Eclectic Makeover: Using Men's Suits to Upholster a Set of Dining Room Chairs

This might just be my favorite make-over of the year….

and it's only January 8th!

My client, Patty's, daughter & her boyfriend were moving 

into their very first house right after the new year.

Isn't this the sweetest house you've ever seen?

I just love a yellow house. 

(I have one.)

For Christmas, 

Mom & Dad wanted to give them a set of dining room chairs, 

but just wasn't sure exactly what they wanted.

I happened to have this set of chairs in my storage unit 

awaiting a future makeover.. 

Presently, they are covered in a gold vinyl with a zillion nail heads. 

(I know this because I removed every single one of them!)

Since we weren't exactly sure of direction- 

and didn't want to spoil the surprise by asking-

we decided I would do just one chair as a prototype 

to put under the tree for Christmas. 

And then after Christmas, I would finish them up, 

change, whatever, based on their direction.

 BEFORE chair.

 Step one: 

Yep, remove all the nail heads.

 I sanded, primed and painted the chair 

in Benjamin Moore Stone Harbor.

 Next, I distress sanded. 

Here's a close up.

 Next, I brushed on a mixture of stains, 

and then wiped off the excess.

See the difference in the finish after the stain?

Now….for fabric.

We didn't want to get too "frou-frou" with the fabric, 

since it was a "his and her" gift.

I went to some thrift shops 

and purchased several men's wool suits.

 I used these to upholster...

 …the seat...

 …the back...

 …and the front….

different fabrics for each area.

Pockets, buttons, and all.

Afterwards, I added gimp along the chair front,

with a couple of the nail heads I had salvaged.

 And on the back, for another "twist," 

I used the lining of one of the suits for edging.

 The front pocket is the perfect place...

..for a Christmas tag!

Here it sits under the tree on Christmas morning…

They LOVED it.

So after Christmas, 

I finished the other three chairs.

 Assembly line painting...

 The arm chair...

 …and the last two.

 I think this is my favorite one. 

I even used the "Harris Tweed" tag and lining pocket.

 Each is totally different

but together they make such a statement!

And the backs...

 So fun!

And here's their new home….

with this wonderful old tiger oak table.

A totally unique dining room for a totally unique couple!!

Congratulations

and pass the potatoes!