Vintage Kitchen Chairs Redo | Redo It Yourself Inspirations : Vintage Kitchen Chairs Redo

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Vintage Kitchen Chairs Redo


Late September was quite lovely here and there were quite a few yard sales about. This particular one, enabled me to score so many vintage treasures... everything intended for redo's or repurposing...  a wingback chair, a carved wooden bowl, true silver flatware pieces, a vanity dresser set (brush, mirror and covered powder dish), a suitcase, a fur coat and 


... this pair of tall kitchen counter chairs.  


These chairs were in rough shape. The vinyl was torn and quite stinky on both of them. A thick brownish residue was stuck on and they reeked of cigarette smoke. BUT, they are solid and heavy duty.  And they swivel! Certainly worth salvaging. My mom could use them if I can get them to match her red gingham kitchen and they'll be perfect at her breakfast island. 



To begin, I disassembled the chairs. Then removed all of the stinky upholstery and padding. 



Then I washed, dried and painted all of the framework. (The rust was surface only and cleaned up well.)





I ordered 2 yards of Oil Cloth in Gingham Red.
(Love the durability of this material!)



I didn't use any of the original vinyl from the chairs for patterns, so I had to start from scratch by tracing the seat onto the fabric.  This first piece is the top of the seat where piping will be sewn on.



Using pvc clothesline cord for the seat piping, I sewed it into the oil cloth.



Then sewed the piping onto the top of the seat where I drew the edge line.

I bought both memory foam and batting for the top cushion and to pad the sides and top portions of the chairs. I cut the batting to fit onto the seat and around it.


Then stapled the sewn top piece onto the padded seat frame through the batting.


Following that, I stapled in the side paneling all around the seat, allowing material for attaching beneath the seat. This was done by meeting the raw inside edge to meet the sewn piping edge, then pulled the material down over the sides.



Then, reassembled the framework with its original hardware.



Because I was rushing for a few Thanksgiving project deliveries, I missed all photos. Here is the backrest of the chair that I reupholstered and used silver toned tack studding.

I cut the material to do the front of the backrest and stretched it to staple into the all around the center of the backrest. Then used another piece for the back and met the edges to the front, using the nail tack trim to hold it in place. This was my first time using nail tack trim on a roll. I think I prefer the individual tacks over this type.




The oil cloth is easy sewing but does not give too much, even heated with a hair dryer. I learned this on the top padded areas of the backrest where I wanted the material to fall smoothly.  So the corner tucking was tough.




Here are the pair ready for Thanksgiving Day delivery... 




and they sat happily matching each of the window valances and other red gingham in the kitchen. 



Deadline. Done and delivered. Whew~ 













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52 comments:

  1. totally cool redo! I love the red gingham, perfect for a kitchen bar!

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  2. I love the color and style -- you did an awesome job on these! :)

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  3. i think red gingham is the happiest fabric in the world i love these chairs xx

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  4. You are absolutely brilliant! What a wonderful gift. A fabulous idea! Thank you so much!
    MommyCrusader.com

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  5. Oh my gosh - these are gorgeous, Robin!! I love the red & white gingham - it's so 1950's!! They're simply fabulous - you did a terrific job!

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  6. It's my mom's favorite. It's perfect for her. So country and vintage. Thank you! :)

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  7. It is happy and probably the most used in kitchens throughout history.
    Thank you, Chris :)

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  8. Thanks, Deb! :)
    So glad you stopped by

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  9. My mom loves them. I was so glad to do it.
    Thank you so much for stopping and commenting so kindly, Kim! :)

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  10. Wow these look stunning! You did an amazing job! Love!

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  11. How beautiful these turned out. I love all things vintage. My mom has a chair I can't wait to get my hands on. Beautiful

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  12. The Vintage industry quality was so much better than the manufactured products of today. I adore how the framework stands the abuse over time and still functions. Usually renewing is all that is needed.


    I'm so glad you have one to work on! Can't wait to see it, Tammy!

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  13. Kyla @ House Of Hipsters . comDecember 15, 2014 at 11:43 PM

    Awesome project! I love how they turned out! PINNED! Thanks so much for linking up at Found & Foraged! We hope to see you again this Saturday at 8PM CT. Can't wait to see your next project!

