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You are here: Home / DIY Upcycling / How to upcycle wooden chairs with a fresh look

How to upcycle wooden chairs with a fresh look

23rd February 2017 by Claire Armstrong 69 Comments

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I have to confess that this is a bit of a cheat. I learned how to upcycle wooden chairs by watching my craft buddy Leonie do hers.

In my defense, I was with Leonie when she bought the chairs. In fact, I even bought them for her (Leonie’s like the Queen in that she doesn’t carry cash!).

Also, as I did see the transformation first hand I think that gets me off the hook a bit. I did help her with the painting.

Leonie doesn’t have a blog and really doesn’t do social media. She has nowhere to share her fabulous thrift store upcycle. Therefore, I’m really doing a friend a favor, by showing off her drab to fab upcycle.

I could have pretended that it was my upcycle. You wouldn’t have known any better, but Leonie reads my blog.

Fabulous Colourful Ikea Upcycled Chairs

It turns out that these wooden chairs we upcycled were in fact old IKEA chairs. So this is not just any old chair upcycle but an IKEA hack too.

The chairs were picked up for a bargain at a local jumble trail. Jumble trails are a British equivalent to garage sales. They tend to be organized in neighbour hoods so that everyone has their jumble sale at on the same day at the same time.

The idea is you walk around your neighborhood from one sale to the next. As well as being great for spotting bargains, it’s a great way to meet the neighbors.

These chairs must have been the bargain of the month, they were bought for only £10 for all six. For my US readers, that’s about $2 a chair BARGAIN!.
 
There wasn’t much wrong with the chairs. They were just some old IKEA dining chairs. Structurally they were sound but rather drab with lots of scratches and marks.
 

Upcycled chairs before.

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What You Need To Upcycle Wooden Chairs

  • White chalk furniture paint
  • Chalk paint finishing wax
  • Round chalk paintbrush
  • Rowan Big Wool for cushion pads in black, blue, green and pink.
  • Round seat pad inners

1.. First, the chairs were washed down with soapy water to get rid of any dust and grime.

2. The beauty of chalk paint is that you don’t need to do much prep before painting. Once dried the chairs were painted with the chalk paint.

As the chairs were being painted a lighter color 2 coats of paint were applied. After the paint had dried a finishing wax was rubbed onto the chalk paint to seal it and protect the chairs.

Chalk paint upcycled chair

3. The cushion pads were the real show-stoppers of this upcycle. They are actually very simple to make, they are just basically one giant round granny square. Even if you are a beginner crocheter, I’d give this project ago as it is a very simple pattern to follow with no complicated stitches.

Rowan big wool was used in a combination of colors; black, blue, grey, green, and pink. If you look closely every cushion is different in the way the colors are combined.
 
If you can crochet, then these cushion covers will not take long to make. Most good crocheters can make them without a pattern but if you are a beginner you should be able to find a pattern on Ravelery.com.
 
There is a free pattern on Ravelry for this round cushion using Rowan big wool. You will need to join Ravelry to access the free pattern but it is free to join.
 
The colorful seat pads really pop against the white chairs and I love how everyone is different. They also add a bit of comfort to the upcycled wooden chairs

Crochet cushion covers for upcycled chairs.
From drab to fab.  Simply upcycled chairs with chalk paint and crochet cushion pads
upcycled chair with colourful crochet seat pad.

Roll on a few weeks after our chair purchase, I visited Leonie’s house for a party. When I walked into the dining room, the first thing I noticed (besides the delicious food on the table), was her fabulous upcycled chairs.

Those rather drab Ikea chairs had been transformed into fresh bright chairs with funky seat pads.
 
The crochet seat pads were what really transformed the upcycled chairs and gave them personality. Especially as every cushion was slightly different. Not only that but after sitting on them for the evening I can confirm that they were very comfy too.
 

From drab to fab.  Simply upcycled chairs with chalk paint and crochet cushion pads.

This tutorial on how to upcycle wooden chairs featured under the letter C in the A to Z of upcycled crafts.

I have another wooden chair upcycle on Pillarboxblue with my personalized map chairs. There is also a tutorial on how to upcycle an IKEA office chair in denim.

 
 
For more fabulous DIY furniture ideas visit the DIYideacenter.
 
 
 



 
 

Filed Under: DIY Upcycling Tagged With: chair, chalk paint, colorful, colourful, crochet, cushion, pillow, seat pad, thrift store challenge, upcycle, upcycled chair, white

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ola

    5th April 2017 at 10:41 pm

    Hi! Visiting From My Repurposed Life. I love how crisp and fresh this look is! So refreshing.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      6th April 2017 at 12:54 am

      Thank you? They certainly do look much brighter than before.

      Reply
  2. Amber

    7th March 2017 at 9:36 pm

    I love the colour and the cushions what a bargain !!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      8th March 2017 at 6:55 am

      Thank you, the colours are great.

