I have officially hatched my evil egg chair plan (mwah-hah-hah).
Sorry, couldn’t resist an ovum-related pun. Anyway the $30 thrift store can’t-believe-it’s-mine egg chair that I mentioned late last week got cleaned up, first with a nice liquid deglosser wipe down, and then with some spray primer + spray paint. About ten minutes after I snapped this grody before photo with the old cushion on it in our sunroom…
… I had him out in the yard ready for a little somethin-somethin.
Although the orangey-wood tone above doesn’t actually look bad in the picture, in person he just looked dated and a bit dilapidated (thanks to the caning that was missing on both sides of the frame) so a fresh coat of love – in the form of paint – was my solution. And we can always paint it another color down the road to work with our ever-changing minds (ex: glossy black, soft mocha, cheerful yellow). I think after painting our happy green office chairs I’ve completely tossed any painted-chair reservations out the window since they’re one of our favorite furnishings in the entire house…
… so we want to love Eggy just as much.
An hour or two later he looked like this. All dressed up in his Sunday best (he’s one of those smooth guys who can pull of a white suit). I used white Rustoleum Universal in a satin finish. And the reason we didn’t go with a super bright color for him (her?) was because I’m planning to park it in the corner of the living room, which has a giant colorful rug and a bunch of bright pillows (unlike the office which has a large neutral rug) so I thought it would slip into the room better with a nice clean white color (I can always add color with different cushions whenever the mood strikes).
You can check out a ton of spray painting tips in this post to see how I got it done, but let’s just fast forward to him living it up in the corner of our living room after a few days of drying in the sun outside followed by sitting in the sunroom (so there’s not any fuminess by the time he comes inside). Oh but ignore these frumpy pillows – they’re just old seat cushions I had on hand from our first house’s office/playroom chairs that I covered with white towels. Yes, white towels. Just to envision it with white cushions. And then I tossed a pig pillow into the mix.
Because I’m crazy like that.
Then I tried one of our faux sheepskins over those cushions instead of the placeholder towels. And before I could even step back to take a photo of my latest tweak, Burger was all up in my egg chair’s area.
Seriously, in point zero seconds he had settled in.
But although the faux sheepskin earned Burger’s approval, after sitting in it myself (on a hothothot day) it was a little… uh… shaggy. I just sort of felt like I was overheating. So maybe we’ll bring back the faux sheepskin for our egg chair’s winter look, but in the meantime here’s what he’s sporting as his just-for-now summer outfit. It definitely won’t stay forever, but it works for the moment (we’re just working with what we already have):
It’s a little faux fur pillow on the bottom and a bunny pillow on the back. He’s cute, eh?
And thankfully, Burger doesn’t seem to mind sharing the chair with a furry friend of the rabbit kind.
And here’s Clara giving things a go. She likes the chair, but isn’t 100% obsessed (toys = more fun than mom’s weird egg chair), which I like because I plan to monopolize this baby. Haha.
She did have some fun reading her animal book in the chair “with the rabbit and the dog” (one of which was on the pillow and one of which was on her shirt).
Then I got artsy and snapped this from above. Isn’t the chair’s strappy shape sweet? It’s sort of like a hammock but way less saggy/precarious feeling. You’re sort of enveloped in this guy without feeling like you might fall at any second (and I love that he swivels). I guess I can liken the slats to a park bench. You know how those are slatted sometimes but you don’t feel like you’ll fall through because they’re thick and dense enough? That’s how it is in this chair too.
And a few folks asked about Clara’s head getting stuck between the slats, but they’re either way too close for her to fit her head inside or so wide that she could fit her whole body through (which of course isn’t something we’re encouraging). I guess it’s like the metal bucket full of blocks that she has in her room, she can put her head in it if she really wants to but so far, so good. Haha.
The next day I asked John to snap a picture of me in the chair for “adult scale” (it goes to your shoulder blades, so it’s a nice cozy chair with good back support) but sure enough, Clara wanted to ham it up too. So here we are snuggling in.
