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Young House Love » Our Second House » Thrifting Antique Woven Desk Chairs

| By Sherry Petersik | February 11, 2011 | 165 Comments

Thrifting Antique Woven Desk Chairs

These.

Chairs 1

Are you surprised that we were thrifting again? I’m not. These were originally $90 a pop ($180 total). Marked down to $70 each ($140 total). With an additional 50% off. So we ended up paying just $35 a chair ($70 for both of them). Not bad considering Ballard sells semi similar metal versions for $199 a pop here and reminiscent-ish rattan ones for a whopping $249 a piece here.

And they’re sturdy little buggers. I sat in them expecting a rickety mess with flat cushions (why else would they be so cheap?) and I was surprised. Not bad. Not bad at all. So I did that “wow, John, they’re really quite nice” thing and I walked around them and scratched my chin and looked at John again and batted my eyelashes and explained how much I’ve always wanted chairs just like this and how we have so many places they could go and on and on. After a while John got sick of listening to me agreed and we carried them up to the cashier with a spring in our my step.

In fairness to John, he might not have been as giddy as I am, but let’s face it, not many people on earth are as unabashedly enthusiastic about life in general as I am. Which I know can be highly irritating. But we have a pact that we don’t get anything unless we both sign off on it and actually like it. So if John hated them it would have been a total no go. Really, he can put the kibosh on things like you wouldn’t believe. And exercises that right on a very regular basis. Luckily, being the freakishly happy person that I am, I usually can be found seconds later lovingly stroking a vase that I want instead or just generally getting ecstatic about non decor things (like the mention that our latest Netflix arrived) and skipping out of the store. But after talking about all the possibilities for a major makeover, even John is psyched to give these babies some love. Cause you know we’re into that sort of thing. It’s better than on par with ice cream and puppies to us.

You can’t really tell from the pics, but the chairs are actually a deep navy color. With lots o’ chips and scratches.

Chairs 2

But not for long. We’re gonna repaint and reupholster them with something fun. And we’ll share how we do it all (with pics) when we get there. We’re not sure about what color or even where they’ll live (most likely in the office as our new desk chairs since they’re so comfy and then we can craigslist the kitchen chairs that we’re currently using along with the table when we DIY a kitchen island down the road). We’ll probably just sit on them as-is for a while, since we should be focusing our attention on more dire projects (like the guest bedroom). But I’ve always had a thing for lattice-y chippendale-esque chairs so I’m happy to have them. Oh and guess what? Johnny somehow squeezed them both into the Altima like a true hero. My man.

Oh and I guess you’re wondering where we got ’em. A cute little local antiques place called the Midlothian Antique Center (which is next door to Hancock Fabrics, where we get clearance yards of bold prints & patterns for our Clara project). So even though we were in the market for a few fabric scraps, I totally did that drag your man next door “just to look” thing. Ten minutes later John finds himself trying to squeeze these puppies into the car and I’m chatting the whole way home about colors and fabrics (while he’s most likely zoning out and thinking about sandwiches or washing the car).

Psst- Yes I still have this rocker to redo. It’s about 15% done (stripped of its old fabric & tacks just waiting to be sanded, stained, and reupholstered. Pics to come when it’s fully pimped.

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Comments

  1. Stephanie Phillips says

    February 11, 2011 at 11:33 am

    LOVE them! What a deal!

    Reply
  2. Dianne says

    February 11, 2011 at 11:34 am

    Oh my gosh!!! I am always telling my daughter that I am “old house love” but she wouldn’t let me name my blog that . You are going to have to check out the chairs that I posted about http://inspiredhousewife.wordpress.com/2011/02/09/i-love-thrift-shopping/.I love these chairs and they work in everyroom.

    Reply
  3. Jen says

    February 11, 2011 at 11:36 am

    I see yellow?

    Reply
    • aluck says

      February 11, 2011 at 1:31 pm

      I see gold with plum cushions. :)

  4. Rachel says

    February 11, 2011 at 11:39 am

    Looks like a fun nap time project. They would be easy to redo as your decor evolves. Can’t wait to see the end result!

    Reply
  5. SarahR says

    February 11, 2011 at 11:39 am

    Totally jealous!! We are going on a Valentine lunch date this weekend and my husband is so lovingly agreeing to go thrift shopping. LOL! Send some good thrift vibes this way.

    Reply
  6. Andrea Surrey says

    February 11, 2011 at 11:40 am

    What a deal! Can’t wait to see them when you’re finished with them.

