• Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
    • Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy
  • SHOP
  • Widget area for main menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Jaime Costiglio

build - paint - sew

  • BUILD
    • BEDS
    • BENCHES
    • DESKS
    • DRESSERS
    • GAMES & TOYS
    • SCRAP WOOD
    • SHELVES
    • STORAGE
    • TABLES
  • TOOLS
  • PAINT
    • CRAFTS
    • FURNITURE
    • HOME DECOR
  • SEW
    • GIFTS
    • HOME DECOR
    • POUCHES
  • HANDBUILT HOLIDAY
    • 2021
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
  • GIFTS
    • BABIES
    • KIDS
    • FOR HER
    • FOR HIM
    • TEACHERS
    • WEDDINGS
  • SEASONAL
    • 4TH OF JULY
    • FALL
    • HALLOWEEN
    • CHRISTMAS
    • SUMMER
    • SPRING
    • ST. PATRICK’S DAY
    • THANKSGIVING
    • VALENTINE’S DAY
    • WINTER
  • SALTBOX PROJECT
    • BATHROOMS
    • DINING ROOM
    • EXTERIOR
    • FAMILY ROOM
    • FOYER / MUDROOM
    • KIDS BEDROOMS
    • KITCHEN
    • LIVING ROOM
    • MASTER BEDROOM
    • PLAYROOM
  • SCROLL SAW

“A” is for Armchair

March 27, 2011

An armchair makeover.

Curious about the before shot?

This little lady just needed some love.

I scored this gem for $20.  It was in great condition, the fabric was a bit worn but otherwise almost perfect.
(This is the Fiorita chair by Thomasville, I did some research.)

The details are so pretty but we can hardly see them.
But I fixed her all up and now she’s gorgeous.
Here’s how I did it:
For the frame:
1. Remove upholstery and staples.  Sand wood with 120 grit.

2. Apply one coat BM buxton blue.

3. Apply one coat Behr off white.

4. Distress with 220 grit sandpaper.
5. Stain with Minwax special walnut.
6. Seal with one coat clear satin poly.

For the upholstery:
1. Using drop cloths, staple back piece in first, then filler, then front piece.

2. Glue trim on to hide staples.

3. Staple on seat piece.  (You could stop here and apply trim for a finished look but I opted to make a removable slipcover for easy washing.)

4. Make slipcover using seat as template, add pleated trim and ties.

Now she’s ready for the runway!

Back details:
Front ties:
Back ties:
Cost breakdown:
chair $20
drop cloth $10 (only used 3/4)
Total = $30
I already had all the other supplies, trim fabric, staples, glue, paint.
She’s so pretty and feminine now.
I’m linking up to:
 Making The DIY Show Off http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/Photobucket  The Lettered Cottage grabtt SYS Thurs Transformation ThursdayFurniture Feature Fridays The Shabby Nest Chic on a Shoestring Decorating  French Country Cottage    Funky Junk's Saturday Nite Special  Photobucket   

You may also like...

  • Sliding Glass Door MakeoverSliding Glass Door Makeover
  • DIY Windowseat Cushion CoverDIY Windowseat Cushion Cover
  • “E” is for Epoxy“E” is for Epoxy
  • “F” is for Footstool“F” is for Footstool
Share this post:

Filed Under: DIY, FURNITURE, HOME DECOR, SEW, SEWING70 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Trisha @ The Sweet Survival says

    March 27, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    Gorgeous! The chair looks amazing, what a great find for $20!

    Reply
  2. Heidi says

    March 27, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    Wow ~ you do great work! And you make it look so easy, which it is not, unless you have a skilled hand! Now where did you find that chair for 20 bucks?
    :)Heidi

    Reply
  3. Angie says

    March 27, 2011 at 1:57 PM

    Wow! Of all the projects I have seen since I started following your blog, this is my favorite so far. It is beautiful.

    Angie
    Linen & Verbena

    Reply
  4. Allison@FabRehab says

    March 27, 2011 at 2:38 PM

    I can't beleive yow fast you got this done! Way to go…it's beautiful!

