Making Over The Basic Plastic Outdoor Chair

We've been long time fans of designer makeovers on every day items. The basic white plastic outdoor chair is a staple in millions of homes around the world, but this sophisticated twist from Front Design makes it look far more regal than it started out! Click through for pricing and our thoughts on a DIY version...

Although you can purchase this designer chair for $245Eur, we're curious about making a DIY version. We've always loved the idea of taking something basic and cheap and customizing it to our own needs and personalities. But the real question is, would the money be better spent buying a piece you loved from the start? Or taking the time to DIY?

A fabric cushion might make this ubiquitous plastic chair appear more crafty than high end, but it might be a good alternative to leather. Although the leather is pretty, it doesn't exactly say, "Sit in me for an hour while I eat dinner on my humid patio, in the summer." If you aren't into fabric covers, you might look into Fusion Plastic Spray Paint to give your pieces a color boost.

Have you made over your outdoor furniture? Don't be shy! Show it off!

(Images: Vlaemsch)

Comments (16)

no, don't DIY, don't buy an expensive cover - but a better and more loved piece from the start.

i think the only DIY i would do is paint - but then again, the chairs are so inexpensive to begin with, i now think that'd be a waste.

still busted, but a cool idea.

Hah! I have two ugly old tan ones like this that are waiting to be replaced with something much nicer. I agree with "creativetype" though, I would suggest saving your money for durable, real pieces.

Laura
http://www.grafxnerd.net

I love the look of the upgrade (the price for a $5 chair is absurd) but for my use (and, yes, I do have a few of these ubiquitous chairs) making it more fancy would undermine their utility -- I only have them because they are durable, can live outside year round without damage, and they were cheap. Anything upholstered or cushioned would require more care and storage than I can afford. When I can buy something nicer (but equally durable) I will pass the plastic ones along...

aside from the fact that it's not particularly attractive (at least not to me), how practical is a LEATHER cover for an outdoor chair? you'd spend half the time trying to protect it from the elements and the other half cursing at it because leather gets REALLY hot in the sun.

I despise those chairs. They always feel flimsy and like they are about to collapse under me. They are uncomfortable and ugly. I cannot imagine anyone would be foolish enough to shell out that kind of dough to dress up a crappy chair. Talk about putting lipstick on a pig!

yes, and nothing beats peeling your skin off hot leather in the sun...

$348 for a cover for a plastic lawn chair?!?!?!?
Ridiculous!

I'd rather spend a bit more to get a nice teak chair w/ sunbrella cushions on sale someplace.

these $5 chairs deserve a $5 beach towel for a cover (if that);
I agree with mntwmyn - those chairs have no redeeming value

Yeah...no. Still ugly and even more uncomfortable. Get some nice bistro chairs instead.

I did a similar thing for my folding chairs. We use the folding chairs often as outdoor seating and for guests. I wanted something to dress up the chairs, provide comfort, and small enough to store away when not in use(otherwise whats the point of folding chairs?).

My solution were rectangles of industrial felt. A 1/4" thick each, its just enough cushioning, and when I don't need the extra seating, I can double them up on our everyday chairs instead of storing them away.

Pic for reference:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ou5u_-PeNleMcK5twUHfSA?feat=directlink

Ever heard the expression "polished turd"?

Re: DIY
I don't think any fabric/leather would stick to the plastic chair part well enough for it to look good for any extended period of time. Would be a great quick fix for a party though.

I totally agree Gr8deco8. This a complete waste of money, plastic AND leather.