Who says your have to use fabric to reupholster an old chair? Create an authentic farmhouse look with an old grain sack instead.
I spotted this gem at a garage sale years ago. It’s been tucked away in my basement collecting dust, waiting for some inspiration… until now. I was most attracted to the decorative arms and feet – knowing that distressed paint would adhere to the grooves and really give this piece some character.
Repurposed feed and grains sacks are all over the place these days. We have collected a variety of them at flea markets and auctions. I love the vintage print and faded colors mixed with genuine linen material. I’ve refashioned them into all sorts of home decor like pillows, memo boards and benches.
So, why not recover a chair?!? Well, we’ve discovered that many sacks were used for, well, grains [duh] and they have small tears, stains and other discolorations that make them less than pretty. For most of my projects, I was able to cut around the unsightly parts to make them work.
This chair, however, required a large area to cover. I was lucky enough to find a near perfect feed sack for the seat but had nothing that worked for the upper part. So, I had to use replica feed sack fabric – but I think it balances the vintage version nicely.
I chose a cottage blue for the wood chair parts and layered on some gray before sanding and waxing the entire thing. Again, the details in the spindles bring out the distressed and vintage style. I found this new trim at made by HGTV in “grain” color. I’m convinced there isn’t a better match for the back seam!
Shell says
March 24, 2013 at 5:12 amGreat job! Really love the layered paint job. Where did you find your grain sack replica fabric or is it painted drop cloth? Thanks
Kristy Robb says
March 24, 2013 at 3:31 pmThank you! I purchased the feed sack fabric for the back of the chair at Decor Steals a few months ago. You could choose red or blue stripes. However, painting a drop cloth is also a great idea!
Beth @A Little Country House says
March 24, 2013 at 9:29 pmWell! I just beyond love this chair! Love everything about it! thanks for the eye candy!
Kristy Robb says
March 25, 2013 at 1:29 pmThank you so much Beth!
lauren @ West Furniture Revival says
March 25, 2013 at 9:44 pmLOVE YOUR CHAIR MAKEOVER AND I WOULD LOVE TO FEATURE IT, IF THIS IS OK PLEASE GET BACK TO ME,
LAUREN
Karen says
April 1, 2013 at 3:29 amThis chair is fabulous, such an amazing job!
Kristy Robb says
April 1, 2013 at 3:01 pmThanks Karen!