      Reply
  3. Debrashoppeno5

    5th March 2017 at 10:22 pm

    You took the chairs from bland to beautiful. And they do look comfy.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      6th March 2017 at 7:56 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  4. Katy SkipTheBag

    5th March 2017 at 2:18 pm

    What a beautiful upcycle! I love the colors of those pads. Thanks for sharing on Waste Less Wednesday Blog Hop!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      5th March 2017 at 8:31 pm

      Thank you.

      Reply
  5. Sandra

    2nd March 2017 at 11:40 pm

    $2 a chair, what a steal! I would have bought them and scooted out of the store quickly in case the price was a mistake. Great job and I’m happy you were with Leonie that day.Thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story, have a great weekend.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      3rd March 2017 at 8:19 am

      Thank you so much and thanks for hosting.

      Reply
  6. Wendy

    2nd March 2017 at 10:48 pm

    The crocheted cushions rock! I loved this post, because I’ve considered posting projects I’ve helped a friend craft. Crafting is like a disease, isn’t it? lol

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      2nd March 2017 at 11:12 pm

      Thank you, more like a drug very addictive.

      Reply
  7. Keri

    2nd March 2017 at 4:28 pm

    Claire, the makeover these chairs received is great! Love those crocheted cushions!!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      2nd March 2017 at 7:08 pm

      Thank you so much, the cushions are a hit.

      Reply
  8. Sue Purdy

    2nd March 2017 at 3:51 am

    These are fabulous. I love the bo-ho crochet chair cushions too. They are so sweet. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      2nd March 2017 at 7:10 am

      Cheers and thank you!

      Reply
  9. Carol ("Mimi")

    1st March 2017 at 8:22 pm

    Very pretty! The colorful crocheted cushions really stand out against the fresh, white chalk paint on the upcycled chairs. These chairs look good as new, now — and for just $2.00 each!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      2nd March 2017 at 7:09 am

      Thank you, I know what a bargain!

      Reply
  10. creativejewishmom/sara

    1st March 2017 at 3:14 pm

    lovely claire, love the colors of the cushions! thanks for sharing on craft schooling Sunday!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      2nd March 2017 at 7:09 am

      Thank you, I thought you would like the colours as your site is so colourful.

      Reply
  11. Brenda Young

    28th February 2017 at 9:09 pm

    Adorable makeover, I love addition of the crochet seat cushions they really make it for me giving them a great vintage vibe! Thanks for sharing them at Fridays Furniture Fix!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      28th February 2017 at 10:38 pm

      Thank you !

      Reply
  12. Julie

    28th February 2017 at 8:45 pm

    I love your long explanation of why you were forced to write this post even thought the upcycle was not technically yours. I buy it totally, in fact I think it would have been rude not to share this rags to riches chair story.
    They turned out fabulously. We have wooden ikea chairs, a slightly different style and they don’t really go in our new house (I say new house, it’s been nearly 2 years now!) they would look great in white like this…… A job for the summer methinks, thanks .

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      28th February 2017 at 10:37 pm

      Thank you Julie, yes I just had to share them. It is amazing how a lick of paint can transform things.

      Reply
  13. Cecilia

    28th February 2017 at 1:31 am

    Wow you got a great deal on those chairs, Claire. Love the bright cushions against the fresh white! Thanks for sharing @Vintage Charm!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      28th February 2017 at 7:25 am

      Thank you so much and thanks for hosting.

      Reply
  14. Chelsea @ The Johnsons Plus Dog

    27th February 2017 at 11:41 pm

    What a great friend you are 🙂 I love the way these turned out. Chalk paint to the rescue!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      28th February 2017 at 7:23 am

      Thanks, chalk paint is amazing stuff. I can’t believe we used to use horrible gloss paint on furniture years ago.

      Reply
  15. michelle

    27th February 2017 at 9:18 pm

    Those are the cutest cushions ever!!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      28th February 2017 at 7:20 am

      Yes I think you’re right they are, thank you

      Reply
  16. debbie

    27th February 2017 at 8:14 pm

    The chairs are stunning. What a little white can do, amazing. Such a good idea to hijack your friends project and feature it on your blog, it deserves to be seen.
    thanks for joining TADA! Thursdays

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      27th February 2017 at 8:55 pm

      Thank you, yes she didn’t have anywhere to share it and I thought it deserved an audience.

      Reply
  17. The Patchwork Fairy

    27th February 2017 at 2:15 pm

    Love those chairs and the crochet pads in the jewel colours. Very inspiring.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      27th February 2017 at 8:54 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  18. Toni | Small Home Soul

    27th February 2017 at 6:27 am

    That is a great bargain on those chairs and they look better in white. And those cushions are too adorable, love the colors.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      27th February 2017 at 7:28 am

      Thank you, Toni.

