Asked on Sep 25, 2014

What to do with these chairs?

Karen
by Karen
I have these oak chairs that I took from my neighbor's trash 35 years ago, stripped and refinished and used them until recently. I'm sick of them and they are very loose now, almost dangerous, in need of re-gluing. I did buy some new chairs that I love but I cannot make myself just put these out to the curb! Any thoughts?
  68 answers
  • Lynda Sharples Lynda Sharples on Sep 25, 2014
    maybe some ideas here :)
  • Darla Darla on Sep 25, 2014
    Give them to a woodworker - that's beautiful oak.
  • Lee Cunningham Green Lee Cunningham Green on Sep 25, 2014
    It depends on what use you would like to get out of them, they are nice good chairs. I wouldn't paint them, and hide that patina, but I might make 2 benches out of them for additional seating they would serve nicely for additional visitors.
  • Jodi Jodi on Sep 25, 2014
    I have a set of 4 almost like them except the back slats on mine run vertical. Mine are being used at my kitchen along with 2 other chairs. Mine have the original stain. I love them! I would buy yours from you if I lived closer.
  • Carole Carole on Sep 25, 2014
    Glue and strengthen them and turn them into a long bench. Repurposing them will give them a new lease of life and your boredom with them will turn into a renewed love of these chairs! Good luck!
  • Kerri Bade Kerri Bade on Sep 26, 2014
    What about making them into a bench? I have seen where chairs are put together-maybe on this website-to form a 3-4 chair bench.
  • Michelle M Michelle M on Sep 26, 2014
    I would fix them and then paint them with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.
  • Gigi Gigi on Sep 26, 2014
    Paint them a bright color, or paint each one a different bright color, or make slip covers with matching seat cushions.
    • Anny Palanzi Anny Palanzi on Sep 26, 2014
      @Gigi I think Gigi has a good idea. I bought chairs like these from a salvage store. These chairs were truly junky. First, make them more secure with wood glue on the loose places. What I did was paint them a creamy white color, got some printed fabrics in contrasting colors and patterns, covered some padding with the fabrics for the seats, and attached them to the seats. Then I cut out some prints from the seat fabric, and decoupaged it on the back slats. I do have pictures but I don't know how to download them on this site.
  • Ann Ann on Sep 26, 2014
    A furniture refinisher can make them sturdy again, I'm all for painting and distressing. Second option -have them sturdier up and donate to a battered women's shelter.
  • Judy Draaisma Judy Draaisma on Sep 26, 2014
    any name on the bottom? They look like Stickley mission style furniture. I would have someone reglue them. They are beautiful...someone would love to have them...who knows may be worth some money......
  • Melody McSweeney Melody McSweeney on Sep 26, 2014
    Craig's list. Someone will be thrilled with these chairs and you'll know they're going to a good home.
  • Dee Ciarlante Dee Ciarlante on Sep 26, 2014
    Make one big bench by bolting together + adding a coushin or 2 small amount ones or give them to me.
  • Penny Scarbo Nunn Penny Scarbo Nunn on Sep 26, 2014
    Gorilla glue, refinish and make a bench with them*
  • David David on Sep 26, 2014
    Reglue them or please donate them to a shelter
  • Sally Pomerantz Sally Pomerantz on Sep 26, 2014
    Please don't paint. keep the beautiful oak grain showing. Take off dark stain and sand a little and just cover with polycrylic to show off the grain and make them look like new. Or to make the old wood like new use linseed oil. Use a good wood glue on them.
  • Louis Lieberman Louis Lieberman on Sep 26, 2014
    sand stain(dark) sealer & topcoat (lacqer)
  • Rose Rose on Sep 26, 2014
    I would keep in original condition just clean up with Murphy's oil soap.pair with white painted pedestal wow what a gorgeous look
  • Rose Rose on Sep 26, 2014
    Rose again meant to say white pedestal table.
  • Susan Susan on Sep 26, 2014
    Donate them to an artist or to a local club that does a Chair Affair auction. My sorority paints and decorates old chairs into incredible pieces of art. We auction them off with all the proceeds going to local scholarships.
  • Judy Adams Judy Adams on Sep 26, 2014
    I would keep these treasures in the original condition , and freshen them up with Howards furniture refinisher. It just redistrubutes the stain and varnish to cover all scratches and dents , makes them look like new again . These oak chairs are a rare commodity , maybe have some monetary value
  • Betty Hoefle Betty Hoefle on Sep 26, 2014
    since you have a lot of them.. I'd paint a few, but that oak is beautiful... some should just be made more sturdy and cleaned up a bit. sell them, if you can't use them. I like oak chairs just sitting randomly in a room...extra seating when needed, or just a beautiful, timeless addition. don't put them to the curb. you don't want to risk them finding their way to the land fill!!!
