Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Have a Seat

I've been AWOL again, and it's my own fault.  I overdid it last week with the thrift sale, and I have been paying the price in pain and fatigue.  I don't know when I'll learn...

Anyway, I did want to drop in this evening and update on the dining room progress.  As I've reported, I have finished the china cabinet, side board and table.

There's just one little problem. 
It didn't come with chairs.

I have spent the past few months trying to find chairs to compliment the set. I'm not entirely sure what I want, but I know that I don't want new ones.

I have looked and looked...


So far, I either haven't loved the style,
haven't loved the finish, 
or haven't loved the price. 

I loved all three with this one...


Unfortunately, that was the problem. 
There was only one. This poor captain had no mates. 

So for now, I am working on a temporary solution
so I can take my time and find exactly what I want. 

You see, the set did come with two matching mahogany chairs.


They were a mess. 

Lucky for me, I like a challenge.

 Even luckier? All they needed was a good cleaning. The finish was fine.

I use Murphy's Oil Soap for furniture cleaning.
 For these, I used it full strength on a rag. 

Then  I followed with a weaker solution
and gently rinsed, trying not to get it too wet. 

I tried to snap a comparison shot in progress 
since I'm a blogger and all...



I found the perfect butter yellow damask for the seat cushions 
in the sale bin at JoAnns.
 I was thrilled with a sale price of only $6.00 a yard.

I was even more thrilled when they took off another 50% at check out.
$3.00 a yard! 



This afternoon, I changed out the cushions.
I had to remove three different fabrics before I could. 

I think the final product looks pretty good.


For the rest of the chairs, I am going to have to get a bit more creative.

There were five more chairs in the storage house that I think might have been used with them at one time. Unfortunately, they were oak. 


If you've ever finished furniture, you know that no matter how much you coax it, 
oak is never going to look like mahogany.
No matter what you do, oak just really looks like oak. 

And you might recall that I'm sick of oak right now.

I decided to paint them black and try to be deliberately quirky.
I used the left over paint from Mabel the desk. 



I haven't recovered these cushions yet,
but I tried them around the table, and I think they'll work while I shop for others,
 especially with the bronzed hardware.



Once I replace them, I'm going to use them to switch things up in my kitchen.
I'm thinking houndstooth seats in there...

Anyway, that's what I did today.
I hope to catch up in blog land.
I hope you will be patient as I do.  

48 comments:

Crickit said...

I love the new fabric on your chairs...it is lovely! It looks like you really enjoy a project. Can't wait to see the chairs that you choose. Keep on keeping on!

Sharon said...

I love what you're doing!

My dining room set I inherited from my dad's aunt. It's big and clunky and old-fashioned and I really love it. Only one drawback. A long time ago, it had a felt-backed tablecloth on it. Well, the felt stuck to the wood and ruined it. I'm not a clever re-finisher like you, so we had a refinishing shop fix it. Turned out really nice.

One. Small. Problem.

About a year ago, we put in the leaf because we wanted more places at the table. Well, the leaf was in original mint condition. Oh, it doesn't match at all, and now I mourn the original beautiful mahogany finish that the table originally had. Sniff...

Maybe I could ship it to you for some doctoring??? I'll buy you some chairs...

xo

Lynn said...

Lovin' your new fabric! All I can say is have fun with the project:@)

Alycia Nichols said...

Hot diggity dog....the chairs look fabulous!!! I need new ones for our dining room, so maybe once you're done with everything at your house, you can mosey on over this way!? ;-)

Chatty Crone said...

I tell you what - I think you balance home and posting perfectly. You do the best work and you have a great idea of what things will look like when you get down with you projects. I would have no idea how to do it - I have things I need help with too. And you have the best posts. Lol sandie

Miss Char said...

Well the HUNT is half the fun and I'm sure the right chairs will turn up sooner or later. In the mean time I'm glad you're back with us and have made some progress on the dining room.

bj said...

Love those chairs and the new fabric...I bet the black ones look great with it all, too.

Regarding that bread I posted about..I've made it about 4 times now and it is the first thing to go at dinners and etc. I think you and your guests will love it.

Ruby Jean said...