    Reply
  7. diana says

    February 11, 2011 at 11:40 am

    Having a thing for navy and light blue (I shudder with pleasure), I would just prime them up. IF they were mine.
    I know, I know, they’re yours, na-na-ni-na-ne-ra…
    Brilliant! They’d go like charm in the office, with those so much anticipated french doors and the built-ins, that would make the space so… beautiful!

    Reply
  8. meagan says

    February 11, 2011 at 11:51 am

    I love them! I can’t wait to see what you turn them into!

    Reply
  9. Sarah says

    February 11, 2011 at 11:59 am

    LOVE a good thrifty buy! These are great, can’t wait to see what you do with them!

    Reply
  10. Shirley says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:04 pm

    very jealous, but happy for you as well. congrats!

    Reply
  11. Lindsay@Tell'er All About It says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:04 pm

    SUPER cool!!! LOVE them!!!

    Reply
  12. Kristina says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:04 pm

    I see Plum with a fun pattern on the seats that plays of the purple.

    Reply
  13. Shelby says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:05 pm

    Isn’t that place next to Hancock Fabrics in Midlothian?

    Good luck with the chairs!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 11, 2011 at 12:19 pm

      Yup, that’s the one!

      xo,
      s

  14. Stephanie B says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:06 pm

    So jealous! Can’t wait to see how they turn out.

    Reply
  15. Heather @ REOlisticRenovation says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:06 pm

    Those are definitely a SCORE! Excited to see how you redo them.

    Reply
  16. Steph says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:06 pm

    Ooh, I love a good chair make over! I think it’s because because because reupholstering/painting a chair is such an easy but dramatic change.! I think they would look especially charming in the office. Can’t wait to see the after!

    Reply
    • Steph says

      February 11, 2011 at 12:10 pm

      Wow, I have no idea why the word because posted three times, hah! Did anyone else get the song from Wizard of Oz in their head when reading that? (you know, assuming there are people like me who actually read just about every one of the comments on YHL posts!) you know the part, “The Wizard of Oz is one because, because, becaaaause of the wonderful things he does!” No? Just me?

    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 11, 2011 at 12:16 pm

      Hahaha love it!

      xo,
      s

    • Christa M says

      February 11, 2011 at 12:59 pm

      Hahahaha..That’s hysterical

    • Caroline says

      February 11, 2011 at 8:50 pm

      LOL!

  17. Stephanie B says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:06 pm

    PS. Where are these going to live? Have you decided yet?!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 11, 2011 at 12:55 pm

      Check the post for those details. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  18. Carmel @ our fifth house says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:07 pm

    I loved that store when we lived in Richmond. That’s where I bought my china (since we didn’t do the wedding china thing)! I was just telling the hubs about how much I missed that store the other day. Is that BBQ place still there on the end? They had the best BBQ! And now my mouth is watering :)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 11, 2011 at 12:35 pm

      Don’t remember. Anyone know? Wait John says yes. We’ll have to check it out!

      xo,
      s

  19. Shelby says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:07 pm

    I thought the antique shop was next to Hancock Fabrics in Midlothian?

    Good luck with the chairs!

    Reply
    • Shelby says

      February 11, 2011 at 12:14 pm

      Sorry for the double comment, my computer went a little crazy on me.

    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 11, 2011 at 12:20 pm

      Yes you’re right! Gotta fix it !

      xo,
      s

  20. bhh says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:09 pm

    Love the chairs — so versatile — would also look classic where you photographed them — the sunroom, right?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 11, 2011 at 12:17 pm

      Yeah we thought so too! That room is definitely another option!

      xo,
      s

  21. r8chel says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:10 pm

    You fit both of those in an Altima? Impressive!

    Reply
  22. Jessica says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:13 pm

    SOOOO JEALOUS! Seriously have been looking for JUST one of these babies in thrift stores here in-and-around Raleigh!! Ahh, can’t wait to see what you do to them! GREAT GREAT GREAT find!

    Reply
    • Michele says

      February 11, 2011 at 12:18 pm

      Hi Jessica– I’m in raleigh too, but am new to thrifting. Where do you go?

  23. Lindsay @ A Walk in the Closet says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:15 pm

    I love these! Great lines on the chairs. I actually also kind of like the chips and scratches. It has a well-loved feel to it. :)

    Reply
  24. Erin @ The Impatient Gardener says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:16 pm

    Whatever. Now I’m just mad. You’re thrifting karma is WAY too good. I’ve been looking for chairs like that for two years now. Paint ’em something bright and fun!

