A Pair of Captains

I was looking to upgrade the seating situation in my office/library.

There was nothing wrong with what I had, but I was tired of the black and it felt like college dorm furniture to me. I had bought these chairs for a really good deal over nine years ago so I didn’t feel bad about replacing them. I was even able to sell them for more than what I had originally paid. SCORE!

The Inspiration:

 

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These cane back chairs are really hard to find without purchasing a whole dining room set. Add to that the reality that the cane is often times damaged in vintage pieces and I was lucky that I found not one but a pair of chairs.

 

 

 

 

It is also super rare that they were both captain’s chairs. DOUBLE SCORE! I sanded down the finish, primed, painted, and clear coated the wood.

 

 

 

Have you ever been inside Chintz and Company?

 

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I could spend hours in there. I like to sew and they have a huge selection of fabric there. It is the only place in Edmonton that I’ve been able to find oil cloth.

 

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After drooling over all the fabric choices, I selected three: a black and white oil cloth with a matching cotton version, an antique faded blue and cream print, and a blue bird print.

After some simple reupholstering and sewing some pillow covers, the chairs had a new lease on life. I sewed the cotton version of the seat cushions fabric on the backs of the pillows. I love how fresh the white paint makes them.

 

 

 

I had originally planned on antiquing them, but I couldn’t bring myself to scuff up the clean white paint. I’m such a wuss. :S

Next up is this vintage early 50s Gibbard mahogany dresser I found in an antique shop while I was out with a friend. It had an extremely shiny red finish that didn’t come through in the picture. The finish made it look kinda cheap but it had great lines.

Until next post.

Stella out!