      Reply
  19. Chelc | Inside the Fox Den

    26th February 2017 at 1:10 am

    How fun and colorful! Great job!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      26th February 2017 at 7:24 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  20. Denise Bryant

    25th February 2017 at 9:30 pm

    You are a GREAT friend and Leonie did an awesome job on these chairs. Love them.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      25th February 2017 at 9:59 pm

      Thank you and she’s a good friend too.

      Reply
  21. Jeannee~Shepherds and Chardonnay

    25th February 2017 at 7:52 pm

    They definitely look more fabulous in white! Beautiful chairs! Love the colorful cushions!
    Jeannee

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      25th February 2017 at 9:54 pm

      Cheers and thank you!

      Reply
  22. Kim~madeinaday

    25th February 2017 at 4:56 pm

    These cushions are too cute! Love how they pop against the white of the chairs!
    Kim

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      25th February 2017 at 5:54 pm

      Thank you KIm.

      Reply
  23. Dru

    25th February 2017 at 2:32 am

    Wow! $2 a chair. How lucky are you? Isn’t it amazing what paint can do? They look totally different. Love them.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      25th February 2017 at 7:41 am

      Yes an amazing bargain.

      Reply
  24. Maureen

    24th February 2017 at 8:02 pm

    Those cushions are fabulous! They really pop on the newly refreshed dining chairs.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      25th February 2017 at 7:25 am

      Wthank you. I think it’s the colours she chose.

      Reply
  25. janet trieschman

    24th February 2017 at 2:45 pm

    those cushions!!!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      24th February 2017 at 4:40 pm

      I know !!! THanks

      Reply
  26. Amanda @ The Kolb Corner

    23rd February 2017 at 11:14 pm

    What a steal at $2 a chair! And those cushions are so bright and fun!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      24th February 2017 at 7:31 am

      Thank ou so much Amanda, and thanks for organising.

      Reply
  27. Ashley ~ 3 Little Greenwoods

    23rd February 2017 at 10:50 pm

    Those colorful pillows make me happy-happy! I’ll definitely be on the lookout for chairs to upcycle soon.

    Thanks so much for the DIY inspiration!

    {BIG hugs}
    ~ Ashley

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      24th February 2017 at 7:33 am

      Thank you, I think the cushions make the chairs.

      Reply
  28. sherry

    23rd February 2017 at 9:48 pm

    Those chairs look amazing and what a great price you paid. I love the cushions too.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      23rd February 2017 at 9:56 pm

      Cheers and thank you!

      Reply
  29. Kim

    23rd February 2017 at 8:52 pm

    I can’t even get over how adorable the pads are and how they pop on that fresh white! She (and you too!) did an dorable job!!!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      23rd February 2017 at 9:13 pm

      Thanks, I would like to take the credit but she did all the work. I just helped her buy them.

      Reply
  30. Erlene

    23rd February 2017 at 7:06 pm

    Those chairs were a bargain! Your friend did a fabulous job repainting and adding the fun crochet cushions. The chairs look so fun and cheery.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      23rd February 2017 at 9:12 pm

      Thanks, I do like their cheeriness.

      Reply
  31. Lora

    23rd February 2017 at 3:21 pm

    What a steal on the chairs, can’t beat that! I love the cushions!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      23rd February 2017 at 9:12 pm

      Thanks, they were an incredible bargain.

      Reply
  32. Mary

    23rd February 2017 at 2:00 pm

    I’m always amazed at what a little paint can do. So many people cannot see past what’s in front of them to see potential. These chairs look great.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      23rd February 2017 at 2:06 pm

      Thanks, it never ceases to amaze me how a lick of paint can transform something.

      Reply
  33. Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled

    23rd February 2017 at 1:31 pm

    Great transformation Claire! Love the term “jumble sale”. That’s new to me here in the US but it sounds better than “yard sale”! Visiting from Thrift Store Challenge.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      23rd February 2017 at 2:05 pm

      Thank you, I like the word Jumble sale too. When it’s outside people’s houses it’s called a jumble trail as normally quite a few houses in the neighbourhood participate at the same time so you just wander from one to the other. Otherwise, Jumble sales are community events held in places like Church halls and schools. We also have car boot sales.

      Reply
  34. MEDINA GRILLO

    23rd February 2017 at 11:39 am

    Oh wow love those crochet cushions! Sp pleasing to the eye 🙂 Great job claire!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      23rd February 2017 at 2:01 pm

      Thanks, I love those cushions too. The colour combination is great.

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 32 Decorative DIY Pillow Ideas That Will Transform Any Space • Cool Crafts says:
    28th June 2017 at 2:09 pm

    […] up your chairs with a set of these fabulous Crochet Cushion Pads from Pillar Box Blue that double as […]

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