    Reply
  5. [email protected] says

    March 27, 2011 at 3:11 PM

    Jaime, it's gorgeous. I redid a chair almost exactly like that last year, and we love it. Your's is amazing. Here's the link to mine if you want to see it.

    http://thelifeofloulou.blogspot.com/2010/09/may-just-be-my-favorite-yet.html

    Reply
  6. Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage says

    March 27, 2011 at 3:18 PM

    She is so gorgeous!!! I can't beleive a chair that pretty was only $30, wow! I love the ruffle detail. You are amazing! Is there anything that you can't do?

    Reply
  7. Ashley White Interior Design says

    March 27, 2011 at 3:52 PM

    Wow- gorgeous!!! I love the distressed look.

    Reply
  8. Restoration House says

    March 27, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    You did a great job Jaime! It looks awesome. Love the little slipcover.
    Kim:)

    Reply
  9. A Vintage Vine says

    March 27, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    WOW! I can see the details on the wood…love it…Congrats,..saw your project made the DIY club top Ten!!!!! YEAH!

    Reply
  10. Pamela says

    March 28, 2011 at 1:22 AM

    Love your ch air!! It is just beautiful! I had found a chair similar to this a few weeks and am kicking myself for not getting it.

    Reply
  11. Inspired by you says

    March 28, 2011 at 2:14 AM

    Absolutely gorgeous! You did an amazing job. I really love the small ruffle along the bottom.

    Reply
  12. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    March 28, 2011 at 3:58 AM

    She's absolutely gorgeous!! I have a similar chair that I reupholstered and this is the look I was thinking of originally- it might be getting a re-do again! lol!! Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂

    Reply
  13. SANDI says

    March 28, 2011 at 2:43 PM

    Wow! Beautiful chair. You've done a wonderful job!
    [email protected]

    Reply
  14. Judy says

    March 28, 2011 at 3:52 PM

    So lucky…what a great find. You really did a great job on the transformation. I have been a follower for a while. I would love for you to come follow me back. Thanks.

    Reply
  15. Patti says

    March 29, 2011 at 12:45 AM

    Wow, you make it look so easy…but this is something I have never attempted! Your chair came out lovely!

    Reply
  16. Lynn@ The Vintage Nest says

    March 29, 2011 at 1:06 AM

    FAN-TAB-U-LOUS!!

    Reply
  17. lvroftiques says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:41 AM

    Your chair was an absolute steal! And turned out wonderfully! Great job! I also want to thank you so much for your clear instructions. I'm about to cover two chairs in a similar fashion and I really appreciate the help. Vanna

    Reply
  18. pinktoesandpowertools says

    March 29, 2011 at 3:07 AM

    "L" is for Love this!! Gorgeous chair!

    Where do you find the time for all you do?? Compared to you, I'm a couch potato 🙂

    Reply
  19. m e g a n says

    March 29, 2011 at 12:53 PM

    So cute I love it! I need to find a chair like that to make over, they look like so much fun!

    Meg

    Reply
  20. Michelle @Shellsshabbyshack says

    March 29, 2011 at 3:50 PM

    Love the lines of this chair! The slipcover just makes it! You did a great makeover on her.
    Take care!

    Reply
  21. Tabitha says

    March 29, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    So pretty! I love the pleat trim. The whole thing is fabulous!

    Reply
  22. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    March 29, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    wow! that is stunning! i love the finish on the wooden features, and the slipcover is amazing!

    Reply
  23. Ticking and Toile says

    March 29, 2011 at 6:07 PM

    Totally perfect. Wow ~ I'm super impressed!!! 🙂

    Reply
  24. Beth@The Stories of A to Z says

    March 29, 2011 at 11:15 PM

    What a beautiful chair! Fabulous!

    Reply
  25. DecorandtheDog says

    March 30, 2011 at 12:08 AM

    This is fabulousness!!

    Reply
  26. Ashleigh@Sincerely says

    March 30, 2011 at 1:37 AM

    This turned out beautifully! I can't believe you scored it for $20!

    Reply
  27. The DIY Show Off says

    March 30, 2011 at 12:11 PM

    Jaime, you are so talented! Everything you do has gorgeous results. I love this too. Do you ever rest?! 🙂

    Thanks for sharing in the DIY Project Parade. 😉
    Roeshel

    Reply
  28. Suzanne@Meridian Road says

    March 30, 2011 at 3:01 PM

    Beautiful! I love the slipcovered seat!

