StyleNorth reader Debbie wrote to me with her latest project, the dining chair makeover above. “I found the chairs on Craigslist for $15 (for all 4!!),” writes Debbie. “The beige, fabric seat covers were grungy and stinky, so I got rid of them right away. A little bit of steel wool and elbow grease revived the chrome, a few coats of white paint on the cane backs and new Ikea fabric for the seats, and they look pretty good to me.”
Well, they look pretty good to me, too. Great job, Debbie! Your comment about the smell of the chairs is an important one. When buying second-hand, upholstered goods, whether from a dealer or a private seller, ALWAYS smell the item, no matter how weird you might think that is. I have a friend who bought a pricey antique chair that wreaked of tobacco smoke, something she didn’t notice until she got it home. The fix may be simple, like Debbie’s, or it might be a whole lot more complicated and costly. Let the buyer beware.
March 17th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Craigslist is a good spot for furniture deals — particularly this one, getting a set of 4 chairs for that price is quite a deal.
I liked your choice of fabric for the seats — fresh, with an ode to the vintage of the chairs, however I feel you did a disservice to the caning and wood of the chair backs. The Marcel Breur inspired chairs might have been better served leaving them alone, as I feel they are quite stark now — commanding too much attention and looking more like a plastic cheese grater. (personal opinion only of course! If you love them as is, please feel free to tune me out)
I might suggest repainting the backs — either in the taupe or the blue/black of your fabric.
March 18th, 2010 at 3:01 pm
Good afternoon, great CL deal, the best place in town to buy and/or sell.
Chairs look fabulous, lots of work *well worth the effort*. Inspires the rest of us
March 19th, 2010 at 5:17 am
They are now for sale on Craigslist…$200 for the 4
March 24th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
Wow! Love how Debbie redid that old 70s/80s chair. The painted back rests looks much more chic and the patterned seats are very whimsical.