This chair needs some loving! What color or treatment would you suggest?

Question

It's in fantastic physical shape, except for the seat.  But the dark color is bringing me down!  I'm thinking yellow would brighten it up??
http://pleasehelpmedecide.blogspot.com/2012/09/chair-indecision-1.html

Eclectically Vintage - Kelly · Answer

Yellow would be amazing!  I'd paint the cane back white and the rest of the chair yellow for some contrast.

Denise Hughes · Answer

Thanks for your input.  I woke up thinking yellow this morning so that almost cinches it!

Susan S · Answer

Ahhh Denise - soooo glad you posted a pic of the underside of the chair. That's a simple 'slip seat' so it will be really easy to remove it and recover - add some comfy new foam while you're at it and a pretty fabric - if you do yellow & white paint a fabric w/some yellows, soft greys & white would look awesome!!  Good Luck and be sure to let us see the after!!

Denise Hughes · Answer

Definitely, Susan!  I sat down on it and thought....yes, some foam is a must! And I can't wait to go fabric shopping.  It's been awhile!

Project Style, LLC · Answer

Find a fun fabric first and let it inspire you for the paint color

Denise Hughes · Answer

That's a good idea.  I'm sure I would be drawn to the right print and colors!

Linda@nothingbutblueskyes · Answer

Chairs have become my thing. This is a beauty. I agree about the fabric. Let it dictate the color and theme -- Make sure that those grooves and carvings show. Maybe a base color or letting the dark wood show, depending on the colors you choose. Milk paint/chalk paint might work really well on this. Have fun!

Project Style, LLC · Answer

it's usually easier to find a paint to complement your fabric than vice versa

Julia Wooters · Answer

I cannot think of a color this would NOT look good in. Find a fabric that compliments the room you will use it in and go from there. I have found chalk paint SOOOO easy to use.

Denise Hughes · Answer

I love chalk paint!  Haven't tried milk paint yet, but look forward to it! I've also found it is pretty easy to mix paints to make the color I want.  In fact, I really enjoy that part of it!  I think it's time to head to the fabric store...

Jeanette S · Answer

With this style, I would use cream with a dark wax used sparingly and some burnished gold on the accent areas!  It would make it more formal, but this chair is just screaming for extra attention!  For the seat, I would cover in a light colored brocaid.  Publish photos when finished!

Susan S · Answer

Jeanette  - we need to get you a chair of your own to work on!!  Great ideas there!!

Ellen H · Answer

That is a great chair - I have no suggestions to add, just a request to show it to us again when you are done.

Carole · Answer

Chose a fabric and that will dictate the paint colour. Or, just paint it white and then you can change the fabric as often as you wish to different colours as your mood moves you. if you are the type of person who gets bored easily, it is a simple matter to recover the seat using fabric and staples. Yellow is cheery but you may find you tire of it quickly. On the other hand, if you want yellow and are sure that is your best choice, you can also change the fabric if you get bored, it just might be harder to find a colour fabric to match your choice of yellow. A neutral frame might give you more scope with choice of fabric.

Barbara R · Answer

If you paint it, don't beat it up with chalk paint and sanding and make it look old again...those seats are EASY to cover...I have one in my bay window with a beautiful plant sitting on it, it blends in with the rest of my antiques without it looking 'damaged', I love it...(and I didn't distress it with chalk paint, either)

Wsl7304262 · Answer

Hook at the back ground where the chair is sitting....I see a kind taupe color with the meshin the back muted strips of the same shades as chair and the colore of the flowers in a fabric for the seat.....and as someone said .....get board just do something different.....

IFortuna · Answer

Here is my secret.  I have antique Swedish hand painted dining table with matching chairs and a corner cabinet.  Once every few years I take a matching oil paint and with a paper towel I cover the scuffs and nicks.  It refreshes the color also and although it takes a few days to 'dry' color can be perfectly matched and the outcome makes the piece look almost new.   Be sure to go over painted areas with a clean cloth or paper towel so color does not come off on clothing.  Browns and earth colors dry pretty quickly and colors can be mixed to match your furniture.  You can get transparent or opaque colors.  Oil paints are so forgiving that if you don't like a color you can usually successfully go over it with another.  I suggest burnt umber for the darker areas and gold ochre mixed with a light brown  or burnt umber for the lighter areas.  Just a suggestion because I can't see the chairs in person.  Try a little on an inconspicuous area first.  Certain paints have more wax in them than others.  They are the cheaper paints so they work best.  Let us know how it turns out if you use this method.  Best of luck! : )

IFortuna · Answer

Seats are easy to reupholster.  Mine just pop out from underneath when I push up on them.  Then I just fold the fabric over the seat and staple it on the back. Then I  put them back into the chair frame.   If the chairs need padding, just cut a piece of foam.  I have changed my chairs a couple of times and it gives my chairs a fresh new look.  Very easy and fun.  I think mine are just about ready for a change! : )

Johnavallance82 · Answer

Dark Wood Frame and Sunny Egg Yellow Canework and a Floral seat to include the /yellow would look good.

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This chair needs some loving! What color or treatment would you suggest?

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