These.
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.
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.
LOVE them! What a deal!
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.
I see yellow?
I see gold with plum cushions. :)
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!
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.
What a deal! Can’t wait to see them when you’re finished with them.
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!
I love them! I can’t wait to see what you turn them into!
LOVE a good thrifty buy! These are great, can’t wait to see what you do with them!
very jealous, but happy for you as well. congrats!
SUPER cool!!! LOVE them!!!
I see Plum with a fun pattern on the seats that plays of the purple.
Isn’t that place next to Hancock Fabrics in Midlothian?
Good luck with the chairs!
Yup, that’s the one!
xo,
s
So jealous! Can’t wait to see how they turn out.
Those are definitely a SCORE! Excited to see how you redo them.
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!
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?
Hahaha love it!
xo,
s
Hahahaha..That’s hysterical
LOL!
PS. Where are these going to live? Have you decided yet?!
Check the post for those details. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
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 :)
Don’t remember. Anyone know? Wait John says yes. We’ll have to check it out!
xo,
s
I thought the antique shop was next to Hancock Fabrics in Midlothian?
Good luck with the chairs!
Sorry for the double comment, my computer went a little crazy on me.
Yes you’re right! Gotta fix it !
xo,
s
Love the chairs — so versatile — would also look classic where you photographed them — the sunroom, right?
Yeah we thought so too! That room is definitely another option!
xo,
s
You fit both of those in an Altima? Impressive!
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!
Hi Jessica– I’m in raleigh too, but am new to thrifting. Where do you go?
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. :)
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!
those look great! i hope they come out lemon yellow or bright orange ;-)
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!
Well we sold that with our first house but we loved it (as did the new owners).
xo,
s
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.
There isn’t a JoAnne fabric store there?
Nope it’s Hancock Fabrics. My mistake! All fixed.
xo,
s
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!
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
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
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?
Gorgeous! Love that bright lime!
xo,
s
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?!
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 :)
Thankfully John’s really into Clara’s photo project! So he doesn’t mind fabric stores now. Before? Yes!
xo,
s
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!
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
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.
Those are insane. I am in love with them.
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!
We totally should have! It involved an inverting maneuver so they were both upside down in the backseat. Insane.
xo,
s
Love them! I see so many possibilities…can’t wait to see what you do!
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!
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 ;)
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.
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.
well done, these are great, and you’re sure to make them amazing.
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!
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!)
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.
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!!
I love everything you do, so I am anxious to see the chairs completed!
Denise
Extreme Personal Measures
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!
I am totally into them. I want something similar for a desk chair. Are they comfy????
Yes! We don’t buy chairs if they’re not. Comfort before beauty!
xo,
s
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
Amazing find! Love what you did with them!
xo,
s
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
Excited to see what you’ll do with these! They’d look heavenly in a bold color… ;)