Oh, Happy Chair- Before & After


So I am cruising Craigslist on Friday night and found this little chair. I know I am a huge dork, rockin' out on a Friday night. 


 Anyway, I picked her up on Saturday morning with the hubs and brought her home. My original plan was to fix her up to sell.

Here she is after the old upholstery was removed. This needed to happen quickly since it was in a house with about a million cats. My husband is VERY allergic to cats. 


Saturday afternoon while the twins were napping, I ran out to Joann fabrics with my four year old and we picked out this cute fabric for $6.99 a yard.



I painted the chair in Valspar's Filtered Shade, distressed with an 80 grit sanding block and sealed it with Johnson's Paste Wax. I attached the fabric with staples and Curve Ease for the back. The trim is a double welt which I attached with a glue gun set on high. Total time spent, 3 hours. Watch out, I am getting pretty fast!


I think she is just too cute to part with so I think she is going to be my chair in my new...... WORK SPACE! Oh that's right! Stay tuned for further developments and a reveal. 

73 comments:

  1. Cassie BustamanteMay 8, 2011 at 7:12 PM

    she is gorgeous! and i can make you feel better about your fri night... my husband was away, my kids at my parents, so i picked up a bottle of wine, a couple slices of pizza and watched michael jackson's this is it. yup. i think i have you beat in dorkiness.

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  2. TanyaMay 8, 2011 at 7:12 PM

    So pretty! It hardly looks like the same chair.

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  3. Prudently Painted VintageMay 8, 2011 at 7:13 PM

    I keep trying to leave a comment and it messes up! Annoying!

    It is gorgeous, if you ever get this!

    Happy Mother's Day :)

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  4. LizMay 8, 2011 at 7:16 PM

    Such a cute chair!! I love the fabric and you are sooo fast! I hope I can get the guts to do something like this!

    Liz

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  5. UnknownMay 8, 2011 at 7:21 PM

    You did a great job. I have a similar chair that I've redone 2 times now. I need to do it again, though and I keep putting it off. I love the happy fabric you used.

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  6. UnknownMay 8, 2011 at 7:29 PM

    fantab!! I have never done any upholstery and am very nervous to try!! You are an inspiration.

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  7. April Says...May 8, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    Ummm...I absolutely LOVE this chair -- looking for one similar for myself for my work/play desk area...I want a cow print pattern. I know, dork, but it's a happy print to me! :)

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  8. AllieMay 8, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    Love that print, and the transformation you've done to the chair! You have a terrific eye, and sense for what will work. Very nicely done.

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  9. Jaime CostiglioMay 8, 2011 at 9:16 PM

    Sarah so bright and perfect for the season. Of course I can't wait to see your work space, I'd love to overhaul mine but somehow projects just keep getting in the way.

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  10. HeidiMay 8, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    you're my hero - impressive!

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  11. Claudia LaneMay 8, 2011 at 9:31 PM

    Such a great transformation! Love the colours and it's so feminine. :))

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  12. UnknownMay 8, 2011 at 9:31 PM

    Love it!! And so jealous, my Joanne's doesn't have any cool fabric like that! I've had a chair sitting in my garage for over a month now to re-do and you go and get yours done in a day! Awesomeness, right there!!

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  13. KKMay 8, 2011 at 9:43 PM

    the fabric you chose is so pretty. yes it looks happy. great job!

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  14. Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed BoysMay 8, 2011 at 9:48 PM

    The fabric is just gorgeous! You did a great job with it!

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  15. UnknownMay 8, 2011 at 9:51 PM

    Three hours! You rock girl! Gorgeous! You know how I feel about chairs :)

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  16. AnonymousMay 8, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    Darling chair! I love the fabric and what a great job you did!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  17. TardevilMay 8, 2011 at 11:26 PM

    Looks great! Love the new fabric. How did you do the piping around the edge...glue?

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  18. Terry @ La Bella VieMay 8, 2011 at 11:36 PM

    This is adorable and just looks so young and chic!
    Terry

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  19. Glenda @ Magnolia Bend DriveMay 9, 2011 at 6:56 AM

    I love love love the chair, the fabric, and the paint job. And only 3 hours??? your good!

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  20. AnonymousMay 9, 2011 at 7:49 AM

    Love the fabric!! Great job!

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  21. UnknownMay 9, 2011 at 7:50 AM

    very fun! love the fabric colors... anything with blue and red looks great in my book. :)

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  22. Handbags*and*PigtailsMay 9, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    Great job! And 3 hours? Shut it! It looks amazing:)
    xo,
    Sarah

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  23. Pine Tree HomeMay 9, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    You are so funny whipping these chairs out. Great job and love the fabric.

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  24. Tammy @BeatriceBanksMay 9, 2011 at 9:47 AM

    Wow! That is one pretty chair! You did a great job and in 3 hours? I'm speechless!

