In life, we all need change. Whether it's a new haircut or a new decorating scheme, shaking things up a bit is good for us and makes things seem new, fresh, and exciting.
Of course, all these makeovers can get expensive — unless you go the DIY route.
Blogger and all-around DIY-er Andi Filante, who is never afraid to take a risk or two, found this out when she decided an old, upholstered armchair was perfect for an upgrade.
Updating and upgrading furniture is a great way to make it last longer, and a great way to save money. While some makeovers are more in-depth undertakings, like this great dresser makeover that only costs $24, some are way easier, like the one Filante created for her chair.
So what's an easy way to spruce up an upholstered chair that doesn't require reupholstering it? Well it turns out, you can paint them.
Check out the incredible makeover Filante was able to achieve without sewing, hammering, or cutting. It's pretty amazing, and a great trick for a quick and simple upgrade!
[H/T: Delusions of Ingenuity]
This was the chair.
Although Illinois-based DIY-er Andi Filante picked it out herself many years ago, it was time for a change.
And since reupholstering the chair was way too much of an undertaking, she went with a surprisingly simple solution: painting it!
Eddie, her dog, agreed.
First, Filante dampened the chair's fabric to let the paint soak in more and spread more easily. It also prevents the paint from drying in a layer that can peel or crack later.
She used chalk paint in a few different colors for a matte look. As you can see, painting upholstery, especially if it has a pattern, takes up to four coats. This first coat is very see-through.
Filante also opted for a two-tone look, painting the back and sides a dark gray and the front an off-white.
And naturally, the footstool got a similar treatment.
She was careful to let everything dry completely before adding new coats, and she re-wetted the dried paint with clean water before applying the other coats.
Using painter's tape, she also created this colorful accent stripe down the center of the chair.
By her own admission, it's not perfectly symmetrical (and there was some swearing during the process — it happens to the best of us), but you'd never know!
It's also important to remember that a little imperfection is what gives a DIY character anyway.
The footstool got a matching stripe. The color is actually a custom blend created by Filante herself.
When the painting was done, she gave everything a coat of clear wax. If you're going to paint a chair, the wax is very important, and will keep the paint durable and flexible.
A bright throw pillow injects a great pop of complementary color.
Looking at the side-by-side comparison, you'd never guess these were the same chair!
It's a pretty great way to breathe some new life into an old piece of furniture. Check out more of Filante's projects on her website and on Facebook.
Would you paint an upholstered chair?
Let us know in the comments if you've ever tried it, and SHARE this idea with someone who would like to make something over without doing any sewing!
