What Would You Do? Barrel Cane Chair Find

Question

Picked up this vintage barrel cane chair off of Craigslist for super cheap. There is some damage on the cane backing and the paint job is pretty bad with drip marks throughout but I'm still excited to do something with it! I've got some thoughts on what I want to do but thought it would be fun to get some ideas from other Hometalkers. What would you do to makeover this chair? Any suggestions on colors and fabrics? One thing's for certain - I'll be getting rid of that foxy fabric. ;) Yes, there are foxes on the skirting.

Yvette · Answer

Here's what I've done with mine so far. There in my garage as I moving, hence the yellow cast to the pics (& they're a little banged up).. There's a hole in the caning and I don't know how to fix it. But I love the way they've turned out. Now where to put them. Good luck with yours. Be daring.

Yvette · Answer

Oops. Don't know if the pictures even showed up. I can't see them.

Kathy Ruston · Answer

@No longer available of course if you are using them for chairs I would paint them and put new fabric on them But if you would use them as a table with shelves. Try putting them back to back add a table top (glass) maybe then use the seats as shelves. Change the color and add would for the seats.? just my thought?

SANDY HOLLY · Answer

I would obviously redo cushion and what about weaving the back with fabric or even leather strips or boondoggle?

Jeanette S · Answer

I had to giggle...the first thing that came to my mind was, 'no matter what she does, it can't be any worse than what it is now!' Can cane be patched? Maybe with some of the super glues and a few decals, a patch can be made? Maybe a Butterfly pattern on seat, paint it a coordinating color, then cut out some of the butterflies and make some decals along the back!!??? Or use flowers, birds, clowns, etc....whatever is your choice! Glue the cut out pieces of fabric onto a thin sheet of veneer wood, then cut this out and glue it onto the chair...one on both inside and outside. It would be beautiful! The wood/decal could be bent to fit the contour of the back. Just a thought....

DebLynn · Answer

May I suggest painting them all Black w/a funky animal or geometric print cushion and a back pillow to match (Also hides the broken cane) adding more comfort….You have a cozy, comfy chair for your special place …ENJOY and have fun with your project!

Magwan · Answer

I would get some chicken wire & moss/ivy & make a person - adult or child - sitting on the chair reading a book.

Roger S · Answer

You can buy the gaining material at woodworking shops just look it up on the web. Some offer many designs and all you have to do is just cut it and place it in the chair and secure it with the hold down strips.check the websites for how to do  it. Good luck.

Lori · Answer

i just found one of these chairs also!! mine has not been painted. but the seat is really dirty or just out right ugly fabric. can't wait to see what you do with yours. I am still thinking about what to do with mine.

Pepsigirl13 · Answer

take off old seat, save to use for pattern for new cover AND to reuse the foam, if it is salvageable. Then paint the entire wood structure in a color or type of paint (e.g., chalk paint) you love, and wax or highlight as needed. Recover and reaffix the cushion. Add a beautiful throw pillow for the back, or drape a small throw over it to 'hide' the little rip.

No longer available · Answer

Thanks so much everyone, for your great ideas and suggestions!

Marilyn · Answer

If you can find a professional who knows how to work with cane I would get it repaired. Chairs just like yours are the newest rage and very expensive.

Winnie Conners · Answer

Cover the caning with padding and fabric inserts to match the fabric you select for the cushion. I read somewhere that all rooms should have something in black so paint the chair black.

Centrd · Answer

I'd replace the cane and paint the whole chair a color that works with your decor...it could be anything from a soft gray or glossy black to a bold color all depending on your preferred style. Like Marilyn said, these are very popular/desirable right now so if it were mine I wouldn't alter the chair beyond color and upholstery. However, I would replace the seat cushion with either a double cushion like the first pic below, or a thicker single cushion or even a down cushion with a high loft over a thinner base cushion to give it a more contemporary look. (Example on a different style chair below.)

Kelly S · Answer

If the caning can't be patched or replaced, I would use ribbon to embroider a quote on the back that goes over the bad spots. Definitely paint the poor thing and replace the fabric on the cushions and skirting. I would go navy blue with white caning and old chenille bedspread on the cushions for my bedroom, country red with a leather cushion from an old coat for my living room, and totally purple it out for my craft room. It depends on where it is going and who gets to sit in it.

Elizabeth Johnson · Answer

I too have acquired one of these chairs. I plan to strip the paint, repaint or stain and redo cushion with the same fabric as the drapes I am making.

Laura Romanowski · Answer

A professional caning craftsman may be difficult to locate, but well worth the effort. Try to save the caning before you take another route!

Sharon Kavanagh · Answer

Did you know that you do NOT have to strip if you use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. For me that makes it well worth the cost. I think that since you only have one you should make it a bit of a conversation piece. I would check fabric stores and online for a remnant and see what inspires you. One of my friends , who has the most beautiful, soulful home on a tight budget, ALWAYS STARTS with fabric as an inspiration. When I have followed her lead, I am pleased with the results. Please post the finished project. HAVE FUN!

Jean Ann Henry · Answer

I would paint, recover & work funky or nostalgic flowers to cover holes. You could use ribbon or better yet, cute fabric cut in strips & folded to make your flowers would be real cute

No longer available · Answer

Thank you again to everyone who responded to this Q&A. I thought you might like to see how the chair turned out after I finally finished it. Here is a photo of it and I've also posted the details of the makeover on my Hometalk page here: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/barrel-cane-chair-makeover-4427640

What Would You Do? Barrel Cane Chair Find

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What Would You Do? Barrel Cane Chair Find

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