sometimes less is more, but I could have kept going ha ha! I can’t imagine what a mess that was for you to deal with with all that crumbly foam and dust! XOXO
Amanda says
Wow! That was a super disturbing find! Never would have thought of finding such yukkiness lurking in a chair cushion! Lol. Great makeover, it’s absolutely beautiful now.
Christy says
Right? These older chairs always have me crossing my fingers that someone has replaced that before me lol! Thank you, Amanda! XOXO
MrsSW says
I love the style of the chairs and, of course, they look outstanding now.
I have a footstool waiting to be dealt with – I have been putting it off because of the horsehair stuffing.
Sheila
Christy says
Thank you, Sheila! I totally understand…that’s why these chairs are one of the last items for me tackle from this haul! If the fabric had been in tact on both chairs, I likely would have just recovered them and called it a day. Good luck with your footstool! XOXO
Nancy Sharp says
I always love your posts. They make me wish I lived closer to your shop so I could buy things like these chairs.❤️
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Nancy! I wish you were closer too! XOXO
Lisa says
At least the horsehair means it was professionally done, I once redid a chair and it was padded with everything but the kitchen sink, old socks, old towels, whatever they had on hand I guess.
Christy says
Oh wow… you win!! I couldn’t imagine uncovering that lol! XOXO
Lizzy says
Beautiful! The color and fabric are perfect. Great work.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Lizzy! XOXO
Charleen says
These are beautiful!!You have an affinity for chairs. Love the fabric for the seats . Lovely. Have you taken the chair you did last week or so to the shop. I though it was as gorgeous. Of course all those words should have been in capitals. Have a grand day
Christy says
Thank you so much, Charleen! I am a sucker for a cute chair for sure! I have not taken the other chair to my booth yet…I’m not quite ready to let it go ha ha! Enjoy your day too! XOXO
Addie says
Turned out lovely. BUT!!! why did you buy the pre-packed foam at Wally’s?
You could have got a much better deal (to keep costs down) by buying by the yard at Joann’s. Plus they alway run a 40-60% coupon weekly.
I think that ick was horse hair!!!! Gross!!!!
Christy says
Thanks, Addie! It’s not too much of a price difference and Walmart is only 5 mins up the road. JoAnns is 25-30 minutes away, and time is money lol! Can I tell you how grateful I am for the invention of foam?! XOXO
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
These turned out so sweet and romantic, my friend! And what a rare find to have a matching pair! xo
Christy says
Thanks, Jen! Yes, I love that I have two…hoping to sell them together! XOXO
Debra Hubbs says
These came out so pretty! I know they used to use horsehair but…I don’t know about this lol.
Christy says
Thank you, Debra! Apparently that is what this is…it is still gross ha ha! XOXO
Michele M. says
Haha. I redid chairs once and it was def horse hair – I don’t think yours was this time, though – too curly and short. Lawdy lawdy – but yea, let’s go with sheep so we can move on, right? LOL! You did a FAB job – I looooove creamy whites and those chairs would be so perfect in my off white guest bedroom. Love love love the job you did on them. Sometimes simple really is better!
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! I’m being told it is horse hair? Either way, it’s super creepy lol! Thank goodness for the invention of foam! I could have kept going with these.. I was considering a Magnolia transfer up the backs, but the simple beauty of these chairs didn’t need much else! XOXO
Karen H says
Christy, those chairs look gorgeous! You did a fantastic job on them! And I really love that fabric! It was perfect to go with the Drop Cloth paint! Nice job! xo
Christy says
Thank you so much, Karen! I’m so happy to have them done…now to get them sold! XOXO
Bonnie Hipps says
Hey Girl, I laughed out loud about the you know what from you know where and then (sorry ladies) one right after another of “its horse hair” I was thinking how many different ways can you answer that lol. The creamy color made me think of vanilla ice cream and was a gorgeous match with the fabric. I remember the table also and at first didn’t think I would like it but ummm what was I thinking? Another good save! Hugs
Christy says
Ha ha! Well, at least we for sure know what it is lol! Thank you so much, my friend!! XOXO
Marietta.Walker says
Well Christy,
The good news is those tell you your chairs are very old. In America they used Horse in, but in England-very possible it was sheeps wool. Those chairs may have traveled on a ship from England to the US and then by Wagon into Missouri, or to California and then back to Missouri. I only wish those chairs like those could talk!
Christy says
My goodness, if they could tell stories! It really does appear more like sheep wool, but I’m no expert lol. I’m just happy they no longer use it. I don’t think I would be taking on many upholstery projects if so ha ha! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
Lovely chairs now!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Rose! XOXO
Sharon L Austin says
Love the way these turned out! The piping makes all the difference too. Just adds character and class.
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon! I like the addition of the piping too…a little added detail that goes a long way! XOXO
Cella says
The piping on that chair was brilliant. Thank you.
Christy says
Thank you, Celia! It fixed that gap beautifully! XOXO
Caye Cooper says
I’ve done a lot of upholstering and I KNOW what you mean about being leery to take the seat off because of what’s underneath. I was always glad to not find any critters crawling around! That “stuff” you found so gross was probably horse hair; although it could have been dog hair too.
I love the shade of white you chose because it just blends perfectly with the style. Good choice! Compliments on the “save” using the cording.
All in all, it looks great – as usual. You never disappoint.
Have a great weekend! TTFN
Christy says
Thank you, Caye! Yes…the weird stuffing of days gone by definitely gives me the heebie jeebies ha ha! I’ve never found critters though, thank goodness! Glad you enjoyed this one! I hope your week is off to a great start! XOXO