Are you a jump right into the middle of a project kind of person? This practice has served me OKay over the years. However, I seriously made a mistake when I decided to deconstruct a vintage chair.
The old saying “They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To” DEFINITELY applies to old chairs. The Real Truth About Deconstructing a Chair is those things are put together to stay! Since I did not realize this beforehand, I jumped right into the project with a flat head screw driver, hammer, needle nose pliers and A LOT of skin. This was a mistake for sure! Although I’m very happy with the results, the scars may be a reminder for the rest of my life. LOL
The result of all my hard work including fun pillows and then what the chair looked like originally! Hand Painted Bunny Tails Pillow and Seat Cushion Pillow are available in my store. Check out another favorite DIY here!

The Project Begins
Down to the Frame

Hours Later……


Because this is a deconstructed look, you don’t need to bother with wood filler. Just sand with a fine grit sanding block until the areas are smooth to the touch.
Stain the raw wood
At this point, you’ll want to stain the new wood and any unstained portion of the chair. You want to choose a stain to closely match the stained areas of the chair.
For this step, I used a quick drying gel stain in Walnut.
Paint Chair Frame
Almost Done


Using proper equipment


These tools are not expensive and will save you a lot of time and heartache.

Golden Stag Gloves

How do you like the chair? It’s exactly how I envisioned it but the task of removing all the old upholstery materials was a lot more than I bargained for. Because I know have property tools, believe it or not, I’m already starting to pull some staples from another thrift store find.
Thank you for stopping by! Hopefully you are not discouraged to try a project of your own. I have learned from my mistakes and hopefully given you the tools and encouragement to begin a project. Please don’t hesitate to ask me any questions and your comments are always appreciated.
XOXO,
Rachel


Thank you for posting this! I’m new to your blog and absolutely love your “down to earth” DIY’s. I have 2 very old french chairs I acquired and will be taking this on very soon. Beautiful chair and beautiful home!
Sondra,
Thank you so much for following along. I wish you luck on your project. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Rachel
Thank you Rachel! I certainly will.
Great!
Good Morning Rachel
wow is all I can say* that before and after is incredible. I am not so sure I would have lasted to the end like you did. That is soooo much work. But what a great chair you have now. Thanks for sharing. Maybe I will do one some day*
deezie
thanks so much Deezie,
I appreciate your supportive comments.
Love this chair. I am not inspired to make one though, being lazy in my old age, but would buy one if I saw it. Great job.
Jillian,
It is a lot of work. I appreciate you for stopping by and commenting. Have a great day.
Rachel
Lovely. You are so talented. You truly must enjoy doing things like this. Keep up the good work.
Carole
Carole,
I appreciate these sweet compliments. I hope you enjoy exploring more of my blog.
Rachel
Love that chair!!! I would love to make one I’m going to keep my eyes open for one. Once good will reopens.
Carolyn
Thank you for stopping by. I can’t wait to see how your chair turns out.
rachel
Where can you purchase the tools you suggest?
Jan,
If you click on the highlighted description of the tools, it will take you to the shop.
Any of the highlighted words are linked.
I hope that helps.
Rachel