    Reply
  29. Shelley says

    March 30, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    Great job! I love, love the pleating on the skirt, so gorgeous.

    Found you on Coastal Charm 🙂

    Shelley
    http://www.westermanfam.blogspot.com

    Reply
  30. Jennifer says

    March 30, 2011 at 9:27 PM

    Very pretty! I have a craigslist chair that I'm in the process of redoing sort of like that one. I hope mine looks half as good as yours!

    Reply
  31. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    March 31, 2011 at 12:50 AM

    Definitely a beautiful job!

    Reply
  32. Amy of WhisperWood Cottage and Junkologie says

    March 31, 2011 at 1:03 AM

    Stunning! May I send over my chairs that need to be done?

    Reply
  33. Julie says

    March 31, 2011 at 1:37 AM

    SUPER job. I've been looking for a chair to do a very similar makeover, so basically I'm totally jealous!

    Reply
  34. Slipcover Chic says

    March 31, 2011 at 4:22 AM

    I have had 2 chairs similiar to this and I have been putting off redoing them for 5 years. Thanks for the tutorial it inspired me to get busy!

    Reply
  35. Maureen says

    March 31, 2011 at 4:40 AM

    You did a wonderful job! The chair has such great lines and curves.

    Reply
  36. Amanda@RelovedRubbish says

    April 1, 2011 at 1:08 AM

    Your chair is stunning! I love the finish you gave it and the pleated, ruffle trim is darling!

    I am your newest follower 🙂

    Amanda

    Reply
  37. Paulette, Jvona & Rachel says

    April 1, 2011 at 2:01 AM

    I found you on The Shabby Chic Cottage. Great redo. I love the slip with the white pleated ruffle. I may have to copy that. 😀
    And, I think I'm becoming a follower and adding you to my Google Reader list!
    -Paulette

    Reply
  38. Miss Mustard Seed says

    April 1, 2011 at 2:10 AM

    Ooooo. I like! 🙂

    Reply
  39. Brooks Interior says

    April 1, 2011 at 2:12 AM

    STUNNING!! Love the pleated trim!

    Reply
  40. Ann@StylishOnceAgain says

    April 1, 2011 at 2:16 AM

    Beautiful! I love the paint treatment and the pleated ruffle!

    Reply
  41. Katie @ EyeSpyDIY says

    April 1, 2011 at 2:17 AM

    Wow, what a transformation! Looks great now!

    Reply
  42. Marie says

    April 1, 2011 at 3:05 AM

    I am so jealous! You did a remarkable job transforming that french salon chair. Mine, not so much. I just posted about it too, but it was so hard for me to upholster the seat part especially where the seat and the arms meet. Any tips?

    Happy Feathered Nest Friday!
    -marie

    Reply
  43. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    April 1, 2011 at 4:11 AM

    So glad you linked this up to the party- I love this chair and love how it turned out and yes… I am thinking my chair might soon be getting a makeover!! Thanks for sharing it at FNF! 🙂

    Reply
  44. Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys says

    April 1, 2011 at 12:48 PM

    Very pretty! I love the ruffle details. And the treatment on the wood is phenomenal! Very Miss Mustard Seedish of ya! 😉

    Reply
  45. Brandy J. says

    April 1, 2011 at 1:37 PM

    STUNNING!

    Reply
  46. Bridget @ The Rehab Boutique says

    April 1, 2011 at 3:41 PM

    I love it!!! It came out beautiful!!!

    Reply
  47. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal says

    April 1, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    I love this chair. The little ruffled slip cover is so cute. You did a great job with the paint treatment.

    Reply
  48. Erin says

    April 1, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    STUNNING!!!! The lines and carvings and gorgeous…and the little ruffle is so sweet! 🙂

    Reply
  49. mims225 says

    April 1, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    Terrific job on the chair. I want to reupholster a similar chair I have sitting at home. I have to invest in a fabric staple gun, any recommendations?

    Reply
  50. awal.ny says

    April 2, 2011 at 3:39 AM

    I love your chair. I have a pair like it but I was unsure how to do the seat, but I like your way best. The little ruffle is my favorite.

    Reply
  51. Faith, Trust, and a Little Pixie Dust says

    April 2, 2011 at 4:21 AM

    This looks adorable & professional.

