Yep. These babies are all mine.
Since my dream chairs – the Jayden chairs from World Market that were marked down to 2 for $80 – were not to be mine (WM won’t ship them and the closest store to me is at least 7 hours away in Maryland. Plus that store won’t confirm that they have the chairs in stock. Because YES I am nuts and actually considering driving to Maryland from Massachusetts in the middle of a very snowy winter just for those chairs.) – I’ve been keeping my eye out for alternatives.
One of my besties was with me when I found these at the Salvation Army last Friday. I had just told her about my hunt for 6 side chairs. As I’m telling her how every viable set of chairs I have seen on Craigslist or in thrift stores had 2 armchairs and 4 side chairs, and I never see sets with 6 decent sidechairs, we come across a set with 6 SIDECHAIRS! Solid, with upholstered seats (one of my hopes!), and in great condition (with the exception of a few scratches and a hole in one of the chair’s caning.)
But, hmmmmm, too traditional? Too tall? Too – old lady-ish?
I left them, and mulled it over with my friend Pinny Von Pinterest. Between the two of us we decided the chairs would be perfect candidates for a makeover.
My husband, kids, and mother all think I fell off my rocker, but just check out these cane back chairs that have all been given new life with paint and/or fabric.
Chiang Mai on the seats – how fun is that????????????? (Except for the fact that I need 3 yards….and Chiang Mai is currently $148 a yard. Uh huh.)
I LOVE this bold color choice, particularly with the dark walls. Has me thinking.
Caitlin Wilson makes old look so chic, doesn’t she? Striped fabric across the chair – I am a huge fan.
So what do you think of my next big project??? Are you feeling a little skeptical? Me too.
That’s what makes it so fun!
Now all I need are some above freezing temps so I can break out the spray gun again!!!
*The first photo is by Michelle, author of the blog Sweet Something Design which I started following when I first discovered blogs. Michelle recently lost her battle with cancer. While I didn’t know Michelle personally, I felt like I knew her just from reading her blog that is filled with DIY projects and home improvements. Michelle was a wife and the mom to two boys and following her blog always inspired me to appreciate every little day. It was serendipitous that when I was weighing whether to buy these cane back chairs, whether they’d be right for our house, whether I would end up hating them, the first photo on Pinterest that I clicked on turned out to be hers. Who knows what tomorrow will bring – today, I’m jumping in with both feet.
xo,
Jane Bernard says
Lisa, I love your new chairs!! They are perfect for a makeover too! I can't wait to see what you do. I love cane chairs too!
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
Score! I'm not skeptical at all because I know you can turn those suckers into something amazing. They have great bones. And I love the idea of going bold with the color!
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about Michelle. I've checked in on her blog off and on for years and that makes me sick! She was extremely talented and I gathered so much inspiration from her projects!
I love your chairs, and the high backs! I've been thinking…what if you did some Chiang Mai pillows for your host chairs, and then covered the seats with a fun coordinating pattern? Loving the possibility of a color, but I also like your idea of black, or painted with leaving the caning brown. So many possibilities!
Vel Criste says
Aaaah! SCORE! These are fabulous Lisa! I would be so confused as to what to paint them with ( or not)!!!! And the fabric choices are endlesss too!!!! Can't wait to see these babies spiffed up!
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
I think the chairs will be fabulous. I love them. Can't wait to see what you do with them. Hugs, Marty
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
Your chairs are amazing!! Love them! Calico Corners has a great Chiang Mai knock-off – check it out!
Julie Workman says
LOVE the chairs! I've been scouring all of the usual places for over a year to find what you got to bring home. So jealous, and I can't wait to see what you do with them!
Susan Maclean says
Well done you! I think this will be a wonderful project and can't wait to see the end result. Love those red chairs too….. but leave the colours up to you!
Ron says
Love the chairs and can hardly wait to see how you transform them.
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
love the chairs and i hope you go black- seems very you!
i also read michelle's blog from WAY back when… i was so sad when i heard of her battle's end. she was such a beautiful soul.
Simply LKJ says
What a fantastic find! I think they will be amazing. Can't wait to see the transformation.
Stacey {steward of design} says
Great find! A lot if great possibilities. I really like the one where the cane is left its natural color.
Can't wait to see what you decide on.
Btw, I'm obsessed with those WM chairs too. I only saw one at my local store and the cushion was missing, I hope they bring them back.
Linda {Calling it Home} says
I did not know Michelle or her blog. I do believe that with each passing, we need to live more now! Good luck with your chair transformation.
Stephanie says
So saddened to hear Michelle lost her battle. But praying that her family feel the peace one day that she now feels with her Father. Your chairs are gorgeous, can't wait to see what you do with them!
Calypso In The Country says
I was so sorry to hear about Michelle. I am excited for you though and your new chair project! I can't wait to see what kind of beautiful creation you come up with!
-Shelley
Tiffany says
I'm super excited about your chairs. Love them. I'm still looking for mine. I know you're going to rock these. On a separate note, I'm sorry to hear about your blogger friend.
pam {simple details} says
YES!!!! So excited for you, they're going to be perfection with your gorgeous table and slipcovered chairs!! I would be beside myself trying to decide on something, I love ALL of your inspiration!
Adelina Priddis says
I'm in so much love with your chairs! They remind me of my childhood and the cane back chairs my grandma had. It's my style so perfectly. And honestly, I would leave yours as is 🙂
Lobster Meets Peach says
I didn't know about Michelle's blog but I am always touched my how this little blogging world really is a community.
I am happy that you got the chairs. I was worried that they might not be there when you went back.