    Reply
  25. emily @ the happy home says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:18 pm

    those look great! i hope they come out lemon yellow or bright orange ;-)

    Reply
  26. Christa M says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:18 pm

    Ooooh…too bad you can’t get more yardage of Sue the Napkin (perhaps you could buy more of them on sale?)…that would be a great cushion cover fabric and then do the chairs either the same inky blue color as the built ins OR the delicious Apple green that you mentioned for the DR parson chairs!

    Love them! I don’t think I’d have been able to walk out without them either! Yeahy for batting eyelashes! Oh and cheers to a fellow high-on-lifer!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 11, 2011 at 12:52 pm

      Well we sold that with our first house but we loved it (as did the new owners).

      xo,
      s

  27. Ingrid says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:18 pm

    Oh my goodness…you got chippendale chairs for $35 a pop. I have been searching for those and or dining room ones at all the thrift stores. I am so jealous! Enjoy and I can’t wait to see what color they end up!
    Oh I was going to ask you how you liked your Expedit unit. I think I am going to get one for our girls art/craft area in our unfinished basement. I just want to know that it is sturdy and will hold up to some time.

    Reply
  28. Ann says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:21 pm

    There isn’t a JoAnne fabric store there?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 11, 2011 at 12:51 pm

      Nope it’s Hancock Fabrics. My mistake! All fixed.

      xo,
      s

  29. Marion says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:22 pm

    I’d love to hear about some of the stuff/ideas that one of you LOVES and the other vetoes with a capital V. Is there anything one of you thought you could never live without that the other person couldn’t stand? Let’s hear some stories!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 11, 2011 at 12:50 pm

      There were some faux bois lamps from HomeGoods that John vetoed. So sad. But I’ll live. Especially thanks to my new chair friends!

      xo,
      s

  30. bhh says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:23 pm

    Completely forgot to include this link in my earlier comment — if you go with your idea of putting the chairs in your office — I think this looks just like something you guys would really like — who wouldn’t? http://lookbook.elledecor.com/Dining-Room-Contemporary-Happy-Chic-for-Every-Home/id600

    Reply
    • bhh says

      February 11, 2011 at 12:47 pm

      duh . . . even though it’s a dining room — but just look at those colors!! with the white parsons table/desk you already have — and the window treatments — light fixture — etc etc right down to the white ceramic animal — is it so sherry and john, or what?

    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 11, 2011 at 12:57 pm

      Gorgeous! Love that bright lime!

      xo,
      s

  31. Krysta says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:33 pm

    Amazing find! Can’t wait to see what you do with them. I’m thinking white for the chair and one of the colors in your napkin for the fabric or the actual napkin?!

    Reply
  32. Emily says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:33 pm

    Sherry, I had to laugh at your comment about dragging your man next door “just to look” elsewhere when you were at the fabric store. Around these parts, it’s always dragging him INTO the fabric store :)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 11, 2011 at 12:39 pm

      Thankfully John’s really into Clara’s photo project! So he doesn’t mind fabric stores now. Before? Yes!

      xo,
      s

  33. Carolyn H. says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:34 pm

    That reminds me: What are you going to do with the left-over fabric from the Clara project? You must have a ton of it.

    You could make a quilt (if you’re ambitious) or donate it to an organizeation like this one (http://www.freeartsminnesota.org/donate.php), which does art with kids who are victims of abuse or neglect.

    You’re so creative; you probably already have some great ideas. Tell us!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 11, 2011 at 12:38 pm

      We’re planning to make a quilt, a birthday banner, and maybe even sone pom pins, art, and clothing. Lots of ideas! Will blog about it for sure.

      xo,
      s

    • Lisa says

      February 11, 2011 at 2:23 pm

      Not sure if any of the Clara-fabrics will work with the end-vision of the chairs but using one of them for the chairs might be sweet. And then when you’re working (assuming they live in the office) you can sit on the fabric Clara laid on a x weeks. This of course assumes that the pattern and colors work with how you refinish the wood and the paint on the walls, etc.

  34. Sadie says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:35 pm

    Those are insane. I am in love with them.

    Reply
  35. Sarah K says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:37 pm

    Love those chairs. I think they’d look great in that teal you used on the backs of the built-ins. Or any bright color really.