As for my long-term plans, I’ll probably eventually grab a white seat cushion from a place like World Market for the bottom and possibly another one for the back – although the bunny pillow might stick around a while. He’s my idea of a good time. And thankfully my egg chair’s new look is an undeniable upgrade compared to our good ol’ before pic. And the total price for the chair and this upgrade was $37. Not bad for a new-looking chair that swivels and doubles as sculpture thanks to those strappy curves. Although I’m not sure I’ve seen a chair that looks more like it’s sticking its tongue out more than the before shot below. Maybe I should name him Odie…
Have you guys been rescuing any secondhand chairs lately? Finding new uses for small rugs or faux sheepskins? Or wondering why your dog is obsessed with said small rugs or faux sheepskins? Me too.
Psst- The latest version of Clara Conversations is up over on Young House Life. She’s definitely earning her comedy chops…
That pig pillow is so so cute! I love it!
Looking good! I like the white color!
How about making one big round cushion that sinks into the chair? DIY?
I tried bigger/round pillows and it started looking like a frumpy papasan-ish chair so I think we prefer to see the leggy-eggy-ness of it instead of covering it with a round cushion!
xo,
s
It looks even more egg-ish with its new white coat! Hahaha. Much more chic, for sure. That corner is constantly evolving!
I like the faux sheepskin best and think you should put it back and let it be Burger’s spot. It fits him. (:
That could be it’s winter look for sure!
xo,
s
Love it! I think the sheepskin would be perfect for winter.
I see so many great chairs that have this conundrum – the cost to replace cushions or ability to find the right ones is daunting! I’m loving the sheepskin though – or my other suggestion is something super unexpected or eye-catching! A WOW of a fabric.
Trish
http://www.mash-upchic.blogspot.com
Looks great! It will be fun to switch up the cushions for different looks!
i love the pig pillow! would you mind sharing where he is from?
also, how much does burger love the faux sheepskin throw from ikea? we have the same one and our puppy loves sleeping/napping/playing on it! i am thinking we need to get her one for her crate. :)
Oh yes, Burger is totally smitten with our faux sheepskins! One for the crate is a cute idea since they’re washable (we have washed them with no issues). As for the pig pillow, he’s from a local shop here in Richmond called Buford Rd Pharmacy a while back. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
You can also get the pig (or a bunch of other animals) here.
So cute!
xo
s
you totally need a pillow like this for that chair!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/69453692/burlap-french-chicken-poulet-pillow?ref=sr_gallery_40&ga_search_query=chicken+pillow&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all
get it??
Hahahahah, the chicken and the egg!
xo,
s
No chair saving, but a beautiful china hutch for the bathroom!
Wahoo! Sounds awesome!
xo,
s
I love the egg chair! I had one just like it in my dorm room in college, a very, very long time ago. Just curious… how many pillows do you own?? LOL, I love the bunny pillow, so adorable.
According to John: too many! Haha. I have a pillow problem…
xo,
s
I love your green chairs too but think the white looks perfect in this corner. Burger looks so cute and comfy!
I actually just posted last night about these three old/vintage school chairs that I picked up at the Restore recently – $3 a piece! I don’t have anything against paint but I just love the natural old patina on these things so no paint for them.
http://29ruehouse.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/some-vintage-school-chairs.html
Those are awesome! What a find!
xo,
s
Those World Market cushions should be on sale soon now that the outdoor furniture season is winding down! That’s when I’m planning to swoop in and grab some too. Sales 4 lyfe!
Wahoo! I better get out there!
xo,
s
It’s amazing what a coat of spray paint can do!
I was at Diversity Thrift yesterday and couldn’t help but think of you when I saw the most amazing/ridiculous lucite/clear plastic egg chair that came to a point at the top…like a gnome hat or something. I wish I had taken a picture of it! I even tried finding something online to show you how crazy this thing is, but nothing on the interwebs compares. You guys have to go take a look if you get a chance. Hopefully it’s still there…it was in the area near the checkout line yesterday.
Haha- no way! Might have to go out there just to see it!
xo,
s
I have got to check out this Diversity Thrift. I hear many people get many nice things there.
I am in love with this chair! I love wicker but my husband doesn’t so I sneak it in our decor whenever I can. :)
I like the chair in a simple white – it doesn’t overpower the space (and it totally could since it’s such an interesting shape).
PS – Clara is getting so big! I didn’t realize it until just now!
I know! My girl is so tall. No baby left in her. Sniffle…
xo,
s
Just another example of the magic of spray paint! I rescued some chairs from the side of the road last spring and freshened them up with some spray paint and fabric. You can see them here: http://projectsatthepicketts.blogspot.com/2012/03/trash-to-treasure-pair-of-chairs.html
Wow- they look great!
xo,
s
How funny that you posted about redoing found chair. I did a similar post (www.seasonedhomemaker.com) today. My daughter found a curbside chair and had a similar cushion dilemma.