    Warmly, Michelle

    Reply
  52. Sarita says

    April 2, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    BEAUTIFUL! I love the look of redone chairs like that. You did a fantastic job!

    Reply
  53. Sommer says

    April 2, 2011 at 3:13 PM

    Oooh link this too! I LOVE THIS CHAIR. It's freaking GORGEOUS!

    Reply
  54. Bettsi says

    April 3, 2011 at 2:31 AM

    Wowee! She is some beauty! Great job!

    Reply
  55. Stef says

    April 3, 2011 at 3:32 AM

    Amazing. Absolutely amazing. And great simple instructions for us wannabe copycats. Thank you! Love it.

    Reply
  56. Theresa says

    April 3, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    That is absolutely beautiful! I love using drop cloths, your chair went from blah to gorgeous with a bit of utilitarian fabric and a great deal of talent! xoxo

    Reply
  57. emilysnan says

    April 3, 2011 at 8:01 PM

    hiya jamie , W is for wow , you did a fab job onthis chair and your tut is very detailed and helpful
    tfs
    xmaggiex

    Reply
  58. Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures/Treasured Moments says

    April 3, 2011 at 8:22 PM

    You have some awesome talent. Love your chair.

    Reply
  59. Meg and Mum's says

    April 3, 2011 at 9:31 PM

    That's amazing! So classy and beautiful. Where on earth do you find a chair like that for $20?!! Lucky thing 🙂

    Reply
  60. Remodelaholic says

    April 6, 2011 at 7:10 PM

    This makeover is AMAZING! I love how it looks! You are seriously good!

    I wonder if you would be interested in writing a special guest post on Remodelaholic about the project! Let me know, I will send you the details.

    Thanks,
    Cassity

    Reply
  61. SJ @ Homemaker On A Dime says

    April 7, 2011 at 4:44 AM

    Another masterpiece! So impressed, Jaime 🙂

    Reply
  62. Joselyn says

    April 8, 2011 at 2:21 AM

    Visiting from FFF. Love how you enhanced the furniture detail using paint. Cute slipcover too!

    Reply
  63. Amanda says

    April 8, 2011 at 4:13 AM

    Amazing. I love, love it. Great job!

    Reply
  64. Jacqueline says

    April 8, 2011 at 2:40 PM

    Wow you are talented!

    Simply Creations Link Party

    Reply
  65. Stephanie says

    April 8, 2011 at 6:32 PM

    Even though there are so many compliments on your beautiful chair, I had to tell you myself how I adore it. It is so striking and well made. I am having a chair done like this for a friend, and I hope they do as good of a job as you did!

    Reply
  66. Pretty Unique Furniture says

    April 17, 2011 at 9:39 PM

    wow you did a fantastic job – it is really beautiful and finished perfectly 🙂
    Tina

    Reply
  67. Jeannie says

    May 11, 2011 at 1:58 PM

    what a great job. where do you buy your drop cloths? yours look less "slubby " then the ones i have found. also, your welting looks single, hlw did you finish it off so there were no seams showing?

    Reply
  68. Jamie Glenn says

    May 2, 2013 at 12:34 AM

    You make it look so easy! I LOVE how this turned out. It will definitely make me look twice next time I see a chair like this at a yard sale!

    Btw, Great name 🙂

    Reply
  69. Patricia says

    February 28, 2019 at 8:03 AM

    Beautiful work, I like the drop cloth combined with the crisp white pleated trim , I have several chairs to fix alot of work but worth it when you see the final results.

    Reply
    • Jaime says

      February 28, 2019 at 4:31 PM

      Thank you Patty, I agree wholeheartedly – it’s a lot of work but oh so rewarding and worth the effort. Good luck with your projects!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Hi! I’m Jaime

Jaime Costiglio

Hello!

Thank you for stopping by.
Join me for lots of DIY.

Read more

Get new posts via email

Handbuilt Holiday: Gift Project Plans

handbuilt holiday gift project plans

Collection of DIY gift project plans to build.

The Home Depot Tool Prospective

THD Prospective

Tools to consider for the DIYer.

Archives

The Home Depot Logo
Copyright © 2023 Jaime Costiglio · Custom site by Moonsteam Design

Privacy Policy