    Also, I wish you took a picture of them being squeezed into the Maxima. I almost can’t believe that it’s possible!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 11, 2011 at 12:49 pm

      We totally should have! It involved an inverting maneuver so they were both upside down in the backseat. Insane.

      xo,
      s

  36. Lori @ Richmond, BABY! says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:38 pm

    Love them! I see so many possibilities…can’t wait to see what you do!

    Reply
  37. Cathryn says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:39 pm

    Great find!
    A recommendation: Before re-upholstering, dry clean those cushions as is! It will give you comfort to know you are not adopting any unwanted residents, like the pandemic -ly present bed bugs found all up and down the East Coast right now. I know John has been there before, but Clara probably wants to skip that experience!
    Love from Baltimore!

    Reply
  38. Carolann says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:42 pm

    I love that you included the whole play by play of how it went down in the thrift store (with John), as well as the ride home :) It was like reading a scene out of my life! The boys have no idea how much we love them when they give us the ok on an item for the house! Just a week ago, I was all giddy riding home from the other side of town with a Craig’s list score as my other half sat next to me contemplating his next Words with Friends move on the iphone ;)

    Reply
  39. Tara says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:44 pm

    The last time I dragged my DH into a store “just to look”, we came home with a cat!

    Love the chairs. I agree with the commenter above that they would look great in a sunny yellow.

    Reply
    • Emily says

      February 11, 2011 at 3:40 pm

      This happened to us last night! So funny! To be fair, he went in knowing that I was hoping to leave with a new fur friend.

  40. Angela says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    well done, these are great, and you’re sure to make them amazing.

    Reply
  41. Kim Olson says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    LOVE them…they are exactly what I’ve been on the hunt for. Glad you found such a great deal. I can’t wait to see some “young house love” on them, they will be fab!

    Reply
  42. Ashley @ Simply Creative Things says

    February 11, 2011 at 1:03 pm

    This sounds like me! I have multiple chairs in the queue to redo. My husband swears that if I try to bring one more chair home he’ll burn one of them. Just the motivation I need to get some of them completed…(so I can buy more of course!)

    Reply
  43. SouthsideshellyP says

    February 11, 2011 at 1:16 pm

    Sherry:
    Love the website BTW. I just discovered it in the last month and have been inspired by your vast DIY projects. I have taken on painting my dining room and trim (1970’s brown). Your recent redo of your current living room gave me the courage (after six years) to start painting and overcome the fear. If I don’t know how to do something, I now consult your web site for advice. After six years, I’m finally tackling my 1970’s brown wood trim because of you. Thank you!!
    As for the new groovy chairs: I say ORANGE!!! Orange busts a move with gray. Works with Yellow. Complements green. Is a natural with wood tones. It won’t be too much. It will be fresh.

    Reply
  44. Elizabeth says

    February 11, 2011 at 1:23 pm

    I LOVE Midlothian Antique! I bought a china cabinet there a few years back for less than three-hundred smackers!! All it needed was some paint and new drawer pulls and handles-from Anthropologie on clearance, no less! All total, $320 for a china cabinet-not bad! Love the chairs!!

    Reply
  45. DENISE says

    February 11, 2011 at 1:26 pm

    I love everything you do, so I am anxious to see the chairs completed!

    Denise
    Extreme Personal Measures

    Reply
  46. Sophie says

    February 11, 2011 at 1:30 pm

    Super jealous! I just ran out during my lunch break to a close by thrift store to see if they had any cheap frames for a gallery wall I’m doing, but to no avail. Love, love those chairs!

    Reply
  47. Paula/adhocmom says

    February 11, 2011 at 1:32 pm

    I am totally into them. I want something similar for a desk chair. Are they comfy????

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 11, 2011 at 2:28 pm

      Yes! We don’t buy chairs if they’re not. Comfort before beauty!

      xo,
      s

  48. Katie says

    February 11, 2011 at 1:40 pm

    I too found similar chairs at the salvation army for $8 each. Thrifting is so fun. :)

    http://ahomeblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/8-chippendale-chairs.html

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 11, 2011 at 2:20 pm

      Amazing find! Love what you did with them!

      xo,
      s

  49. jbhat says

    February 11, 2011 at 1:45 pm

    Wow. Just wow. What a fantastic find. But come on, John. You shouldn’t have had to be talked into those! Sherry gets the points on this one, because those chairs are going to be what MAKES your office.

    jbhat

    Reply
  50. Sara @ House Bella says

    February 11, 2011 at 1:46 pm

    Excited to see what you’ll do with these! They’d look heavenly in a bold color… ;)

    Reply
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John and Sherry Sitting On Woven ChairHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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