Oh that Chair looks Beautiful...Very Stately.. :)
Your dinning room is Really coming along....And boy how I wish I was closer... I might just have to be that RUDE friend that Invites herself over for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and of course we wouldn't want to forget Desert... :)

Thank you for stopping by and entering the Giveaway that was really sweet of you..

Have a wonderful rest of the week!!

southerninspiration said...

Ooooh, love the two chairs you do have....fun challenge!
Suzanne

xinex said...

I love the 2 chairs that you finished, Debbie. The yellow fabric is really pretty. I can't wait to see the black ones after you reupholster them. You sound like you've been busy. I bet everything will look gorgeous after you are done and then all that work will be worth it...Christine

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Hi Debbie,

Gosh, I love your chairs! Your whole dining room is really coming together nicely. Your drapes look so pretty, as well. I've never tried to refinish furniture, but I may have to someday. My old bedroom suit that I had growing up is in need of some work. It's well made, and I just love the style. So there's no question of getting rid of it.

I love the fabric you chose for re-covering the chair seats. They turned out great. :) I can't wait to see it when everything's finished.

Hugs,

Denise

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Debbie, I never like things that match, so I love that you're using two different kinds of chairs. Both sets turned out beautifully, and I'm betting they look great around the table. So sorry you've not been doing well. I did notice that your previous post (which I had missed) is apparently about the event that was your downfall. I'm going to go read about it next. Hope you're doing better. laurie

Anonymous said...

Nice post..thank you for sharing...i love it...God bless you

FrouFrouBritches said...

Wow! That looks sooo gooood! The new fabric is so pretty and you can't beat The mahogany is sooo pretty! Love, love, love it!

You know you had be at houndstooth, right? Can't wait to see that!

Tanna said...

You are a busy bee, Debbie!! I really like when I see dining tables with a mix of chairs and have always wanted to give that a try. Love the yellow damask you found! I'll be looking forward to seeing what you do next! blessings ~ tanna

Unknown said...

That massive Thrift sale plus finishing chairs, tables, etc??? No wonder you are tuckered out. I keep wondering why I just can't keep going until the wee hours of the night, but it just doesn't happen, so off to sleep I go! It's going to be an early night, too!
Take GOOD care of yourself!
oxx
lynn

elizabeth said...

I'm liking the chairs! Pray you feel rested and pain free soon!

Renée said...

Love your buttery chairs, Debbie. Now, please take a seat and slow down!

Debbie said...

WOW...I am totally impressed. Soo industrious. The chairs are just gorgeous! I really love the fabric. Nothing gets me going better than a bargain at Joanne's, haha. I am anxious to see the whole finished project!

Denise said...

I'm so impressed. The chairs look wonderful...both the mahogany and the black. I absolutely LOVE the fabric you (we?) picked. I cannot wait to hop over and see them in person. (I think I'll wait for you to change the seats on the black chairs). Can't wait to see those shades in person too!!

Now, get some rest

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

A stripper again, eh? Well, at least you put some {beautiful!} "clothes" on the two lovely chairs. Love that fabric-- color, everything! Good job!

Been there. Done this.

With a sigh I announce that after 30 years of marriage, our first REAL dining set arrives tomorrow. No, no hutch, sideboard, etc. Just a five-foot round glass table top, a beautiful medium mahogany base for that, six armless and two arm chairs! Excited!

I'm NOT 100% thrilled about the chairs either because they all have the fabric-covered pad on the backs. But, the seat was a nicer seat than the "backless" chairs. Can't wait to share...

And can't wait to see what you're able to find for your dining room!

Gaby said...

Wow, Debbie, you amaze me. I would have passed right by those chairs but you have the ability to see their "future" beauty as you look at their current state. Huh? Isn't that like our God when He sees a broken person? Everyone sees damaged goods and He sees the beauty behind all the grime.

At The Picket Fence said...

I think they are lovely! I'm glad you are using what you have for now. The fabric you found is just gorgeous, and what a bargain! Can't wait to see it all put together.

Heather

Christine said...

All I can think about is Thanksgiving!
You have taken the ugly step sister and made her a princess.

Ann said...

I finally got my three former dining room chairs recovered for my newlywed. It took me forever to get to them, but I did manage to get them all done. Fortunately (or not?) I did not have to redo the wood, although I was tempted to spray them black ... but the newlywed has more traditional taste. In fact, she'd LOVE your chairs, Debbie! : D
I love the too! And did you know that according to today's decorators, a mix of chairs is "in." So, you are now "in." : )

(and, glad to have you back!)
Cheers!

