When I found the fabric for this chair makeover, who knew I would love it so much I’d want it around the house!! I used it to cover some vintage books to display on the etagere I made a pillow for … Continue reading
Leopard Binge
Tag Archives: Antique chairs
Old Chair New Life
What do you do with a chair no one wants? Well ask me that question and my answer is keep it! That’s exactly what I did with my new addition. Like an unwanted puppy, I decided to be her new owner. Give her love and affection and breathe new life in her just like I did Clarissa (and still working on Don).
I decided to do some research on this chair and found it’s a Louis XV style Fauteuil armchair. These chairs were beginning to be made in the 1600’s and were considered French by Royal Design and was designed with a woman’s figure in mind, by having delicate curves. The backs were round for the softness of the woman’s shoulders and the carvings were considered the ornaments (like a woman wears jewelry). This particular chair was made during the turn of the 19th century (between 1880 – 1900). The chair had it’s original needlepoint fabric, however, as you see, it pretty much took a beating. But, one thing for sure, she’s a real McCoy, a Louis XV french chair. So, I’m thrilled that I couldn’t sell it for the mere $25.00 I was asking for it at the yard sale. The average price for these chairs is $500.00, so yes, she is definitely worth investing in. I’m going to name her Kittra. Luckily, the frame was strong, but the wood stain was a bit drab. I decided to paint the frame using Martha Stewart antique gold (please don’t squeal 🙂 )
The gold paint gives it a new look, without taking away from the beauty and not making it gawdy.
For the fabric, I chose a soft chenile pile white fabric and wanted to incorporate cheetah print with it. I also wanted the authenticity of the chair to remain intact, so I had the upholsterer keep the straw stuffing but add enough cushion for a better seat. Keep in mind that if you ever get a chair or sofa and discover it’s an antique, it’s always best to preserve some of its history.
Here’s Kittra’s new look
Time to bring her home and find a space for her.
I’m in the process of making a few changes in the living room, nothing big, but changing up the wall color and adding a few reupholstered items. But for now, she’ll rest here. I was just so excited with her new look I wanted to share it with you.
I’ve never used white before on furniture, and now that we’re empty nesters and no little ones around, I thought I’d give it a whirl (for at least one piece) and the cheetah print has always been my fettish. I plan to add a bit more of that around. I hope you like Kittra’s new look as much as I do. Have you done a makeover lately? I’d love to hear all about it. Until next time, Happy hunting and enjoy thrifting your house into a home! Smooches
Chair Me Up!
Well I’ve had a good long weekend and it’s back to the ole drawing board.. as the DD commercial says.. it’s time to make the doughnuts” as I drag myself out of bed. I always reflect back to when I first saw this piece of art that reminded me sooooo much of myself on Monday mornings. It’s called Blue Monday by Annie Lee. You can see more of her artwork here.
I hope I’m not the only one who has this feeling on Monday (Tuesday, Wednesday,Thursday & Friday) mornings.. chuckles..I’m just kidding … Ok, ok… moving along… It’s been a while since I’ve posted something for my Monday Makeover and I’m excited to show you this one. Over the years, I’ve met quite a few chairs that I hold dear to me and this is one..well… was one that I’ve waited quite a while to do anything with. When I first saw Clarissa.. (that’s the name I gave her… means gentle) – I know – call me crazy.. but I’ve come quite attached to some of the objects around the house and I figure since they’re in the family then why not name some of them.. chuckles.. My husband just shook his head when I said meet Clarissa..( in other words.. I’ve gone coo-coo for coco puffs..) LOL!! Well if an artist can give his paintings names.. then how come I can’t give my furniture names.. right?? Ok.. now.. when I first saw Clarissa, she was a poor lost soul – very gentle and delicate. She had been left unattended and stripped of her cloth baring her insides waiting to be covered up. I could tell she was once a beautiful creature, gracing a lavish home (at least that’s what I imagine). Her curves were none like I’ve ever seen in my travels and I really wanted her. She belonged to a dear elderly antique dealer/friend name Joyce, who kept her for a very long time waiting to get her repaired. Joyce had so many beautiful chairs and she kept saying she’ll have it done eventually. Well sad story is that Joyce never did have her done and unfortunately she’s ill and would not ever see her again. I held onto this chair since her illness tucked away in my storage. I finally decided to take her out and bring her back to life .. Here she is ..
Just a s shell of her was all that was left.. I can’t imagine how someone could mistreat such a beautiful object.
Judging by her stuffing – of cotton and horse hair – she was made in the early 1900’s – so this chair has been around roughly 100+ years.
But I guess considering her age, it’s a blessing she’s still standing.. (God knows I probably won’t be standing at 100 years – chuckles). I pulled her out of storage and made up my mind to finally get her done. It is her time to shine again and grace the home of a loving owner – ME! And here she is.. Meet the NEW Clarissa
I tried to save the bird fabric on the back but it was too damaged and dry rot.
I even searched for a fabric with a bird backdrop but couldn’t find anything pleasing to my satisfaction. I just decided to go with a patterned back and a solid ultra-suede (although it was velvet on her before)
All in all – I’m very pleased with her new look
If chairs really had souls – I think she’d be smiling at her new look and pleased to feel back at home
Welcome Home Clarissa!!
Glad to have you join us! I’m sure if Joyce could see her she would love her. I hope you all are pleased with Clarissa’s new look as much as I am.. and if so.. holla at your girl! Happy Monday and enjoy the rest of your week.. Smooches