Craigslist French Chairs
I have been searching awhile for French-style chairs. Though I probably should clarify that I mean chairs I could afford, because I know that Ballard Designs sells similar French chairs on sale for $449.00. {cough}
So of course I turned to Craigslist. Only to discover that the used French-style furniture that seems so prevalent on East coast blogs like Miss Mustard Seed (chair for $10! dresser for $40!) must not have made it all the way over here to the West coast back in the 60’s and 70’s when it was popular. When I did see something, it was usually bedroom sets – for little girls.
The few chairs I did find had already been re-done and the seller (actually a boutique advertising on Craig) was asking $250. Or more.
Lest you think I exaggerate, I looked for more than 6 months without finding anything to look at. So when I saw these chairs listed as “Frenchy chairs” one night and found out they were still available, you can believe I had Brian hooking up the trailer first thing the next morning (thank goodness it was a Saturday!).
And driving 45 minutes.
With the gas-guzzling car towing the trailer.
And a grumbling husband who couldn’t understand why I would need to take the trailer when I didn’t even know what condition the chairs would be in.
Condition? They’d have to be pretty bad for me not to want them, ’cause these chairs were selling for $25.00 each.
And they were pretty hideous, but I wanted to paint the frames and reupholster anyway. However, every one of the arms were wobbly. Like, they-are-going-to-break-any-minute wobbly.
Hmmm…did I mention they were $25? And that I had been looking for 6 months? And that similar new chairs like this were $500?
Yeah…sold!
The first order of business was to stablize the arms so they didn’t actually fall off. Our solution was to hide little “L” brackets at the front inside of the arms where they attach to the bottom. This will be totally covered by batting and fabric.
And if you are at all versed in furniture restoration and are horrified we did that (because we are flying by the seat of our pants), you’ll want to skip the next section.
They still didn’t feel solid, so Brian decided to sink a screw into each arm through the back, which you can see in this picture about mid-way up on both sides. Since my plan is to paint, I’ll just fill these holes before painting.
Between these two fixes, the arms are now very solid.
I guess that means I’m free to finish tearing off the old fabric, painting the frame, and attempting my first reupholstery job (I usually slipcover things).
Hmmm…wanna know how long these have been in our garage waiting for me to do my part?
On second thought, I don’t think I want that written down in black and white. {smile}
Finishing these chairs definitely have been added to our “unfinished project list” and they are haunting me. I love the curvy shape, the detail of the legs. And I can totally envision them in our living room.
Ugh. These are moving to the top of the list.
Right after I finish the school year (my last year teaching preschool!)…and get the beans and corn planted…and the beds mulched before it gets too hot…and finish painting the gazebo.
Sigh.
What are the top projects you’re working on (or want to work on)?