In her case, I did oversized envelope pillow covers for 24″ x 24″ pillows from Joann’s (half off, of course).
That new Iman Ikat fabric you recently wrote about would look great on done in a similar manner.
That sounds awesome!
xo,
s
I was at TJ Maxx yesterday and they had some cute, patterned seat cushions for sale. I’m in Michigan, and I know TJ Maxxes don’t always carry the same stuff, but it might be worth a try? End-of-the-season clearance maybe?
Thanks for the tip Katie!
xo,
s
I really live the chair. Especially with the smaller cushions. I think that’s what keeps it from looking so dated. I am starting to get a little egg jealous! Haha!
It’s looks much better painted, but I’m still not a believer. I’m sure that once you get some colorful pillows on him/her though, I’ll be 100% won over.
Super cute! I JUST saw an almost identical chair in my fave thrift store the other day. I was inches away from buying it, but decided against it at the last second, thinking I couldn’t salvage it. Now, seeing yours, I’m amazed at the transformation! Great work. I’ll be braver next time, and pull the trigger :)
Aw thanks Carli!
xo,
s
Where is the pig pillow from?! I’m obsessed with pigs. I have to have it. Now.
That’s from a local place called Buford Rd Pharmacy maybe 6 months ago. Hope it helps!
xo
s
Call me crazy, but I think it looks like a great time-out chair! Clara will love/hate it!!
Haha, never thought about that. I just keep wishing I was sitting in it with an umbrella drink!
xo,
s
Sherry, you can make it a “me-time” chair!
Haha- amen!
xo,
s
Burgs, you are simply the best pup ever. Too cute.
Kirby is in love with his sheepskin. And anything cashmere or wool. Sometimes I think he’s a dog of discerning taste, and then he goes and lays on a plastic bag
That looks awesome! I have an old egg chair that got passed from my parents, and it’s in about the same shape as your before photo… I never thought of just removing the cushion altogether. Great idea for giving it a makeover, thanks!
While driving through Decatur GA on Saturday, I saw a hanging egg chair outside an antique store and thought of you! It looks great.
And that leads me to my question – the reason we were driving through Decatur is we’ll be moving there soon (woot!) and now need to sell our house. We need to paint our kitchen cabinets white first, and can’t decide whether to go the spray paint route, or stick with the traditional roller method. What do you recommend?
Small foam roller all the way! We have a video on our Video page to help you with step by step stuff!
xo,
s
Looks great! I am in love with Clara’s shirt!!! Absolutely adorable :-)
Eeee! That piggie pillow melts my heart! Love how it looks in white. So clean and pretty!
We’re in the midst of a chair makeover, too:
http://www.yellowbrickhome.com/2012/07/18/about-that-2-chair/
We’ve already picked up the fabric for the seat, and I’m itching to strip that honey colored poly off the back this weekend…
That chair is awesome! Love the metal legs!
xo,
s
The pig pillow! The BUNNY pillow!! I love them both, where did you get them?
I recently saved an old formica stool that was sitting on the curb waiting to be taken to the dump. It now sits in my bathroom and holds my clothes in the mornings: http://bunniesandstripes.blogspot.fr/2012/07/street-wise.html
xo
Caro
Bunny: HomeGoods, Pig: local place called Buford Rd Pharmacy a few months back.
xo,
s
Ooo, I likey! And Burger’s too funny… Penny does the same thing- I have a super-soft fuzzy bathrobe that I snuggled her in 24/7 when she was a baby. Now, the second she sees me reach to pull it off the towel hook she’s trying to crawl in my lap. Most of the time I can’t even get the thing on because she’s so quick, it’s basically just a Penny-blanket.
What type/brand of liquid deglosser is good to use?
It’s called Crown’s Next.
xo,
s
Did you see this pin from Emily Henderson? Thought of you right away.
http://pinterest.com/pin/66217056992107333/
Love it!
xo,
s
I love the shape of these cushions for an egg chair! They allow the beautiful shape of the chair to be seen AND they look comfy too. Even the yellow color is perfect; it could be the “yolk” to the white frame’s “shell”. :-)
The old shot of the chair and old cushion reminds me of the Rolling Stones mouth…you should name him Mick Jagger…or Mick Swagger, haha!