  • The first thing you need to do is make them safe again. Glue and clamp them, or have a professional do it for you. Since you are sick of them but don't want to put them on the curb, change them up a bit. Instead of painting the entire chair, leave the seats natural wood and paint the rest, or vice versa!
  • Kathryn pate Kathryn pate on Sep 26, 2014
    Make a fall display for the front porch. Put one in a spare bedroom with a beautiful pillow and afghan. Turquoise one for a statement in a girl's bedroom.
  • Tina Lawton Tina Lawton on Sep 26, 2014
    Have you seen the bench made from chairs like this. They are painted bright colors and add a long cushion. The are beautiful.
  • CK CK on Sep 26, 2014
    Fixing wobbly chairs is a pretty easy fix. There are probably tutorials on YouTube and elsewhere on the internet. Then if you're tired of them "as is" paint them a color that works in your kitchen/dining room and you've got new chairs. If you don't want to paint, then you could strip and restain a new color....or just leave the natural wood and seal with polycrylic...it doesn't yellow over time.
  • Duv310660 Duv310660 on Sep 26, 2014
    if you are like me, you'd rather work on something you are excited about, not sick of! Craig's list if you could use the money; google 'chairs for charity' (or similar donation search) if you'd like to make a difference!
  • Jill Thomas Jill Thomas on Sep 26, 2014
    I repainted mine in bright colors and reupholstered...love them now!!!
  • Leah Bokinsky Leah Bokinsky on Sep 26, 2014
    Glue. Clamp....paint, sand, wax...they will look totally different
  • Marie Worley Marie Worley on Sep 26, 2014
    Turn 2 facing each other (backs to the outside), measure a piece of plywood to the size of the seats (or just take the seats off completely), measure a piece of foam to fit that, cover and attach to the seat area. You will have a nice bench. Do the same to the other two. Two nice benches to use on a covered patio, porch or inside the house.
  • Anna Ibarra Anna Ibarra on Sep 26, 2014
    There a tons of ideas for them. In the end it's what good for you. Do you have room to store them for later use, holidays, etc. I also like to leave them as is and get a cute round table for the breakfast area. However, if this is not for you, or may not have room to store them, or don't like to be a hoarder, then sell them, and I'm sure extra change in your pocket won't hurt. Good luck.
  • Laurie Powell Laurie Powell on Sep 26, 2014
    I would make leopard print seat cushions. It depends how old & brave you are. It's just fabric. Be more creative & make the cushions with a different fabric on each side! I would also make cushions for the back that go over the 3 back pieces of wood. Attach with velcro. Also make them with the same 2 fabrics. Two totally different looks just by turning the cushions over! :) Please share pictures when you re-do them!
  • Karen Karen on Sep 26, 2014
    Thank you all for your ideas. But like I said, I'm sick of them and I have bought replacements, I don't have the space to keep them because I just moved a 7 room house into a 6 room house (sig other's) that is already furnished. I've donate more than half of what I owned (not complaining, it was very freeing!). I've decided to advertise them on an electronic bulletin board we have at work, there are about 3,000 people here so I'm sure they'll go, if they don't, Habitat for Humanity is in the next town and they already have half my stuff from the move...they know me. I don't have room for benches, I got rid of a couple of them, and I don't really have the time to refurbish them, I'm still working 40/hrs week, don't have a porch. To those that suggested upholstering the seats, can that be done to a seat the has what i've come to call a "butt cheek impression" in them? the never had an upholstered seat. If so, how. I have too many other projects at hand than to work on one that my heart isn't in. I'm putting them on the board for best reasonable offer! Thanks for your support.
  • Nostromo Nostromo on Sep 26, 2014
    Bolt them together using 2x2 strips, upholster them and use them as a bench on your front or back porch. :-)
    • See 1 previous
    • Nostromo Nostromo on Oct 29, 2014
      @Polly Zieper Marine grade (or exterior) polyurethane. The upholstery could be made of any water-repellant fabric--or any fabric at all which was treated with a water repellant. Sunlight would be the real enemy.
  • Nivasi Frankly-Speaks Nivasi Frankly-Speaks on Sep 26, 2014
    if you're not wanting to use as chairs.. cut the seat out and make plant holders
  • Cathy C Cathy C on Sep 26, 2014
    Look them up online to try to establish a value and sell to someone that appreciates how beautiful they are. If you don't care about the money, there's craigslist or you could check out your community to find someone in need of them.