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  25. AngelaMay 9, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    It looks amazing! Please tell us how you make it look distressed like that, with the paint. I also love that fabric, so bright and happy!

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  26. elizabeth@themustardceilingMay 9, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    Wow, this is incredible! I am so happy I found your blog, I have been so amazed by the mirror table and now this. I love the fabric you chose.

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  27. Sarah, Three BoysMay 9, 2011 at 1:42 PM

    Andrea, after I painted the chair and let it dry, I took a sanding block and just followed the lines of the chair and rubbed off a bunch of paint. Not very precise but you get the look!

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  28. N. G. L'HommedieuMay 9, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    I love the fabric and I love Joann's! Very nice job.

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  29. Ashley@ DesignBuildLove.coMay 9, 2011 at 4:50 PM

    NICE job! Beautiful chair results!

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  30. Kristen Eleni ShellenbargerMay 9, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    LOVE it!!!

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  31. ReneMay 9, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    Great job... do you think you could do a tut sometime on how to make double piping? I don't get it, regular piping, yes, double piping clueless...

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  32. UnknownMay 9, 2011 at 9:56 PM

    I loooove this fabric...yes, it's Happy!

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  33. Randi~Dukes and DuchessesMay 9, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    I really love that. Great fabric choice. I have a similar chair that I really want to recover but I'm so intimidated by the process. Might have to just bite the bullet!

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  34. BethMay 9, 2011 at 10:22 PM

    I love, love, love this chair! And the fabric, fantastic!!

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  35. abeachcottageMay 10, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    Love the transformation. can't wait for the reveal of your work station.

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  36. UnknownMay 10, 2011 at 9:56 AM

    Awesome! That fabric is fabulous!! I really love it!!!

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  37. Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net)May 10, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    I love that fabric....sooo cute! It is a happy chair...makes you smile just to see it. :) Great job snagging it and great job recovering it!

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  38. Decor & HarmonyMay 10, 2011 at 11:33 AM

    Amazing! I have a chair very simialar to the one you have and its been crying for a makeover for about eight years, and you did a transformation in one afternoon! Hats off to you :)

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  39. Jen CampbellMay 10, 2011 at 12:23 PM

    I love this chair!!! And the fabric so pretty! I tend to stay away from chair like this becuase I am not sure how to reupolster it. Can you send me a detailed step by step??? jtcampbell2@att.net. I see chairs like this all the time on Crags list and we are in deperate need for some in our living room. Thanks for sharing!

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  40. Darlene - Our Creative LifeMay 10, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    Love your chair! You did a fab job on it! I got a new chair too, but uphostery on it works for me so no changing it. Check out my chair...it's on my blog.

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  41. EmilyMay 10, 2011 at 10:44 PM

    great fabric! and i have to give props to anyone that can reupholster = )

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  42. KathMay 10, 2011 at 11:27 PM

    that fabric is fabulous! I am in love with the chair. beautiful transformation.

    I'm a new follower!
    kathryn
    www.thedragonsfairytail.blogspot.com

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  43. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsMay 11, 2011 at 7:02 AM

    It looks so much better, Sarah! What a great fabric and I love the chair white.

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  44. Fiber & FireMay 11, 2011 at 10:30 PM

    That chair came out great and oh so cheerful!

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  45. The Paupers CastleMay 13, 2011 at 4:38 PM

    Love the fabric!

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  46. Lauren @ My Wonderfully MadeMay 13, 2011 at 5:30 PM

    WOW! That is so beautiful and you did such a great job reupholstering it! I'd sure keep it!

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  47. Life Of A Southern Couple - BrittanyMay 13, 2011 at 8:19 PM

    Wow that is an amazing transformation! Thanks for sharing! :)

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  48. JessicaMay 13, 2011 at 10:15 PM

    I love the fabric. The chair looks wonderful. Great job.

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  49. NutbirdMay 14, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    Wow, do you live near me? You are fast, which should make your husband happy. One thing they hate is unfinished projects. Kudos for the style! The fabric looks like $30 a yard. You deserve to keep this. Ann

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  50. LindaMay 14, 2011 at 5:05 PM

    This chair is SO to die for!!

    I have been craigslisting constantly trying to find something so I can do something similar. The fabric is so Pottery Barn-esque!

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  51. Tanner CangelosiMay 15, 2011 at 10:01 PM

    Love.

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  52. Allyson McGuireMay 16, 2011 at 11:13 PM

    This is adorable! Thanks for sharing!