Hahaha.
xo,
s
I thought for some reason this cute egg was going in the sun room? Perhaps the living room spot is just temporary…nesting grounds?
sorry, i couldn’t help myself :)
Haha yes it might end up there but we don’t use that room at all yet since it’s so undone so I couldn’t resist putting him in a room we’d enjoy him more!
xo,
s
It looks nice in that spot. I think the scale of the sheepskins and the first set of pillows is right. Bunny is adorable, but he’s too small to be THE back pillow. I’d keep him as an adorable accent.
Oh yes, this is just for now working with what we have! Might go back to the sheepskin although it was really furry/hot, so I’m sure our future fix will make the most sense. Haha.
xo,
s
ew that before pic is SO gross. That cushion…there are no words. Well, some words might be “bugs”, “dust”, and “questionable stains”. Auuugghh.
Eggy looks spiffy in white! :)
I know I’m supposed to be commenting on the chair but the Burger shirt is just TOOOOO awesome!!!
Did you notice the mirrored egg-shape in your curtains right behind the chair? Nice placement for it :)
No way! Didn’t even notice.
xo,
s
I have a papasan chair as well that is just sitting in storage. I’d like to try this with it though! http://www.craftymoods.com/2012/05/cozy-readingnap-areas-for-kids.html
Yours turned out great!!!!
So charming!
xo,
s
I couldn’t read this. The background is too distracting. I’m on my iPad and all I see is chevron and a bed over and over with type on top.
So sorry! It’s an I-Pad glitch. We didn’t change anything with our background but if you clear your cache or cookies or data it should go away. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Not bad for $30! This would look really cute in a kids room/nursery.
A few weeks ago I found a slightly beat-up orange pleather mid-century arm chair. It’s rather small, so we figured we would put it in the guest-room/eventually-to-be-baby-room where we’re going with a light blue and orange color scheme.
Best of all – I got him at a flea market for $10.
We’re also spray painting a wicker loveseat we have a green-turquoise color to go on our front porch.
Ooh, you have so many fun projects going on!
xo,
s
Burger isn’t the only one obsessed by the faux sheepskin…so are my black kitties! No matter where I put one, they are on it immediately – they prefer them to their beds or anywhere else in the house. Of course sleepy kittens nestled into fuzzy white faux sheepskin = them looking like they are in heaven, so lots of cute photo opportunities!
Haha, isn’t that funny? It’s like it reminds them of snuggling with their momma or something.
xo,
s
Sherry, you made my day! I never thought of that. They are brother and sister, so when they snuggle together it’s one big AWWWWW…:-) So here’s to animals wanting to snuggle close to something that is like their mommies!
So cute!
xo,
s
I love that chair. Growing up my parents had an egg chair which I am sure was a purchase of the 70’s that they weren’t ready to part with. It was the most uncomfortable piece of furniture in our living room yet we all fought to sit in it so that we could lounge back and throw our feet up. It was deeper than most egg chairs I’ve seen and had a hideous orange cushion. Now that I think about it, it’s probably still in my parents garage haha!
Haha, sounds awesome!
xo,
s
I love Eggy! I have to say though, I was dying on the last post about him when you described the Pier 1 cushion as “maxi-pad?”…ha ha. I laugh because I totally have that cushion! Only, it is on my glider in my daughter’s nursery. I never thought of it that way before, but now I do every time I sit on it. I have to say, it is SO cushy and soft! Just thank goodness it doesn’t have “wings”!!!
http://www.casadecolella.blogspot.com/search/label/Home%20Projects
Haha, so funny! It’s true: avoid wings at all cost!
xo,
s
Just dying over that Burger tee on Clara! ALSO, finally got to explore the many antique store around Lewes and Rehoboth and scored some very exciting finds from 1920s pottery that matches my Crate and Barrel dishes and a beautiful custom-framed Matisse print. It’s already on the wall. I would have never even explored these shops if not for you guys, THANK YOU. Mom and I are obsessed.
(We found the most goods at the Antiques store near the corner of Route 1 and Cave Neck Road in Lewes. It’s literally next door to my parents’ neighborhood, and has very exciting pieces).
Aw, that sounds like so much fun!
xo,
s
Dare I say it’s egg-cellent? No? I dig it. I love the pillows.
Haha, you know I love a pun.
xo
s