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Young House Love » Reader Redesigns » Reader Redesign: One Charming New Chair

| By Sherry Petersik | April 6, 2010 | 95 Comments

Reader Redesign: One Charming New Chair

When Teresa sent us her before and after chair makeover pics, we couldn’t wait to share the goods. Here’s her letter:

I just had to pass along the story of our $20 garage sale find. My husband hated the patterned Ikea curtains that I had hanging in our living room so I’m happy to share one of the panel’s reincarnation. My husband and I refinished the chair by sanding it and using Kilz oil-based primer and a can of regular old white high gloss spray paint from Lowe’s. We can’t take credit for the reupholstering though, as we had that professionally done. But here she is in all her glory. This is definitely my new favorite nook. I unwind here after long days with my two year old and six month old. Sometimes with or without a glass of wine, but always with the latest book that I am currently reading. Hope you enjoy my special ‘getaway’ as much as I do. Cheers! -Teresa

Here’s Teresa’s chair before the big primer + paint + Ikea curtain makeover:

Chair RR Before

And here it is after being spruced up with some oil-based primer, some glossy spray paint and some fun patterned fabric stolen from the living room windows:

Chair RR After1

Chair RR After2

Don’t you adore Teresa’s creative use of the curtains that the hubby hated? We definitely love her new “getaway” chair as much as she does and we appreciate that she did all of the chair refinishing herself to save some money (while leaving the upholstering part to an expert since she recognized that it was above her skill level). Thanks so much for sending along those photos Teresa! Your “new” chair looks super cozy- and you definitely deserve some reading time after wrangling two young children all day.

So what do you guys think? Cozy? Inviting? Inventive? Who’s a fan of Teresa’s creative thrift store chair reinvention?

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Comments

  1. Avatar for DanielleDanielle says

    April 6, 2010 at 1:45 pm

    beautiful transformation!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for JacciJacci says

    April 6, 2010 at 1:46 pm

    That looks so great! Way to think out of the box, Teresa! :) I looked for a link, but couldn’t find one. Does Teresa blog? I loved the styling in the photos, too, by the way. Nice work!

    ~Jacci

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 6, 2010 at 1:47 pm

      Sadly Teresa doesn’t have a blog (we always include those links in Reader Redesigns if our submitters have one). But maybe she’ll catch the blogging bug soon…

      xo,
      s

  3. Avatar for ChristinChristin says

    April 6, 2010 at 1:47 pm

    Love the chair! I actually really love those curtains and I’ve wanted to find a way to use them in my home – but they just don’t work for now for us. They work great as a chair too! Kudos to you Teresa! (And the general look of the nook is quite charming as well).

    Reply
  4. Avatar for Sugar CookieSugar Cookie says

    April 6, 2010 at 1:52 pm

    Gorgeous! I love it!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for CindyCindy says

    April 6, 2010 at 1:53 pm

    Beautiful. I am so sad that I have to be a full-time working mom because I want to do some projects so badly and haven’t yet found the time. I’m gathering great ideas though!

    xo

    Reply
  6. Avatar for DD says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:01 pm

    I have those curtains!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for Ashley @ Mutschler Family, Dallas EditionAshley @ Mutschler Family, Dallas Edition says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:03 pm

    I love it! What a great DIY project!! I’ve always loved those curtains at IKEA, but I think it makes a fantastic chair pattern.

    Reply
  8. Avatar for AlejandragigiAlejandragigi says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:06 pm

    Adorable!

    Reply
  9. Avatar for MichelleMichelle says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:20 pm

    I love it! It’s so fresh and perfect in that little corner. This may be a silly question, but where do you take things to get reupholstered?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 6, 2010 at 2:21 pm

      Hey Michelle,

      You can just ask friends and neighbors for a recommended upholsterer or check out your Yellow Pages, google around or even peruse sites like Craigslist for some great options. You can also visit any fabric stores in your area for a recommendation (the private ones, not chains, are especially helpful). Good luck!

      xo,
      s

  10. Avatar for JenJen says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:22 pm

    I love those curtains too! What a great chair! So inspirational. I too am a full-time working mom so am just gathering ideas until I can find the time.

    Reply
  11. Avatar for LindsayLindsay says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:23 pm

    Tre awesome!

    Good job, Teresa! I think Ikea sells a chair with that fabric on it (or something similar) but it’s like a bazillion dollars! What a clever idea and I have to say I think I like Teresa’s better!

    Good work!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for ShawnaShawna says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:23 pm

    Wow! I’m sure the curtains looked great as window treatments but honestly I think it just looks AMAZING! Awesome job Teresa!

