Vintage Armchair French Inspired Makeover

Hi Everyone,

I've been looking for a vintage Queen Anne style lounge suite to make over and was happy to find one in the Trading Post during the week.  I have only completed one of the chairs, but wanted to share how it turned out given it was one of my more complicated projects.

So here it is after it's French inspired makeover..
 

And here it is how it originally looked.
 

This was a big makeover involving a lot of staple pulling, sewing new cushion covers, reupholstering, painting, distressing and waxing.  Okay, I'm out of breathe. ;)

So here is how I did it.

First I removed all the staples from underneath the chair using my pointy pokey tool and pliers.  I levered under each staple, then yank it out.  See the horrible yellowing fabric lining underneath?  That had to go.
 

Then I removed another round of stapes underneath that!  Anyone who has done this before will know this part of the makeover is the dreaded part, removing all the staples.


This, in turn, lead to my first injury of the day ...
 
But I soldiered on. :)  Next I labeled the front and back on the fabric I was removing so I could use it as a template and remember which way it went back on. :) This was very handy!


Next I gave the seat a light sand to remove the varnish sheen to prepare it for painting.
 

Then I applied 3 coats of white chalk paint and distressed the edges.  Then I put the filling back on the base of the seat. (Sorry no pic).

After cutting out my pattern from gorgeous canvas drop cloth, I fitted and attached it underneath with my staple gun.
 
 
 
Next I worked on recovering the cushions.

After removing all the covers I laid all the cushions out in the sun to air out, turning them every few hours.  I also made my own fabric air freshener from baking soda, vinegar, warm water and essential oils which I sprayed on the cushions using a spray bottle.


I decided to make them new filling covers too from a kids sheet set that was new and I had not used.  I'm glad I did because the original covers were falling apart.  Then off course I sewed up the matching canvas drop cloth covers.  
Put it all together, apply a clear coat of wax and this is the result.  

A gorgeous vintage French inspired armchair!

And it's comfy too! :)
 
 
I absolutely love the rattan design on the sides and back!
 
 
And those long gorgeous armrests...
 
 
 
And those stunning Queen Anne legs...
 
 
And the vintage tacking on the base.  These are the original tacks I reattached.

 
A lot of work with these, but totally worth it. :)


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25 comments:

  1. Liz May 6, 2012 at 11:14 PM

    Julie, I love this redo! I'm so impressed. I'm too scared to do a cushion reupholster like this.

    Replies
    1. Julie May 6, 2012 at 11:26 PM

      Hi Liz! Thanks. I surprised myself with this one. When I first looked at it I began to wonder if I had made a hasty purchase, but it came together fine. However, next time I might check how much reupholstering I need to do first. :) x Julie

  2. beberouge May 7, 2012 at 1:39 PM

    It was so work all that work and your poor injury, it looks absolutely stunning. xx

  3. chateau chic May 8, 2012 at 10:56 AM

    Very nicely done. Great transformation!
    Mary Alice

  4. Mindie Hilton May 8, 2012 at 11:13 AM

    Beautiful transformation.

  5. Holly @ Bella Nest May 8, 2012 at 12:38 PM

    Hi, Julie, I'm with Liz on this one... I'm not brave enough to attempt something like this, but you did an excellent job on your chair! You're very talented! I love it!

    Replies
    1. Julie May 8, 2012 at 10:57 PM

      Hi Holly! Thanks. I'm sure you could accomplish anything with your talent too! Thanks for dropping by! x Julie

  6. Rosemary@villabarnes May 8, 2012 at 2:40 PM

    Quite the transformation. Sorry you had a battle scar, but the outcome is beautiful.

  7. Shabby chic Sandy May 8, 2012 at 5:43 PM

    That is perfect--great job!

    Replies

    1. Julie May 8, 2012 at 10:55 PM

      Thanks Sandy!

  8. Deanne May 8, 2012 at 9:33 PM

    You have done a wonderful job! I sustained an injury in my latest project too! Love the shutters!

