Deconstructing A Chair ~

If you have good bones, the rest is about making it pretty

I am a BIG fan of reupholstering furniture.  Granted, it is generally as expensive as buying new, but I like the "green" factor.  If it's a family heirloom, means something to a client, or is just built well and looks good but needs a little makeover, reupholstering a piece is often a great alternative to trashing it. 

 Often I have things delivered to my upholsterer without much thought to the many steps involved.  Let's take a look ~

While this Bergere chair did have a nice fabric on it, it did not go with our new color scheme and it needed some TLC

so we removed the old fabric and 1st layer of cotton

The chair was checked for cracks, nicks or any compromised components.  This is when it would be touched up or glued if necessary.

The new fabric goes to the cutter and each section is measured TWICE and cut ONCE

Scraps of fabric are sewn around edges of each section to secure fabric on the chair.  I thought this was brilliant because you don't waste expensive fabric inside the chair where it won't be seen

It then goes to the upholsterer where he applies a fresh layer of cotton and rebuilds the foundation with the existing foam.  Then the fabric is tucked and stapled into place

The sewer makes the casings for the cushions and they are stuffed accordingly.  We went with a 50/50 down fill for a slightly firmer feeling.

The sewer is also making the welting that we will wrap around the frame where it meets the fabric so any staples will be hidden and it really gives a finished appearance.  However, in this case the welting was too thick and I didn't like the way it looked.  We opted for a gimp trim instead

I don't want to show you too much ~ waiting for the BIG reveal.  Suffice to say, the chairs came out great and the room is going to be GORGEOUS!

Just using the lighter fabric instantly made the chair more visually exciting and lighter in feel.  The geometric pattern modernized the French style chair.  I am really loving it now.  It's clean and fresh, not dark and stodgy.

Think about how you can simply reupholster a piece that may not be working anymore.

Fabric is Brunschwig & Fils: square dance figured velvet

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