We see a lot of brilliant before and afters of reupholstered chairs on Apartment Therapy. However, reupholstering isn’t always the answer! Sewing some slip covers is not only a cheap and easy alternative to new upholstery but it also a sympathetic approach to restoration. Find out more about this project below the jump...
Dorie received a pair of chairs from her partners parents. They were structurally sound but had dirty peach velour upholstery and were in need of some freshening up. Not confident in upholstery but an excellent sewer, slip covers were an obvious choice for Dorie. Inspired by “chairs in Country Living that look like they've put on understated dresses - fitted and tied in linen” we think that Dorie has done a great job in updating these chairs while still honouring their origins. To find out more, visit her blog Tumbling Blocks.
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Comments (31)
Creative idea and they look great!
looks like a bandaged chair. might be better with a different color.
Beautiful job.
Very nice!
I think it’s very charming. I only wonder if the ties on the armrests could be less conspicuous.
For those who don't like the look of the 'arm gauntlets', they could easily be secured with velcro, buttons, or done in a corset-style -- laced up the bottom with only one tie showing.
I have to agree with nadj... sorry!
Nice job!
Nice work! I like that she did it in pieces rather than covering the woodwork with one large cover. I agree about the arm ties, and chottomotto's ideas are great. It might be fun to do a more dressmaker-style closure but then put it on top or at the side for a cheeky statement.
Sorry, it's a bit "return of the mummy's chair" for me
Haha, good points nadj and idontdobeige. It does look bandaged. Personally, I would never put that much work into a piece of furniture. I'd just buy a new used chair and give the ugly to someone who liked it more.
Now that nadj said that, I'm really liking the idea of a bandaged chair. But maybe with something more like actual bandages. This bears further investigation.
I too agree with nadj.
Yeah, I agree with nadj too. Perhaps velcro would have been a better, neater-looking option.
Or buttons.
Clever project, and looks just right in that setting. I'm very pleased to be newly acquainted with your blog.
I think it's delightful.
Can we upgrade the fabric, change the color, and make it more tailored? Great idea, mediocre execution.
I wish I could accomplish something half as nice, and if I do, I will never post it online to be picked apart in a snark attack. Sheesh!
I love the bandaged look. It's very puritanistic. Refreshing for an upholstered chair.
I love the after — the danglies look charming to me. I never would have thought to do this (and sadly am not an expert sewer) but I think the chair slipcovers work.
um, wow, I wish I could sew this well!
I love it! I wish I could sew this well as Dorie- I think this is the ideal solution to many of my furniture woes...
I love it. I might have done natural linen instead, but that's juts me.
Don't worry, tomorrow Neely The Naughty is sending in their own DIY pic's for us to comment on - can't wait.
this is actually really cute. I would change the color and maybe change the way the arms were put on, hardly a "mediocre" execution though.
C'mon people. Just because someone states that they don't like the project and/or result doesn't make them a bad person (sometimes we don't realize what we write may sound mean). It's constructive criticism, it's comments like that, that raise the bar - which they should. We shouldn't be so sensitive!
That said, I'm not crazy about the end result, in fact, I really liked the peach velour. But I also agree with medusa12120 in that it has a 'puritan look,' it's fresh and has a mid-Atlantic, almost beach-y feel. It's a nice compliment to the traditional look of the home. In fact, a House Tour from Dorie would be much appreciated :)
Hey, thanks for the post! Everyone is definitely entitled to her own opinion, but this slipcover is working wonders for me (I was embarrassed to offer the chair to visitors because it looked like it might get them dirty). And, I got to try out an idea that I've liked for ages, which is pretty rewarding in itself!
I really like the idea of a "puritan look". Cool one.
Dorie
Wow, some really picky people! I LOVE the chair. I LOVE that the creator loves it. Refurbishing old junk is such a talent and I very highly respect those who can pull it off. Great job on the chair! It's so unique and one of a kind. Maybe not for long though... when I find myself an old chair I might be doing the exact same thing!
Fabulous Idea. I have a fantastic old chair that I hate the fabric of. The estimate for re-upholstery was $600. yikes.
Charming. I have had quite a few chairs similar to this in my shop and this is a great and simple way to give a chair with great bones a new look! Love it and i am off to her blog to read more. Thanks for sharing..