    Replies
    1. Julie May 8, 2012 at 10:54 PM

      Thanks Deanne. Hope yours was not too serious! x Julie

  9. Patti May 9, 2012 at 4:34 AM

    Well done! and I also love the pillow

  10. Lori May 9, 2012 at 1:52 PM

    I too have been a little scared to do the reupholstering on my chairs. I did take one completely apart...and that is where I stopped. I really need to finish it before we move. Thanks for the inspiration...your chair is beautiful!
    Creatively yours, Lori

  11. Deny May 9, 2012 at 3:01 PM

    That is a gorgeous makeover! I have a char that I need to give a similar makeover, but I keep postponing it, I am just too scared. You did an awesome job!

  12. Dee May 9, 2012 at 9:34 PM

    Julie, You did an amazing job. I recently picked up a chair very similar to yours. I haven't been brave enough to tackle it yet though. You've given me some courage, I just hope it turns out half as nice as yours did. Thanks for sharing, Dee from My Painted Stuff.

  13. 4 Sisters @ bringingbeauty.blogspot.com May 10, 2012 at 4:59 AM

    What a great transformation - It looks prefect in that room!

    Thanks for sharing at Beautify It Monday!

    -Four Sisters

  14. Sherry May 11, 2012 at 10:46 PM

    OMG! Beautiful job! I discovered you on Project Queen and I'm now a follower; drop by for a visit when you can. Thanks

    Replies
    1. Julie May 11, 2012 at 11:34 PM

      Thanks Sherry! I just dropped by your blog (which I'm following now) and your work is amazing!! x Julie

  15. Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique May 12, 2012 at 10:24 PM

    Definitely a keeper Julie - I love it. From the new white paintwork to my favourite drop cloth fabric... it's perfect!
    I'd be really honoured if you'd consider sharing this post on my Shabbilcious Friday at Shabby Art Boutique ~ http://shabbyartboutique.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/shabbilicious-friday.html

  16. Jenny @ The NY Melrose Family May 16, 2012 at 8:29 AM

    That transformation is awesome. I love the new look. Thanks so much for sharing at Whimsy Wednesdays!

  17. Katie Adams May 17, 2012 at 10:32 PM

    Thank you for sharing on Blog Stalking Thursday. You did an amazing job and the chair looks fabulous! You have been featured with this week's party! Don't forget to stop by and grab the feature button and wear it proudly!

    Thanks for sharing!

  18. Manoela Begue May 27, 2012 at 12:15 PM

    Fabulous lounge suite,looks really warm and inviting.Just the look that I want by my fireplace.I probably would not be able to do the upholstery myself but I will definitely think of buying something like that to suit my french provincial house project.Thanks for sharing:http://vintagefrenchhomes.blogspot.com.au/

  19. Sharon G August 6, 2012 at 7:57 PM

    Hi Julie you have inspired me so much sonce I last write to you. Love your blogs so much that you have given me the courage to do a few little projects. I have done a little halltable...and am working on a little french provincial seat (for end of bed). I have also purchased a similar lounge (actually it is identical I have been driven mad to find one similar since I missed out on EBAY purchase - actually obsessed is the exact word!!!. Can I please I cannot find the white chalk paint you mention in the blog? All the hardware shops say it is not by the makers of the real chalkboard paint (they only do black and green - White Knight) so is this the name of a brand of paint. I am sorry to bother you but I cannot believe how much inspiration you have giving me...I can actually do it...I am so pleased with the hall table. I wantedto do it like your turquoise one but ended up white with a waxed timber finish, which goes better in my house. (slowly getting the french prov with a touch of eclectic!!!) look. Thx so much you are so wonderful and very kind to "share" your projects on blogs. Sharon Gray

    Replies
    1. Julie August 9, 2012 at 11:35 PM

      Hi Sharon, I'm so happy for you! We don't have actual chalk paint in Australia. If you google Annie Sloan you will see it is very popular in the US. We have to make our own using 1 cup of flat paint and then adding 1 tablespoon of unsanded or very fine grain grout. You can get a huge bag at Bunnings very cheap. I find it a bit gritty though and have recently veered away from it. You will have to start your own blog so you can show me all your lovely creations. Lovely to hear from you again. x Julie

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