    • See 2 previous
    • Polly Zieper Polly Zieper on Oct 28, 2014
      @Cathy C I look on ebay and Craigslist to see if something similar is on to help me price things for consignment or sale
  • Sandy Sandy on Sep 26, 2014
    I would glue them/bolt them, whatever it takes to make them sturdy again. Then, I'd strip and re-stain with a greyish wash stain like this: http://akadesign.ca/grey-wash-wood-finish/
  • Moira McCullough Moira McCullough on Sep 26, 2014
    I'd make them safe first of all, then I'd paint them with chalk paint, no need to rub them down, or cover with an emulsion paint, then i'd make cushion pads for them, tie them on and you have a whole new set of chairs, for little cash. Either keep them, or sell them
  • Katelynn Katelynn on Sep 26, 2014
    You could turn them into planters. Just Replace the seat with chicken wire. http://maryannscountrygarden.blogspot.com/2011/06/transform-junk-into-home-for-your.html?m=1
  • Cheryl Yeager Cheryl Yeager on Sep 26, 2014
    I would fix them, until after the holidays' , give away at Christmas to a lucky family member. there Is never enough chairs, when my family get's together for the holidays.
  • Bonnie Bonnie on Sep 26, 2014
    if you don't want them, don't have the space for them, and don't like them. Then why ask what to do with them. put them in the garbage or give them to someone who will appreciate them.
    • See 1 previous
    • Polly Zieper Polly Zieper on Oct 28, 2014
      @Bonnie I would never put perfectly good furniture or clothes in the garbage! what a waste! There are plenty of people who need home furnishings and can't afford new.Good Will or Salvation Army are a car ride away. And if you ask for a receipt, you can deduct the value of your donation from your income taxes.The people who work at the ones in my town know me by now!I go every month or so.
  • Gail Gail on Sep 26, 2014
    They are nice sturdy chairs. I had similar ones and painted each one a different gloss color (red, blue, yellow, green). I then painted different berries on each chair (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, currants, raspberries--your choice). They stood up to kids sitting on them and rocking, husband leaning back, etc. You have a fine chair. Have fun!
  • Claudia Mitcham Claudia Mitcham on Sep 26, 2014
    Here's what I did with a similar chair. :-). I painted it with Behr acrylic paints, then about 3 coats of Polycrylic.
    • See 1 previous
    • Claudia Mitcham Claudia Mitcham on Oct 28, 2014
      @Polly Zieper Thank you for the compliment, Polly! If I'm an artist, I'd have to say I'm completely self taught :-)... I started painting things to distract myself a little over a year ago when my husband passed, and it's just kind of become an addiction! My house is looking more and more like a gypsy tent, but it makes me happy. I'm glad you like my chair - thank you, again :-)
  • Le' Le' on Sep 26, 2014
    Bonnie, you are funny.....sorta true.
  • Doralynn Lowe Doralynn Lowe on Sep 26, 2014
    bring them to me!!! :)
  • Bibi Sweet67 Bibi Sweet67 on Sep 27, 2014
    I would fix them up re-finish the wood or paint them what ever works and then sell them on craigslist. If you don't want to go through the trouble in fixing them then just donate them on craigslist.
  • CeliaG CeliaG on Sep 27, 2014
    Paint them black and place thin cushions of colors to contrast/blend with your room
  • Wendy Johnson Wendy Johnson on Sep 27, 2014
    Whether you fix them up and use them or leave them , don't put them on the curb unless you just feel like being kind, because someone would buy them without you doing anything to them.
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Sep 27, 2014
    Go on line and get a tutorial for gluing chairs. HINT: It has to do with prep, the right glue, some string and a couple of pencils! Yes, that is pencils, as in those you write with. Personally, I think these chairs are so timeless! The finish looks like all they need is a good rub down with dark Old English. They are the right size not to be obtrusive Polish them and then make cushions in various fabrics...some for fun and some for a more formal look and place them throughout the house. One just inside the front entry or to the side in a living room. Every bedroom needs at least 1 small chair. A couple placed at each end of a small side table holding a small lamp in a dining room makes a pleasant setting. If you will notice, these chairs do not have "obtrusive" legs...meaning they do not spread out and take up too much space. It would be very easy to make a simple table where 2 of the chairs pushed under for a space saving eating space in the kitchen, or a work space/desk in a kid's room.
  • Madeleine Madeleine on Sep 27, 2014
    I would join them front to front - making a two seater sofa and cover bases with long cushion
  • Karen Karen on Sep 27, 2014
    for Bonnie: I queried because I wondered if there might be an option I had not thought of. I don't like to put things in the trash that have life left. I was simply looking for an out of the box thought.
  • Susan M Susan M on Sep 27, 2014
    If you have no need, to me the problem would be storing them until a need arose. If that is your case I would re-glue them and advertise on craigslist as set of vintage chairs. You should get at the least $50,I would ask more as it is a full set. I deal in the restoration of antiques
  • Kelly S Kelly S on Sep 27, 2014
    Benches, there are a lot of examples on HT. Potting chairs ditto.
