I’m so happy you stopped by today, dear friends! I have a vintage Louis XVI armchair makeover for y’all. This is the second of two that I found at the thrift store for $9.99 each:
I redid the first one HERE already.
When I originally spied these at the thrift store, I only bought one, but I couldn’t leave the other behind for such an amazing price!
The first one was a newer reproduction, but this one had some age to it:
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Where to Begin
The first thing I needed to do for this makeover was remove all the existing piping, which I did with the help of some needle-nosed pliers.
When I got to the back, the fabric on it came off with the piping to reveal what appears to be horsehair stuffing:
That’s how we know this piece likely has some age to it.
I set that aside to reuse since newer stuffing had been added to the front…you can see the fluffy white stuffing peeking out from underneath.
I try to reuse as much as possible when doing upholstery projects to save on costs.
Everything else would remain in place and I would just cover over it:
Clean
Next up was a good cleaning and to do that, I went for my usual paint prepper, White Lightning, mixing one TBSP into a half gallon of warm water. I did this while I was cleaning the vintage game table from my last post.
Paint
Guess what color I went with?? Caviar by Dixie Belle again!
When I took this black dresser with the Vigorous Violet transfer to my booth, it was the only black painted item I had in a sea of light and bright.
My goal in painting this piece as well as the table I shared on Tuesday, was to create a nice grouping in my booth!
I gave it two coats. I would normally sand all over to smooth and distress just a bit, but I must have been so excited to get to the upholstery that I totally forgot lol and went straight to sealing.
Seal
I usually use the blue sponge to seal, but I knew getting into all those details would be much easier with a brush. I used that to apply Clear Coat in the satin finish:
The upholstery
I loved what I covered the first chair in, but I didn’t have enough for this one, so I chose similar but different fabrics for this one:
I already sold the first chair, so it doesn’t matter if they match anyway.
I used my staple gun to attach the fabric:
I did a really thorough upholstery tutorial HERE on the first chair, so there was no need to repeat that here.
After stapling, I trimmed the excess. It helps to have really sharp fabric scissors that are used just for fabric:
Trim
And finally, the trim! I almost always make my own double welt trim (find the how-to HERE), but this time, I went for black gimp trim which I purchased from Amazon HERE.
I attached it using hot glue:
I would suggest not pressing dark gimp trim too hard into the glue as I did have it come through in a couple of places…by the time I got to this part, I was using more of a light hand:
Another suggestion is to use a lighter to seal the edges when you cut it as this really likes to unravel…
Run the flame over the end, and if it lights, just blow it out quickly.
Vintage Louis XVI Armchair Makeover Reveal
There’s just something I love about a classic black and white toile!
It does appear faded on the front of the seat, but that is just the lighting.
It pairs so nicely with the black!
The Caviar paint is the reason I went with the simple black gimp trim. It blends right in…
I quite like that it isn’t distressed and the finish felt just fine for not sanding it. I don’t think I’d chance that with a larger, flat surface, but it did just fine here.
And what about the back?
It started like this…
Normally, you wouldn’t cover over the frame of the back like they did here. You would add fabric from the front that would be framed by the chair from the back. However, that’s what someone did here, so I had no choice but to cover over it.
That’s where the large check came in…
This is also where I learned that the glue would come through the back if pressed too hard which caused little white dots of glue to show.
I took care of what I coudn’t pick off with a small brush and some black paint lol…
It worked wonderfully!
What glue??
And then I turned my back for two minutes…
Ahem…no ma’am, Miss Lyla!
What??
I’m excited to deliver these pieces to my booth!
It was looking quite sad for a bit until I could get more things in there, but it is much better now!
Do y’all prefer this one or the first one?
One more done!
See anything you may have missed below!
$10 Vintage Folding Game Table Makeover
Painting the Smalls #32
Longaberger Basket Makeover
Bunny Rocker Makeover
Small Glass Door Cabinet Makeover
Estate Sale Dresser Makeover
HUGE Estate Sale Tool Box
Estate Sale Mirror Makeover
$5 Yard Sale Night Table Makeover
Update a Thrifted Box for the Holidays
Black Painted Antique China Cabinet
Turn Old Frames into New Holiday Decor
How to Upholster a Louis XVI Armchair
How to Repurpose a Table Top (&bonus…see what I did with the rest HERE.)
Dated Bar Stool Makeover
Update a Yard Sale Tote for the Holidays
Painting the Smalls #31 (the dollar edition)
IKEA Bookcase Makeover
$5 Yard Sale Night Table Makeover
I’ll be back on Tuesday with one of my favorite items to redo, a flatware box!
UPDATE: I’m sharing not only the redo of this box, but how I remove the lining as well! See it HERE now!
Have a lovely weekend, my friends!
XOXO,
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Janet Huey says
The second chair has a more classic vibe, like that.
