Before & After: Erin’s Chair Refresh on a Budget

updated May 5, 2019

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Wooden armchair with beige cushions on grass, labeled "before" in orange. — (Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Bargain shopper Erin haggled this chair from an estate sale down to $10. It sat in her home, patiently waiting for a refresh, until she found the perfect fabric. See how she made over this chair for under $50 total:

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

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From Erin:

I am an Architect Technologist by day and sewer/DIYer/furniture upcycler by night. I am a thrifty shopper, and limit most purchases to no more than $20.00. If it’s in the trash, even better!

I was quite pleased with this Walnut chair I snagged from a local Estate sale a few years ago. I knew it had great potential and bartered it down to a mere $10.00! I didn’t have a specific place in mind for my new find (If I like it, I buy it), so I stashed it away until I found this oversized and bold upholstery fabric in a cotton/linen blend that I couldn’t resist.

After a long weekend of sanding, I finally had it stripped down to its original finish and stained it a deep walnut, followed by three coats of varathane. Fortunately I had some 3″ thick high density foam on hand to replace the old cushions, and turned to my sewing machine to finish it up with some snazzy new covers. I couldn’t be happier with the finished product, which now sits proudly in my bedroom.