This week and next we will be featuring a series of chair projects from blogger/upcycler Michelle Boyd as part of Chair Week at the Lima ReStore! Stop in next week for specials on chairs at the ReStore!!

From the 70’s to Today!

A coat of oil rubbed bronze spray paint, new seat cushioning, and an updated fabric on the seat and a separate pillow brought this drab cane-backed 70s chair up to date. My mother liked it well enough to give me a similar chair to update, the one with the black seat fabric.

    .

Easy “upholstery” hint:  Staple the seating fabric directly to the chair frame over the padding.  Then glue a piece of ribbon or trim over the edge to give it a finished look.

 

Midcentury Modern Side Chair

 

This side chair was a solid piece.  I turned the chair upside down to unscrew the seat from the chair frame.  I stripped the finish and lightly sanded the chair before staining and top coating with two or three coats of polyurethane.

Hint for applying polyurethane:  Brush on with light coats, watching carefully for any drips. I like to start at the top of the chair and work down, looking back over the chair as I work to catch drips.   Very lightly sand between coats and wipe with a soft cloth or tack cloth to remove sanding dust.

I removed the old seat cover and padding, replaced it with new foam cushioning and a piece of fabric matching my kitchen chair cushions. Finally, I reattaching the seat to the chair frame.

  Finished!

By Michelle Boyer