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

The final product looks fantastic! And painting the other chairs black..I LOVE it! Great choice. Be sure and show us when they are completed ... :)

Elizabeth Dianne said...

Love, love, love how your chairs turned out--the damask is gorgeous!

Hope everything is going well your way.

How is the Bible study going?

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Thanks for the nudge....my large table has never had chairs, and I have been on that quest for over 10 years...so thanks for the nudge to get out there and find them

What you have done also gives me courage to attack what I find. I have always wanted mis-matched chairs for that family table...so it doesn't matter how many I find...just so at the end I have 12.

Great job....you are really good at re-doing furniture....what and eye and then talent to follow up what you envision.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

You are totally amazing. I can't believe you can do all this. great fabric and awesome creativity. I wish I could do just a bit of what you do.

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Take your time, I looked for a long time until I found just the right size and style. Now if you painted everything white like me....It does not make any difference if it is mahogany or Oak!! LOL I love the fabric you used.

Carol

Maryann said...

Love the fabric you used on the chairs. I'm not much on furniture matching, I like go togethers so much better.

Ms.Daisy said...

Debbie,
I am a big fan of Murphy's Oil Soap too. It really does the job on wood furniture. The fabric on the chairs is perfect (and quite the bargain!) Can't wait to see the end result of all your hard work.

~Jean

Savannah Granny said...

Don't you just LOVE Murphy's oil soap. What a difference. The chairs look good. Take your time, the right chairs will find you. Like the black oak chair. Fortunately, I am still liking oak. Especially since I have oak cabinets in the kitchen. Anyhoo, maybe it will come into vogue again.
Blessings, Ginger

Decor To Adore said...

You are one busy bee! I love what you did with the chairs. The damask fabric is fantastic.

Debbiedoos said...

Take der easy my friend! Yes we tend to over do it sometimes. LOVE your chairs, how fabulous. Great fabric too. Have a great weekend.

Canadagirl said...

You amaze me my friend! I hope one day very soon I will get some time to do some this art. I love the idea of restoring old furniture. My dad gave me a taste of it when I was a teen. I need to make some time in the warmer months when I can open the windows. [o=

Blessings and ((HUGS))
-Mary

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

You better slow down, girlfriend. You'll be pooped out for the holidays.

Angel said...

Your energy and optimism is definitely inspiring! I love what you did with the chairs. Wish you lived close by so you could help me with my projects. :)

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

well I think I'm going to paint mine, but I'm thinking cream....and darn I wish I had come to your sale.
(())

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Your temporary solution sounds fantastic, but I so agree, wait until you find exactly what you want. It is there and you will love it for years. Hugs, Marty

Kelli said...

I believe you could make anything look good Debbie! Praying you rest and feel better soon. LOVE the new look in your dining room. HUGS for a great weekend.

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Love that new fabric on the chairs! I sure hope you find more chairs! This looks like so much work, makes me tired just thinking about it! LOL! You are young, you can do it!!

Katherine

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

Mixing and matching is IN!! Perfect symmetry is yesterday's news, so you are right in line, according to all I hear. I love the black. My dil is a designer and she thinks every room should have something black, so there you go!! :)

Susan said...

Wow, those chairs look fantastic!!!

Marlis said...

I know, I know no comments on moses.. but I loved the post anyway! Your new chairs are fabulous.. Murphy's oil soap could become my best friend. Thanks for sharing. xo marlis

Tanna said...

Okay, Debbie, I know the comments are turned off for Sunday... but, I just wanted to tell you that I loved your post. blessings ~ Tanna

Knitty said...

How nice that Murphy's did the trick. The fabric looks beautiful. The black chairs will be a nice temporary solution. I hope you'll be able to use them elsewhere when you find the ideal ones for your dining room.

xinex said...

Hi Debbie, I wanted to say on my first comment that those chairs look just like mine but I don't know why I did not. Anyway, they do cause I have 2 arm chairs that look just like them which I keep in the formal dining room by the window instead of around the round kitchen table. Thanks for stopping by...Christine

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