Any ideas on how to update this "heirloom"?
+12
This oak table and chairs was a house warming gift from my father-in-law---20+ years ago. That simply means, it has sentimental value as we remember his gift to us. And, lets face it, this is one solid, indestructible set. However, it is 20+ years later and any ideas on how to update the look of the chairs?
I would just change out the cushions ,unless you want to stain or paint the chairs a darker color
slip cover them and put a bit of a cushion on the back.
This is a very nice oak set however it is not a unique antique there are many of this style around ...this set can be easily painted to update the look..you could use a paint plus primer which should cover in two coats ...white is a good choice which will brighten up the set... consider leaving the table top and the apron around it the natural wood for contrast..also the chair seats leave natural as well...will be a beautiful set...good luck!
I would not paint it. Get a piece of glass cut to fit. Place a solid color ( to compliment your color scheme ) table cloth on the table. The cloth should fall about 4 inches down. Then place the glass on top. Then purchase matching color cushions for the chairs. Then a beautiful center piece you can make to compliment the color scheme , and a set of candlesticks - you will have a whole new look. Tis can be accomplished in one day - unless you have to order the glass.
Also consider placing a complimentary color area run under the table. It should cover the floor as far out as you would pull the chairs out. You will get a whole different look, without changing the actual dining table.
my friend had one of these and painted the top a flat black and then put clearcoat on top. Looks great and very modern now. Left the rest the natural wood.
IF you are willing to paint.... Chalk paint is wonderful and still has an old feel.
the fabric department of Wally's may have an instruction 'pattern' its more like a list with instructions. I have a 1960's kitchen chair that had split the vynial seat. the instructions for the slip cover were easy to understand
I personally would paint the table black along with the chairs and find two arm thrift store chair for the ends and add a black pattern seats then on the chair that go with the table add custom piping chair covers. This will bring it up to date and look stunning. I found this same table project on Pinterest and here are the photos below😍🍁🍂
Unicorn spit!
Paint the base and legs of the table, as well as the chairs, with chalk paint, then distress with some light sanding. Keep the top in it's natural wood form. You can put a stencil around the edge of the top of the table. Seal the whole thing with wax paint or other top coat. Whatever you do, have fun with it.
I did my friends table and chairs like this, I darkened the top's stain, and the pedestal except that center round which I painted a wedgewood blue to coordinate with her sofa and chair. We replaced the country chairs with 2 blue slubbed silk parson's chairs I scored. Here are a couple ideas on the slipcovers..... http://mfille.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/stylish-magnificent-kitchen-chair-slipcovers-for-your-outdoor-furniture-kitchen-chair-slipcovers-prepare.jpg I could see these slip covers in a buffalo check or a plaid too.
http://www.surefit.net/images/landing_pages/chair_pads_02.jpg
NICE! Thank you for the slip cover ideas! To me...a picture is worth a 1000 words!