Painted Upholstery

E.-

Does the chair have particularly good bones & cushioning? Does it fit your space really well? If so, and you are really intent on that restoring this particular chair, get the re-upholstering priced. It can run you as little as $50 to get it done professionally. When you compare that to the price of getting paint, tape, sand paper, tack cloth, a mask, gloves, brushes, etc. It might be more cost effective to get it re-upholsered. Otherwise, my suggestion is to simply keep your eyes peeled for something agreeable on craigs list, at a yard sale or second hand shop.

Best,
F. B.

I never knew painted upholstery existed until I looked it up.
I never heard of it before now.
In our family we always used furniture slip covers to change a look and they are easy to wash.

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/category/home-decor...

you need to add fabric medium to the paint. I follow this decorating blog and she did this to a sofa. It has a video and other information: http://www.addicted2decorating.com/i-painted-my-sofa-befo...

Hi E.,

I haven't done it myself, but I know that it can be done.

Look up Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan. (Note: this is NOT the same as chalkboard paint)!

She has a website, and you can search for stores in your area that sell this product. There are also other companies that make a similar paint, but hers is the one I've heard of most.

A quick search also showed several Pinterest and youtube demonstrations of painting upholstery, so it definitely can be done.

Good luck! I've been wanting to try this myself! Let us know how it goes!

J. F.

I got my parents original drexel furniture 30 years ago when they retired, and wanted something 'new'.

I LOVE it! It is good solid furniture, and went thru 32 years of military moves with them...and several with me!

I had it re upholstered about 20 years ago, and at that time, for two chairs and a couch it was pretty pricey. I have made slipcovers in the years since, and am looking to try my hand at upholstery at some point.

One thing I have found that added 'life' between new coverings was to make armrest covers, and also have a throw that I toss over the back of the piece. I often just put a decorative placemat on the 'head' of the chair. These are the typical areas that 'show' wear first. I have made them out of material, I have crocheted items as well.

I have never thought of a fabric paint though. Hmmm.

I will be looking for other replies. Failing that, DO post back what YOU end up with, and how it works out!

Best!