As we all know, a new chair or sofa is a surefire way to add some much-needed style to your home. But let’s face it – those fancy new pieces of furniture come with a hefty price tag that can leave a dent in your wallet.
But fear not! There are ways to revamp your furniture without breaking the bank. From DIY chair refinishing to simple makeover tips, you can save some serious money and still add some pizzazz to your living space. So if you’re in need of inspiration, we’ve rounded up five awesome chair makeover ideas that won’t break the bank. So go ahead, and give your furniture the makeover it deserves without breaking the bank.
1. Time for a Paint Job
In the world of furniture, there are few things more satisfying than giving your old pieces a new lease on life. And when it comes to quick and budget-friendly transformations, a fresh coat of paint is hard to beat.
If you’re feeling daring, why not take on the challenge of giving your old chair a new look? With a few hours to spare and a can of paint, you can easily transform your tired piece into a beautiful and chic statement piece.
We’re particularly fond of the French chic look that painted white furniture gives a room. So why not give it a try and see how it can elevate your space? The possibilities are endless and the satisfaction of a job well done is priceless. Give it a shot and see the magic for yourself.
Tips For Painting Furniture
Painting furniture can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! For a soft, matte finish, grab a can of Chalked by Rust-oleum from your local store or Amazon. It’s an affordable way to achieve a chic, Pinterest-worthy look for your old wooden chairs. Or, you could even use it to give your partially upholstered chairs a fresh pop of color on the legs and frame.
If you’re looking for an ultra-smooth, professional finish, consider investing in a good HVLP paint sprayer. I’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best options on the market. Plus, on that page, I explain in more detail the benefits of using a paint sprayer for your furniture makeover project. Prices start at just $45, and trust me – the results are worth it. I’ve even posted a photo of the amazing transformation I achieved with my HVLP sprayer.
Regardless of which method you choose, the key to success is proper preparation. Make sure your surface is sanded, clean, and free of grease. And if you’re painting outside, be prepared for pesky bugs and flies to crash the party. Consider setting up a canopy to work under if you live in an area with a lot of flying critters. Happy painting!
2. Rustic Refinishing: From rough to smooth
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to take your old chair to the next level, refinishing is the way to go. Grab some wood filler, sandpaper, and a can of paint, and let your imagination run wild. You can create a bold, eye-catching chair with multiple colors and patterns, or go for a more subdued look with a single coat of paint. And once you’ve applied your desired finish, you can even add your own personal touch with stencils, or stamps. This chair makeover is also a great example of how to do the rustic and distressed furniture look.
So grab your tools and let the refinishing begin!
Editor’s Tip
One easy way to get the look is to lightly dip a sponge into your paint to apply, and then wipe off the excess with a cloth to allow the wood grain to show through. This is my go-to method and that’s how I got the look on my wooden floorboards below. (The photo was taken to show my Diamond Painting Kit, but you get the idea).
3. From Drab to Fab: How to Transform Your Chair with Fabric
A new fabric chair cover is a great way to get a clean, unique look for your old chair. It’s a simple look, and perfect for adding a touch of style to a plain old chair that has seen better days.
This is not the cheapest option for revamping your old chairs but the choice of fabric you go for can make all the difference to the look of your room – so if you go down this route choose your fabric wisely. Get a couple of quotes from professional upholsterers and ask them for advice.
If your budget can’t stretch to having a professional upholsterer recover your chair or sofa you can have a go yourself.
A DIY fabric chair makeover is a great way to give a plain old chair a new look, without having to invest in any new furniture. You can really tailor your new look to suit your own style. This DIY fabric chair makeover above makes use of plain linen fabric and a sewing machine to create a unique look.
One way to get cost-effective fabric is to buy Ikea bedding (like linen, for example, not anything too thin) and make your own covers from the fabric. You can even use pillows for seat cushions.
So why not get out your sewing machine and make your very own stylish fabric chair?
4. Dip and Strip ‘Em
If you’re sick of your old wooden chairs looking like they’ve seen one paint job too many, it’s time to dip and strip them. This method works like a charm and will give your chairs a vintage, rustic, and chic look.
I tried it on a couple of my bentwood chairs and they came back looking like they were made to order. No longer just old and worn, they were shabby chic and vintage in all the right ways.
But beware, the process can be harsh so if your chairs are delicate or already a little broken, it might not be the best idea. And make sure to treat the wood with wax or oil afterwards to keep it from drying out. But if you’re ready to give your chairs a new lease on life, give the dip-and-strip method a try. It’s a surefire way to make them look fresh and chic.
5. DIY Upholstery: Fabric to the Rescue
Now we’re getting into the more advanced territory – but don’t worry it’s perfectly possible to reupholster an old chair yourself. The key is to take lots of before shots, and then carefully disassemble the chair.
We’re diving into the deep end now, – but don’t worry, reupholstering an old chair is totally doable. The secret? Take plenty of before pics, before you remove the upholstery. The satisfaction of giving an old piece of furniture a fresh new look is second to none. So grab your tools and get to work, my fellow DIY warriors. Let’s make that chair shine.
Editor’s Tip
Remove and save the tacks and all fabric so that you can use the old fabric as a template to cut your new fabric choice to the correct shape. You may even be able to reuse the stuffing so check it first for its potential to be re-used before you decide to throw it away.
Treat the wooden frame first, a simple coat or two of chalk paint may be the easiest and most effective method to give your chair a fresh high-end designer look. And don’t worry, there are plenty of YouTube tutorials out there that can help you to make a good job.
5. Dress it Up: From Drab to Fab
Forget about painting and reupholstering, it’s all about the fabric. A chair makeover with fabric can be a wild, creative ride. If you’re looking for a quick and easy fix for your tired old chair, just grab some throws and cushions or throw pillows and go to town. Fabric is the way to bring some new life to a dull chair, and it won’t break the bank.
Before you buy, take a trip down the Pinterest rabbit hole and see what catches your eye. Choose a color scheme that makes your heart sing, and that goes with your existing decor. And don’t be tempted by anything too cheap and cheerful, because you fall out of love with it quickly. Trust me, I’ve been there.
Editor’s Tip
Buy feather-filled cushion pads for a more high-end look and a better overall shape. You’d be amazed at the difference it makes.
Do you have any photos of a chair makeover that you’d like me to show here or have you documented a chair makeover that you’d like me to feature? Just let me know below.
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