    Reply
  13. Avatar for sarasara says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:24 pm

    LOVE IT! I want one for my house now :)

    Reply
  14. Avatar for LindsayLindsay says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:25 pm

    Oops – here’s the link if anybody’s curious to get something similar. But maybe Teresa will make all of us chairs instead??? ;-)

    http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50103171

    Enjoy!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for JoJo says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:25 pm

    I love, love, love this chair! I am not always able to see the potential in garage sale bargains like yours, but you have totally inspired me to try my own chair for our current bedroom redo on a tiny budget. Brava!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for JoJo says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:27 pm

    I forgot to ask where you got those great, stacked baskets next to the chair.

    Reply
  17. Avatar for Kate @ Domesticating KateKate @ Domesticating Kate says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:30 pm

    Love it! I’m scared of picking out patterns, but now I want to go copy that. It’s beautiful!

    Reply
  18. Avatar for Jessica @ How SweetJessica @ How Sweet says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:31 pm

    Love it!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for JenniferJennifer says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:41 pm

    What a change. I love the new chair! I’m curious how much the upholstering ran. As always, I’m inspired by reading YHL. Thanks S, J & Teresa!

    Reply
  20. Avatar for RoseannaRoseanna says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:43 pm

    Wow. This looks like it could be in your house, Sherry. Love it.

    Reply
  21. Avatar for JeanJean says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:45 pm

    This is fantastic. What a great idea for a curtain panel.

    I’m totally curious: did Teresa also DIY her sheepskin throw since it was a recent post here on YHL?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 6, 2010 at 2:48 pm

      Hey everyone,

      So glad you’re loving Teresa’s chair makeover as much as we are. Here’s hoping she stops in to answer all of your questions soon!

      xo,
      s

  22. Avatar for JannellJannell says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:48 pm

    They chair looks amazing! I love when people take something not so pretty and make it look fantastic! Wish I had the eye for it..

    Reply
  23. Avatar for TeresaTeresa says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:54 pm

    Hi everyone!

    So glad that you guys love my chair!

    Lindsay- if only I had the power, I would be more than happy to share the chair love with everyone :)

    Jo- the stacked baskets are a Marshall’s find from several years ago. Keep your eye’s out there and at Home Goods.

    Reply
  24. Avatar for StacyStacy says

    April 6, 2010 at 3:04 pm

    Beautiful! I’m wondering how much it costs to have something like that reupholstered. I know that I couldn’t do it myself, and I’m always hesitant to buy things that need new upholstery because I’m afraid the cost might be prohibitive.

    Reply
  25. Avatar for Donna NaultDonna Nault says

    April 6, 2010 at 3:14 pm

    Absolutely gorgeous and very creative. I’d unwind with a glass of wine and a book here too!

    Reply
  26. Avatar for AmyAmy says

    April 6, 2010 at 3:20 pm

    That’s a great idea to use an unwanted curtain panel for an upholstery project that doesn’t require much fabric. I would be willing to bet that curtain panels, single flat sheets, etc are easier to find on sale than the fabric itself.

    Reply
  27. Avatar for ErinErin says

    April 6, 2010 at 3:23 pm

    I love the chair! I’m curious to know how much it cost to get re-upholstered.

    Reply
  28. Avatar for Darbi LynnDarbi Lynn says

    April 6, 2010 at 3:31 pm

    Yeah, I’m with Stacy. How much does reupholstering a chair like that cost? I wouldn’t have any idea what was a good price or bad. Teresa, if you don’t mind sharing, we’d love to know what you spent on the upholstering. I love the chair and have a fabric shower curtain that would work perfect for a chair in my bedroom!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 6, 2010 at 3:33 pm

      We’re sure Teresa will drop in with that info for you guys soon. Stay tuned…

      xo,
      s

  29. Avatar for WendyWendy says

    April 6, 2010 at 3:34 pm

    Oh my… I love the fabric! And I love how cushy cushy that bottom panel looks now.

    Great job!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for LisaLisa says

    April 6, 2010 at 3:34 pm

    Love it!!!

    Reply
  31. Avatar for marisamarisa says

    April 6, 2010 at 3:38 pm

    Wow-what an inspiration that chair is! I have a glider chair w/a boring brown pattern that I hate. This post has caused me to dream about what I can do to it. It would be super easy I think, since glider cushions can come right off. I’ll keep you posted if I get around to doing it and it comes out awesome!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for Laura @ youngDClivingLaura @ youngDCliving says

    April 6, 2010 at 3:38 pm

    Great chair redesign! It definitely has taken on a new (and improved) second life :)

    Reply
  33. Avatar for Shannon U.Shannon U. says

    April 6, 2010 at 3:49 pm

    What a fab idea to upholster with Ikea curtains. That little chair turned out gorgeous. Love the added texture of the furry throw. Bravo!

