Here's another reader project from the inbox that takes a flea market find from worn out to wow. Similar to yesterday's kitchen cart makeover, the lesson here is that if you find a piece with nice lines for a good price, it's worth it jump in and give a restoration project a try. Even first time DIYers can get excellent results…
Evelyn wrote: I bought a beat-up foot stool at a flea market for $20 and spent another $25 fixing it up. This was my very first refinishing/upholstery project. I stripped and waxed the wood, then made a completely new cushion. I wanted to piece to look fresh, but still keep its vintage charm. I was a little nervous to strip the original varnish off the piece in case it was worth something... but I decided to go for it anyway. I am so happy with the results!
Thanks, Evelyn!
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Very tasteful! Lovely job cleaning the wood up!
fantastic! i just found a stool similar to that on the street and in the beginning stages of making it over. any tips or lessons you can pass on from your first time experience?
I'd love more details on how to make the cushion. I picked up a nice chair with a torn cushion, and I'd love to tackle the refurb myself instead of having someone else do it.
I notice you're using the more expensive cushion stuff. Good choice. The cheaper stuff doesn't support weight as well and you end up with your butt in contact with the hard wood. This better quality cushioning is really superb and worth the extra bucks, which is not so much with a small project like this one.
Piccola: check out how paper bags are created. That's similar to how you'd sew a cover for a cushion. If you're handy you'd put a zipper where the back seam appears on the paper bag.
Hint: make the cover slightly smaller, like 1/4" all the way around, struggle and swear as you force the cushion in then smile smugly when the cover remains taut months from now.
Love the way the wood looks now, good call!
great job! love the tweed fabric choice =)!
You really did a beautiful job; looks great!
This is a beautiful refresh and update that maintains the vintage character of the piece. Thanks for showing how it can be done without white paint!
It looks really nice! Job well done!
Very classy!
Thanks everyone! This was a fun project that my grandmother and I were able to do together in one day. When making the cushion, I pretty much did as veslabeachgirl recommended.
I do have one tip for stuffing the cushion into the cover (which is a headache). I first put the cushion inside a snug-fitting plastic bag, then slid the two inside the cover. The bag cuts down on the friction between the two fabrics rubbing against each other. When the cushion was completely in, I simply pulled the plastic bag out!
I love before and afters. This looks great!
Great job! The wood looks especially good now and the tweed fabric is tasteful. So much better than a heinous paint job...