Front & Back Pattern Chair Makeover

30 Oct Front & Back Pattern Chair Makeover

A long time ago, I bought this chair.  It was an eyesore with the stuffing coming out.  I had a before picture on my phone for forever, but sadly, after a dip in the toilet last week, I lost many of my photos and contacts.  So try to envision the chair before with blue, outdated fabric and stuffing coming out.

Okay, got it?  Ready for details?

When I saw this chair, I loved the shape, and I knew it was super old due to the wooden wheels, probably early 1900’s.

Clamshell back chairs were quite popular during the 20’s and 30’s, and while they may not be everyone’s favorite, I think you can help them look more updated by putting one fabric on the front and one fabric on the back.  Taking advantage of the design on the front of the chair, I used a very graphic, wide, black and white striped fabric.

I wanted to put a very different fabric on the back of the chair, something botanical.  I found this fern fabric by Braemore (it’s called “Hernanda”, but has since been discontinued), and knew the black accents would link nicely with the black and white stripe.

braemore “hernanda in granite” fern fabric

Using a welt to make fabric choices stand out is always one of my favorite ways to add a unique look to an upholstered piece.  In this case, I used an emerald green velvet, and it turned out beautifully!

To recreate this look, purchase yardage of a wide stripe fabric (my stripes are 8″ wide).  Finding wide stripe fabric that runs horizontally is surprisingly difficult, but you can easily buy vertical stripe fabric and turn it to fit your piece if it is 50″ wide or less.  (i.e. a chair or super narrow settee)  Do an image search for “fern fabric” or “botanical fabric”, and you should be able to find a pattern you love.  Sanderson is an English company, but they have some really pretty botanical fabrics, and their quality is good.  There are usually some good options on Ebay in small yardages.  Use this search to see the options available to you .

Chairs are pieces you should have a little fun with!  Since they are smaller scale than say, a sofa, they are cheaper to upholster. (and change when you want something new) Use them as accent pieces, use your imagination!  Don’t be afraid to try something bold.  I’m thrilled to pieces with my chair!

Is there a chair in your home that needs a makeover?

For more upholstery tips, see my Upholstery 101 post.