  • P.j. Kielberg-Mcclenahan P.j. Kielberg-Mcclenahan on Sep 27, 2014
    Look at the beautiful wood on these chairs! I would not only reglue the chair, but use those metal supports that take up the gaps between the wood posts and the receiving wood legs with Gorilla Glue. If anything, I would buy or make chair cushions that tie to the back. Do NOT put them in the trash! I have similar chairs that I have utilized in the guest room, our closet, dressing room, craft room, office.
  • Rachael Painton Rachael Painton on Sep 27, 2014
    make one long bench out of them.
  • Artsy One Artsy One on Sep 28, 2014
    Stack them and use them as a shelf for plants!
  • Laura Robilotto-Hegeman Laura Robilotto-Hegeman on Sep 28, 2014
    Two words...chalk paint!
  • Rachael Painton Rachael Painton on Sep 28, 2014
    you could hang them on the wall as shelves
  • Gilda Marconi Gilda Marconi on Sep 28, 2014
    Glue them, chalk paint them and then make a becnch out of them..
  • Susan Yager Susan Yager on Sep 28, 2014
    I love those chairs. I have 10 that are from the same era. Four at my dinning room table, four in my office, & two in the bedrooms. Very sturdy & timeless. This is an excellent example of "They just don't make furniture ike the used to". I restore antiques for a living (15 years now). Honestly, it would be a shame to paint them in my opinion. Repairing them correctly is a must. Cleaning off all the old glue and sanding those areas before gluing with Titebond II, then pressure clamping overnight. I do repairs first so as not to get glue on sanded wood, which could block the absorbtion of stain (preferabley WATCO Dnish Oil, followed by ATCO Wipe On Polly. Best of luck with your decision whatever it may be.
  • M'sMammy M'sMammy on Sep 29, 2014
    Just recently saw a corner chair made from 3 or 4 like these. It was attached at the sides of the backs and a sort-of semi-circle seat. Maybe you can create something..
  • Wanda Ross Wanda Ross on Oct 03, 2014
    put 2 face to face, put decking boards (they have rounded edges) on for the seat and back, remove front legs. Makes a perfect bench! I have made one (with my grandsons) and getting ready to make another! The backs of the chairs become the sides of the bench...
  • Melisa Paul Howard Melisa Paul Howard on Oct 26, 2014
    One idea is if you like to garden, you could paint and seal the chair, attach it to the outside wall of a shed for garden art as well as a work station. You could use it to dry flowers, hang your hand tools from the back of the seat, potting plants, storage under the seat/dry your flowers from the spindles there! You could also use one in a guest bath room store towels, magazines, soaps, fresh flowers. Also, any of the refurbished ideas that you see all over the internet that people are now making benches out of them. Quilt racks(hang your quilts in between the slats and stack extra's on the seat), towel racks(attach to the wall and stack your towel on top)....just to name a few....hope this helps!
  • Jane Jane on Oct 26, 2014
    Wonderful chairs. Great scrap find.
  • Rita Revell Rita Revell on Oct 29, 2014
    You can reglue them, or have someone do it for you. I would paint them. You did a lovely job of refinishing them. I grew up of the farm, so these old oak chairs are pretty nostalgic for me!
  • Dee Dee on Jan 16, 2015
    Ooh, I hope you reglue and keep . . . you might store them by hanging, if you are really short of room (do I sound like a 'keeper') . . . or find someone else that really appreciates them (wonder what shipping costs would be!!). But, as they are a complete set, which is sometimes hard to come by, don't break them up or change them from what they are. As someone else said, they don't make furniture to last, and we should care for that which has survived this long.
  • Marie Cole Marie Cole on Jan 26, 2015
    I love these chairs! Have you had them appraised for value due to their age (your 35+ years of owning + neighbors yrs?)? Before doing any big changes I would do that first. If you want to re use these chairs there are many options, depending on your tastes and level of expertise: Re-stain, paint, cushion, change style, etc. Personally, I dislike painting over beautiful wood. If you are attempting to avoid the hassle of sanding them down, you will need to anyway for any sort of decent paint job, so you might think of using instead of paint a darker shade of stain, even a reddish one, perhaps. Obviously, the re-gluing/tightening will need to be done to make them safe. If you do put them outdoors they will rot without a extremely good sealing job , more than just paint(not something I would want to do) as un sealed oak weathers badly. There are very creative ideas for re-crafting chairs as other things (benches, shelves, etc)...so it's a thought. I have oak chairs and my guests find them to be very comfortable since the seats are wide and backs slatted like yours, they go from dinner to game playing without a problem! Good luck and let us know what you decide, ok?
  • NV87 NV87 on Jan 26, 2015
    I donated these to Habitat for Humanity.