    Reply
  34. Avatar for Lisa in SeattleLisa in Seattle says

    April 6, 2010 at 3:51 pm

    This chair is gorgeous and so much nicer than anything with that fabric from Ikea! I too bought the curtains in a fit of wishful thinking and ended up returning them, not having a cute garage sale chair or mad refinishing skillz. Poor Teresa – now we all want to see more pics of her place!

    Reply
  35. Avatar for BarbBarb says

    April 6, 2010 at 3:56 pm

    I am really anxious to find out how much Teresa paid for the chair to be reupholstered by an expert. There is a bench at an antique store I want to buy and have recovered but I’m worried it would cost too much…
    Thanks for sharing Teresa, it looks great. I’m a little jealous!

    Reply
  36. Avatar for elizabethelizabeth says

    April 6, 2010 at 3:59 pm

    Great inspiration for this $4.99 thrift store find I posted about in my blog….

    http://decoriadore.blogspot.com/2010/04/thrift-store-find.html

    Thanks for posting this!

    Reply
  37. Avatar for LaurelLaurel says

    April 6, 2010 at 3:59 pm

    I absolutely LOVE this! Well done! I just reupholstered my sofa this weekend – it was so much easier than I expected! I don’t think I’ll ever buy new furniture again! Why waste hundreds when you can get perfectly custom, mile-high style on the cheap?

    Reply
  38. Avatar for ClaudiaClaudia says

    April 6, 2010 at 4:02 pm

    Looks great and perfect for spring and summer!

    Reply
  39. Avatar for KellyKelly says

    April 6, 2010 at 4:03 pm

    I love those curtains! I only have one, bought a few years ago in the as-is department for €5 (new, the pair sells for €75). I only needed one at the time, and was delighted to find it!

    We’ve moved now, however, and although I still love the fabric I’ve been balking at spending €75 on curtains! I think I’m going to turn the curtain into a throw for the couch and maybe a pillow or two- I love the chair though!

    Reply
  40. Avatar for AlisonAlison says

    April 6, 2010 at 4:25 pm

    All I can say is wow. What an amazing transformation! You would never guess it was the same chair

    Reply
  41. Avatar for KristyKristy says

    April 6, 2010 at 4:33 pm

    It looks great! I’m so sad that her husband didn’t like the fabric as curtains, though! That’s one of my favourite Ikea prints, haha. I’m glad at least one panel was reusable!

    Reply
  42. Avatar for GinaGina says

    April 6, 2010 at 4:33 pm

    I did a quick Chair reupholstry myself recently too! Check it out on my blog:

    http://temporary-nest.blogspot.com/2010/03/im-ready-for-my-close-up-mr-demille.html

    I’ve found my new love! :)

    Reply
  43. Avatar for SarahSarah says

    April 6, 2010 at 4:42 pm

    WOW! Amazing transformation, and way to recycle!

    Reply
  44. Avatar for nitanita says

    April 6, 2010 at 4:55 pm

    this is fabulous look. i wish i knew anything about sewing or upholstering. sometimes i see pieces with potential but due to my lack of know-how, i usually take a sign and move on. kudos to you teresa!

    Reply
  45. Avatar for Cat@DazzlingDinnerDialogue[email protected] says

    April 6, 2010 at 5:11 pm

    Gosh don’t you just love the thrill of a garage sale find!? I’m so glad its “garage sale season” again! John & Sherry, be sure to tell us if you’re having another one of your own soon!

    Reply
  46. Avatar for JulieJulie says

    April 6, 2010 at 5:47 pm

    Those curtains currently grace my bedroom and I’ve always wondered how my boyfriend really feels about them – oh well, it’s my house and he currently doesn’t get a full vote in the decor decisions!!

    Reply
  47. Avatar for Live a Colorful LifeLive a Colorful Life says

    April 6, 2010 at 6:05 pm

    I LOVE that fabric. Sure wish it was possible to order curtains online from IKEA…

    Reply
  48. Avatar for MelanieMelanie says

    April 6, 2010 at 6:16 pm

    I have those same curtains in my house, my husband gives me a bit of grief over them too. How funny. Beautiful redesign!

    Reply
  49. Avatar for LoriKLoriK says

    April 6, 2010 at 6:17 pm

    Wow! I love this chair. It really is a dramatic change – for the better. Nice job!

    Reply
  50. Avatar for NatalieNatalie says

    April 6, 2010 at 6:43 pm

    LOVE this redesign! So smart of her to use Ikea panels as fabric! Thanks for sharing :)

    Reply
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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, 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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