    Allyson
    http://cupcakescandycanes.blogspot.com

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  53. Clarebear117May 18, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    ACK! I have a similar chair and I have NO CLUE how to redo it! Please please please post more details! I'm terrified of attacking this on my own- I've never done a chair so complicated (and such a mess) as this!! It's been sitting in my living room in the Corner Of Shame, staring at me so forlornly wishing to be loved like the rest of my furniture and ... and ... (sigh)

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  54. Sarah, Three BoysMay 18, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    Hi Calrebear,

    Here is a link to a similar chair I just finished. If you look on the bottom of the post there are links to by step by step. good luck and if you have any questions feel free to ask!! YOU CAN DO IT!

    http://threeboys-home.blogspot.com/2011/04/queen-anne-style-chair-before-after.html

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  55. This Posh HouseMay 18, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    I LOVE IT! I love happy floral upholstery and this is such a great inexpensive way to bring some in!

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  56. DawnMay 31, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    Love the chair, the fabric is so Happy:) You did a wonderful job.

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  57. Kristi @ Addicted 2 DecoratingJune 7, 2011 at 8:25 AM

    Love this chair...and the fabric! I almost went with this fabric as the starting point for my office redo. Now I'm wondering if should have stayed with this one! Love how it looks on the chair.

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  58. Angie@Echoes of LaughterJune 7, 2011 at 1:07 PM

    Wow! Way to go girl! You did an amazing job!

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  59. franJune 8, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    Three hours? Wow! I just finished one (which I'm working on a post now) but it took me...well, lets just say I slept many times between the start and the finish. I had lots of trouble with the back. Anyway, I'm very impressed with yours. And most impressed with how quickly you did it! Great job.

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  60. Ashley C.June 9, 2011 at 12:24 AM

    Holy wowsers - I LOVE this!! On a scale from 1 to 10, how easy would you say it is to undertake a project like this for a beginner re-upholster-er? :)

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  61. RitaJune 13, 2011 at 12:50 AM

    WOW! I love it. I love the bold fabric choice with the old classic chair.
    http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/

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  62. Hollie @ I'm Busy ProcrastinatingJune 15, 2011 at 12:37 AM

    What a fun fabric! It reminds me of one I've seen either at World Market or Ballard Designs. Very cheery and colorful!

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  63. UnknownJune 15, 2011 at 12:11 PM

    Three hours?! You star!

    Love the chair and honestly-this is similar to my Friday nights :)

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  64. Jenny Hall / Seamingly SmittenJune 18, 2011 at 9:00 AM

    Love it! Can you do a tutorial on upholstering? I'm so glad you kept this chair. It is AWESOME!
    Jenny

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  65. rachel June 24, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    Love, Love, Love her! Do you have any posts with tutorials on upholstering? If not, I'd love to hear some of your tips!

    Rachel
    xoxo

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  66. Gina in TexasJune 29, 2011 at 9:42 PM

    Love this chair and fabric! How did you finish the edge close to the legs? Also, where on the back of the chair did you use curve ease? Because I've never upholstered before I've never heard of it but will research this product.

    I recently found a wonderful chair (great bones and style) at a garage sale ($10.00) but it is in desperate need of reupholstering. Thanks for sharing!

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  67. NepperessJuly 11, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    SERIOUSLY ADORABLE! Love that fabric. Beautiful.

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  68. TanyaJuly 11, 2011 at 4:29 PM

    Love this chair! Great job.

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  69. Sunnyside DruAugust 8, 2011 at 8:28 AM

    fantastic, I want that in my office!

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  70. AnonymousAugust 27, 2011 at 6:50 PM

    Just found your blog while working in Pinterest. I am very interested in learning how to reupholster small projects similar to this chair. How did you get started and what advise could you give me to get started? I know the first thing I am going to do is get on Craigslist and get me a cheap chair!!

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  71. Sarah, Three BoysAugust 27, 2011 at 7:51 PM

    I read a lot of blogs:) and then just started doing it. Here is a link to a chair I did from start to finish. It includes all of the equipment I used too. It really isn't much. Just a good pair of pliers, curve ease, and a staple gun! Oh, and some paint and wax! Good luck!

    http://threeboys-home.blogspot.com/2011/04/queen-anne-style-chair-before-after.html

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  72. JenSeptember 6, 2011 at 1:18 AM

    I found a gem sitting in an alley by a dumpster and brought it home. I only hope it's not infested w/ something!I checked out the link for the Queen Anne chair but still am wondering: do I keep the orginal batting, the grassy type stuffing and how do I go about repadding it? My chair is very similar to this happy day chair. It's got ugly brown paint and 60s or so green w/ gold fabric. It's destined to go in our daughter's room. Can I pick a 100% cotton or do I need more of a light weight cavas to stand up well? Any other step by step how tos would be great.

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  73. Sarah, Three BoysSeptember 6, 2011 at 9:08 PM

    I usually try to keep as much of the original batting and stuffing as I can (that is the grassy stuff) It gives the chair it's structure and loft. If you need to add some more I usually use some of the synthetic batting from Joanne fabric. You can use pretty much any fabric in the home decor section of the fabric store, it is usually thick enough for regular use.

    I have a billion posts on chair makeovers:) Just type in chairs into the search this blog section on the right hand side. Let me know how it goes! And I hope this helps!

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