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  14. I love gingham pattern and these chairs look amazing.

    Thanks for linking up to Marvelous Monday at Smart Party Planning.

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  15. Thank you! And for hosting and pinning!
    You're such a kind hostess, Kyla!
    Merry Christmas :)

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  16. Thank you, Catherine! :)
    Merry Christmas!

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  17. Wow! You did a really good job. I have never redone chairs before and I am scared to death of that piping. I avoid it at all costs. One day I should probably gather some courage and give it a try. Glad you got them delivered on time. They look great!

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  18. Love what you have done with these - lot of work, but well worth it! Looking for some vintage bits and pieces for our holiday cottage, but we don't have yard sales here in N Ireland - just car boot sales which don't usually have furniture.

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  19. Amazing job on these chairs and your table, too! I'm so glad you shared these posts at Together on Tuesdays!

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  20. I was very lucky to find a vintage yard sale, they are rare unless I go to a flea market. I'm so interested in the car boot sales in your area! It sounds like fun! Ireland is a beautiful country and I'd get lost in those sales for sure! I would love to trade with you for a bit! I used to work for a judge who vacationed in Ireland and she brought back some trinkets for me and they are my treasures. Now each time I see vintage, I'll think of you!

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  21. Thank you for taking the time to see both of my vintage posts, Lisa. Glad you like them! You are such a kind hostess! If I don't catch you before next week, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

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  22. Super cute! Well Done! I love the gingham oil cloth and the upholstery tack detail. What a great find and re-do!

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  23. I <3 your chairs and I know my daughter would go bonkers over them for her kitchen<3 Pinned

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  24. I really love the new look, and thank you for the tip on the piping - I have never known how to do that!!

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  25. Wow, those turned out so great! And they go perfectly with that table you redid!


    Tania

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  26. These are AWESOME!!! Thanks for sharing on DIY Sunday Showcase! I pinned this project to our talent board!!


    Shelly@minettesmaze

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  27. That is awesome that my mom and your daughter have the same taste. Thank you so much, and for the pin too, Michele!

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  28. Thank you! :)
    I hope you enjoy the piping technique!

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  29. Thank you so much, Tania! I'm so glad you saw the table too! ox

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  30. Thank you so much for the pin and the visit, Shelly! You are a wonderful hostess :)

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  31. These are so darling! Thank you for linking up to Inspiration Monday Party. I hope you will stop by my Facebook page today to see your chairs featured ;) Julie redheadcandecorate.com

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  32. These are amazing, I love that you used oil cloth and the shiny silver nail heads is are perfect touch!!! A talented daughter and a very lucky mom~~~

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  33. This is fabulous! I love it. Pinned and tweeted. Thanks for being a part of our party! I hope you stop by on Monday at 7 pm. We love to party with you. Merry Christmas! Lou Lou Girls

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  34. You are such a doll! Thank you for the big share and for being a wonderful hostess! :)

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  35. Your comment made my day. Thank you! ox

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  36. I really love it when you share they way you do, Kim! Thank you! HUGS!

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  37. Hello cute lady! I'm here to let you know that Cassie chose this as her favorite post and we will be featuring it at our party tonight at 7 pm. Woo Hoo! I hope to see you there. Lou Lou Girls

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  38. I love these! Silver studs are the perfect touch. Thanks for sharing with #SmallVictoriesSundayLinkup, you continue to amaze me!

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  39. Great job recovering these! They look amazing! Thanks so much for sharing at Talented Tuesday!

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  40. Leia @ Eat It & Say YumJanuary 7, 2015 at 12:29 PM

    These turned out fabulous! How lucky to find all those awesome things are garage sales. Thanks for sharing at On Display Thursday, join us again tomorrow morning!

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  41. Thank you! And, for the lovely link up! :)

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  42. I'd love to stop by again! Thank you, Marilyn! ox

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  43. I love how you updated this old table and chairs. It looks perfect now. I've included your post in my features today at Your Turn to Shine. Thanks so much for linking up with us. I hope to have you share with us again!

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  44. I was so excited for the feature, Jamie!!! Thank you so much! ox

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