As a reseller, the words “already sold the first chair” make me hopeful that the second one finds its new home right away!
Christy says
Thank you, Janet! I think so too. It goes more with the style of the chair. And yes, that makes me hopeful as well! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
Oh so elegant. I love this one, and I also love the first one! Anything black and white steals my heart! The trim from amazon looks so beautiful on it also! That will sell quickly in your booth also! If I lived closer it would be mine!!
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! I love the black trim also, and it saved me some extra work lol! I wish you were closer!! XOXO
Janette Deans says
What a stunning turn around, it looks so beautiful. I love that black finish and no scuffing up, wow, stunning.
Christy says
I’m so glad you like it, Janette, thank you! I’m glad I didn’t distress this one too! XOXO
Rebecca says
I definitely prefer the more recent, black chair. Maybe because I live in a colder area of the country with no coastal vibe, I love it when you use black.
Christy says
Thank you, Rebecca! Black is the easiest color to paint, so I love when I use it too ha ha! XOXO
Janice Redden says
Christy, love both of these chair makeovers! Bet they look great ax a “set”. As to Miss Lyla, that’s her seal of approval….kitties know all the best spots!
You’re getting through this haul with one fantastic redo after another…….
Christy says
Thank you so much, Janice! Lyla hopped up there the first chance she got…she knows when something new has arrived and is determined to test it out lol. I finally feel like I’m making some progress on this HUGE haul, and it feels great! XOXO
Kathy W says
Good morning, Christy – The second chair turned out great!! I love it with last week’s table. Even though it’s difficult to choose which chair I like better, I like the second one best. The toile seems more appropriate for the age of the chair but, I guess, it’s all according to what look you’re going for. The first chair is more of a modern, updated look than the classic toile chair. Both are fantastic as all of your makeovers are. I’m sure this one will sell fast as well!!! Super-cal makeovers!!!!
Kathy W
oxox
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! I get what you mean about the toile being more suited to this style. I love a classic toile! Hoping this one sells quickly too! Have a wonderful weekend! XOXO
Karen says
Just stunning chair makeover, and I’m not usually a Black & White person. This gives me hope to re-upholster a very old “Ladies” small wing back chair. I almost gave it to the Goodwill, but now I feel I can do this, or at least try. Its a total job though, front, back, sides. I will have to do more research as to have it professionally done is out of the question price wise. Thank you for the inspiration.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Karen! I haven’t done a wingback yet, but I just try to take the lead from what was done previously. You got this! XOXO
Dee Ann Thompson says
I LOVE the black & white armchair with the buffalo plaid back! Where is your shop? Do you ship furniture?
Thanks!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Dee Ann! My shop is at the Virginia Beach Antique Mall here in Virginia Beach. Unfortunately, I don’t ship furniture. XOXO
Mother Deer says
What a stunning set! Those pieces won’t last long in your booth 🙂
Christy says
Thank you so much, Mother Deer! Here’s hoping! XOXO
Karen C. says
Christy,
Both chairs are lovely, but this one is SO classy! The toile paired with the black is gorgeous. ???? Your vision for these pieces is so inspiring. I’m just waiting for warmer weather to try a few projects of my own. Thank you for your wonderful tutorials!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Karen! Toile usually gets my vote too…such a classic! Spring will be here before we know it woohoo! XOXO
Candy says
Wow, this is gorgeous! I like both but love, love, love this one. I am normally a white paint person but I love this one and how the fabric pops with the black framing. Thanks for sharing!
Blessings, Candy
Christy says
Thank you so much, Candy! I am normally a white paint person also, but there is just something about this combination, I agree! XOXO
Laura J. says
Another makeover well done Christy! Although both chair redos are fabulous, I prefer this current chair makeover because of Lyla!!! I love when she “test drives” your projects & makes appearances in your photos. Love seeing her, she’s a sweetie!????
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Laura! Lyla just knew I brought this out just for her lol! She is a sweet girl! XOXO
Gloria Rauch says
Hi Christy, I love the fabric used on both chairs, but I like #2 the best. The black & white toile with caviar is gorgeous.
Christy says
Thank you, Gloria! There’s nothing like a classic toile, and the black really did come together so nicely with it! XOXO
Sandra says
Hey….kitties can do NO wrong…
Christy says
Ha ha! I left that chair there until she was done with it…she laid there for several hours lol! XOXO
Jackie C says
Hahaha Lila! ???? ????
Outstanding once again, Christy! I think I actually like the black better than the white one. And look ???? your pretty fingernails almost match your glue gun in the picture ????
Christy says
Thank you, Jackie! The black pairs so nicely with the toile. And yes ha ha! For a while there, my nails matched a lot of my projects I was working on lol! XOXO
Cecilia says
Ooo, pretty! I think I like this one better than the other one. Both are pretty but there’s something about the black frame and toile that feels so elegant. Beautiful job!
????Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cecilia! I’m so glad I went with that combination on this one! XOXO
Margie says
Oh my if I lived close by it would be mine along with the game table! Love it.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Margie!! XOXO
Geri Davis says
I love it! I wish I had the nerve to try an upholstered piece! Not quite sure of myself yet, you make it look so easy!
Christy says
Thank you, Geri! I bet you could totally do this! Take your cues from the original upholstery…you got this! XOXO
Betty Sue says
Gorgeous redo! Love the black!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Betty Sue! I’m so glad I went darker on this one! XOXO
Cyndi says
Holy cow. That’s gorgeous! I love both chairs, but I’m a sucker for black. 🙂 I will definitely be watching your how-to video on upholstery, and good tip about the ends of the gimp!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Cyndi! That trick for the gimp really helped! XOXO
Ruth says
My favorite makeover of the two chairs is the one you did today in black.
I so enjoy seeing how you transform the objects you purchase.
Christy says
I am so happy to hear that you enjoy what I share, Ruth, thank you! I think the black one was the clear winner! XOXO
Gayle E. McCowin says
Well, you know it’s good when Miss Lyla approves. 🙂
Christy says
You got that right!????
Penny says
It’s Gorgeous and I love the fabric you chose. I am loving The look of black paint lately. It’s so classic.
Christy says
Thank you, Penny! Black is the easiest to paint, so I really should treat myself and use it more often lol! XOXO
Denise - Salvaged Inspirations says
this is stunning Christy! I always love all your upholstery makeovers – so inspiring! Annnd, it’s Lyla approved!???????????? Have a great weekend my friend! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you so much, my dear friend! I love them because they are a bit different than all-painted projects. And yes, Lyla has claimed this chair lol…I’ll have to take a lint roller to it before it goes to the booth ha ha! Enjoy your weekend as well! XOXO
Sarah Sanchez says
I love what you did with these chairs. But the black one would be my definite choice!
Christy says
Thank you, Sarah! That seems to be the winner! XOXO
Addie says
Love the black ALWAYS! That is an oldie and a beauty!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Addie! I’m thrilled I could give it many more years to be enjoyed! XOXO
p says
Oh, I do love how this came out. The black is so elegant. It can easily be a stand alone piece. I reallly love the contrast fabric ! So custom 🙂
You’ve done it again.
Christy says
Thank you so much, P! It was fun to redo! XOXO
Cyndel says
Every piece you paint in Caviar turns out beautifully and today’s chair is no exception — it’s gorgeous! Like you, I’m a big fan of toile, esp. in black and white and blue and white, so your fabric choice is great, too. Do you use Scotchgard or something similar to protect lighter-colored fabrics on your upholstered pieces?
Christy says
Aww thank you, Cyndel! Caviar sure can work miracles! Yes, I love blue and white toile as well. I have used Scotchguard for my own projects, but I don’t usually add that when selling them. XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
It came out lovely. I am partial to the blue and lighter color on the wood, but someone will love the black. You did a good job!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Rose! I loved the first one with the white paint also, but this black one sure is a popular choice today! XOXO
Barbara Moran says
Both chairs are beautiful but I just LOVE the black paint job the best. You have such wonderful ideas. Love all your works of art.
Christy says
I appreciate that so much, Barbara, thank you! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
It’s magnificent, Christy, looks like something you’d find in a high-end furniture store! I would have said the last chair was my favorite but this one is even better. I love gingham, second only to toile and they are perfect together. I actually bought that same toile to redo a chair and haven’t had the heart to cut it (I know that’s nuts, I think I’m becoming a fabric hoarder). I’m not surprised the other chair sold quickly, I’m sure this one will also.
Christy says
Thank you, Marcie! You just can’t go wrong with toile for sure. I don’t blame you for being cautious about cutting into yours lol! XOXO
Michele M. says
I absolutely LOVE this!!!!! (Oh how I do love black pieces and that toile is a perfect mate to it!) What a great find that will be for some lucky customer.
Love love love it.
Christy says
Thank you, Michele! The toile worked so nicely with this style of chair. I almost don’t want to let it go lol! XOXO
Robin says
It is just so pretty, Christy. Wondering that the fabrics were a heavy weight? It seems that the darker background of the original would show through the white? Were they remnants or shower curtains or drapery?
Christy says
Thanks so much, my friend! You know me well and I do love to use drapery panels. However, the toile fabric was home decor fabric, so it did have a bit of weight to it, and although the buffalo check was a thrift store find, it too had some weight to it, so they both covered the green nicely. XOXO
Donnita Alexander says
I love love the Vintage Louis XVI Armchair. The black fabric just set that chair off, it is absolutely gorgeous and the way you put the black trim around it. That chair should have an expensive price tag on it. I also love the back of the chair.
Christy says
Thank you, Donnita! I recently came across two more but passed on them, but I wish I hadn’t! XOXO