A Flair For Chairs
©2007-2008 The O’Neil Sisters, All Rights Reserved
As seen in
Decorating Spaces
magazine
A Chair In The Rough
This chair passes all the tests with flying colors: the rust is minimal, the seat pops right off, it has no real damage, and it’s loaded with personality. All it needs now is a little TLC. Start by picking a fun fabric for the seat and use a swatch to select your spray paint. Remove the seat and smooth the rough areas and rusty parts of the frame using medium, then fine sandpaper. Clean thoroughly, then spray paint the chair with primer and your chosen color. (To avoid runs, do several light coats.)
©The O’Neil Sisters 2008
3. Check for Damage
Inspect the frame for serious damage. Watch out for broken legs, weak joints, or shoddy fixes (like duct tape!). Some repairs aren’t worth the effort unless you like welding!
It’s rusty. It’s filthy. It’s fabulous! If you know what to look for, a ratty old wrought iron chair can become a delightful addition to your little garden oasis. Just take these tips picked up from the pros and get thee to a flea market to find that diamond in the rough.
What To Do:
1. Disassemble the seat by removing the old vinyl, foam, and rusty staples.
2. Recover the seat with two-inch thick foam and your chosen fabric, folding carefully at the corners and stapling the fabric underneath.
3. Then finish your new treasure by reattaching the seat to the chair. Now you’re sitting pretty!
Tips:
You don't have to use oilcloth to make your outdoor chair waterproof—just cover the fabric seat with a layer of clear plastic.
When selecting a fabric for your outdoor chair, you don't have to stick to florals. Consider decorator fabrics with stripes, dots, or plaids, as long as the pattern matches the mood of the chair.
If you want to spruce up a plain chair with more than just color, try a spray-on finish like metallic copper, hammered bronze, or even natural rust. Yes! You can buy rust in a can!
How To Pick Out The Perfect Makeover Candidate
1. Check for Rust
A little rust is okay, but unless you’re a big fan of sanding, skip a chair that is completely corroded. Look for a chair with only minor rust spots—no bigger than a quarter.
2. Check the Seat
Recovering a seat is a cinch, but only if it’s easy to remove and reattach. Don’t worry if it’s decayed; the wood, the foam, and the fabric are all replaceable. Plus you can drive the price down by pointing out every flaw.
