Friday, May 29, 2015

A Tale of Ten Chairs

I find it extremely difficult to pass up a chair, which has led to so many chairs (11 at present) in my garage that I have no space for anything else....well, they are taking up valuable real estate in there!!!  With closing the shop I have an overload of "what the heck am I going to do with this stuff". Something's gotta give!!!

 
I have four of these chairs that I've been using for the past 10 years. I like the openness of the high back, the graceful legs, the ease of re-upholstering them, all are remarkable sturdy given their age, but they are severely lacking in comfort.  I paid less than $7.00 for ALL!

 
 
 Doesn't the back look like a birds eyes & beak?

I know, fantastic huh??? Such lovely good bones!

I found six of these chairs last summer while out junking plus a table whose legs had been chewed beyond repair, $60.00 for all. So that comes out to about $10.00 per chair...not bad, I've paid more! These guys are rock solid and so comfortable. But that 1970"s stain, which has turned a greenish hue in places, has got to go!


 
 All four legs are wonderfully ornate!

 
 The front skirt below the seat.

Love those carved flowers!

 
 Ornate top front and back!  I bet that padded back was originally a cane back.


Some of the chairs have had a harder life than others, nasty scrapes and a chunk of flower from the top of one is missing. Two were in the process of a makeover (I guess) because the front top upholstered piece on the back is missing and it was the stabilizer piece. Since I'm using as is for now I'll have to come up with a solution for that. Thinking maybe using drop cloth as upholstery material with a French themed stencil. 

As for the rest I can live with the traditional pattern of the upholstery, it is in good condition will work in my dining area.  I don't know if my skill level is good enough to do the back part, but I'll be giving it a go. I've only recently tried my hand at cording...I definitely need more practice. The frames will be getting painted...all that glorious detail will really show when painted, dark waxed and distressed. I even have the option of painting the fabric...not sure yet how it it's going to work out.

Here's a look at all the legs together. Even though I have six of the ornate chairs only four will sit comfortably around the table at one time. I think I'll paint the table base and legs also. I enjoyed working on projects for the shop, but somehow MY to-do list never really happened. Now I'm going to put all the time and effort into fluffing my own nest.!!!

 The cabinet at back holds my linens, serving pieces, odds & ends table stuff.
 So my solution for the two chairs that I'll need to re-upholster the back on is...they will sit on each side of this cabinet in the dining area and can easily be squeezed pulled in when more are needed. And hopefully showcase their stylish new look.

 So that is how I'm reducing the amount of chairs in my garage...by replacing six large with four smaller ones!!!  Makes perfect sense to me;~)

Sharing with the following;

Thank you for popping in~~~
Happy Hunting and Gathering!!!

15 comments:

  1. The chairs are beautiful. I love that even the back is ornate. And perfect solution to hide the back of the ones that need work ;)

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  2. Oh Mickie,
    I thought I was the only one. I have a bit of an obsession for chairs too. I had too many at one time and I eventually had to give up some to make room...there were chairs everywhere! Well, I still have chairs everywhere but not quite as many now :-) Your chairs are lovely. Glad you were able to make room for them in your home. Wishing you a wonderful June.

    Hugs,
    ❤️Ana

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  3. They do have good bones and they keep on serving! I do like the ornate back. This post would be perfect for my "Let's Talk Vintage!" link party .... hop on back and link up for this week or wait until next week.... Tuesday's at 9 am!

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  4. Love the fabulous detail, they are going to be gorgeous! Now that's what I call a bargain. I want to shop with you!
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  5. Hi Mickie! ;) I just picked up another chair at Goodwill today, and added to my hoarder pile in the garage...between chairs and stools the pile is growing! So, you are not alone!! How can you 'not' when they are that cheap?? :)
    I love the details in your chairs, so pretty!
    Have a wonderful rest of your week! Kimberley

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    1. Thanks Kimberley, another thrifter after my own heart!!! Chairs are so versatile...you can just pop them in anywhere. You can use them for plants stands, magazine holder or even for guests to sit on!

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  6. Those are really nice chairs and will look beautiful made over. I love old chairs but I am happy I don't collect them! I am already overloaded in the basement with Etsy shop stuff of the smaller to medium size!!

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  7. Your chairs have such great bones and what a deal too. Thank you for sharing them at Vintage Inspiration Party.

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  8. Go for it, I know you can do it and I love when I don't pay a ton, so if I am a total failure not much lost. Those big chairs will be stunning and I can see them painted....They will be supercalifa.......oh poop, I can't spell it lol....Great, they will be great!

    Carol

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  9. Your chairs are lovely, I can see why you brought them home--especially at those prices! Blessings, Cecilia

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  10. Thanks Cecilia, I just can't help myself when I see a pretty chair...I can already envision it all comfy and cozy at home, and that's all it takes for me!!!

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  11. Thanks for stopping by and your kind words on my Flea. Hope you are having a good summer......And working on your chairs

    Carol

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  12. Love those chairs ... the details will show up so nice when you paint them. Lots of work, but will be well worth it.
    Thanks for stopping by Timeless Treasures with a nice comment on my shadows.
    Audrey Z.

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  13. I know how things can start to accumulate and all of a sudden, what? You have a collection!:) I can't wait to see what your finished product. Sounds like a good plan to me!
    xoKathleen

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So glad you visited and left a comment, I enjoy hearing from you. Mickie