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How to: A Neglected to Nifty Chair Makeover

by on May 21, 2015

So, I’ll admit it. I have a really hard time throwing things away or letting things go. I’m not quite “hoarder” status, but I’m sure if I don’t start getting rid of unused pieces in my home soon, my friends and family will start to talk. Am I the only one? (Please say no!!).

Take, for example, my neglected chair. It was my very first furniture purchase that I scored in the As-Is section of IKEA when I first moved out for college TWELVE years ago! And I almost gathered the courage to get rid of it until a light bulb went on in my head. This guy didn’t need to get ditched, it just needed a makeover. So, I decided to go all out and have a little fun.

  

A Neglected To Nifty Chair Makeover

Materials

  • Spray Fabric Tint (I used Design Master Tint It in Sapphire) 
  • Fabric Paint 
  • Paint Brushes
  • Fabric Markers
  • Sand Paper
  • Damp Cloth
  • Spray Paint
A Neglected To Nifty Chair Makeover

Instructions

Begin by taking your chair apart and properly storing the screws and pieces for later use. I removed the seat and set aside and worked on the metal frame first. Lightly sand the metal frame and wipe clean with damp cloth. Spray paint your frame using any color of your choice. I chose gold! Allow to dry and continue to paint until you have full coverage. 

A Neglected To Nifty Chair Makeover

Remove seat cover. Be sure to clean any stains or messes before hand. Spray the fabric with your fabric tint. You may need multiple cans if you want a deep color. I wanted my seat cover to look almost like a light denim, so I only needed one can. Allow to dry and follow paint directions. 

A Neglected To Nifty Chair Makeover

Once the seat cover has dried, begin painting (or using fabric markers) to create a fun design. I went with a modern take on a Southwestern pattern. I wanted the overall look to feel a bit more distressed, so I wasn’t too careful to fill in the triangles completely, but you can use your own judgement! Allow to dry. 

A Neglected To Nifty Chair Makeover

Place the cover back on the seat and attach seat to the metal base. Then enjoy!! 

A Neglected To Nifty Chair Makeover

I love the texture and pattern it brings to the room. I went a little crazy, but I had nothing to lose! That’s what I loved so much about this project, it wasn’t really a risk since it was something I was going to get rid of anyway. So, I decided to try a few colors and patterns that normally would not grace our home and I’m so glad I did! I think this chair would look really cute in our boys room, but I kind of like it in our family room too. Do you have something you’re thinking of getting rid of? Maybe you can try something totally fun and take a little risk! What do you have to lose? 

A Neglected To Nifty Chair Makeover
A Neglected To Nifty Chair Makeover
A Neglected To Nifty Chair Makeover
A Neglected To Nifty Chair Makeover
A Neglected To Nifty Chair Makeover

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