~Slipcovered Armchair~

I love slipcovers. They are a great way to transform a piece of not-so-pretty furniture. This armchair was part of a set that my parents bought in the 70's. Even after 30 years the upholstery and structure has held up. I loved this chair as a child so when my parents were disposing of the set years ago I snapped this piece up. It sat in its original snot green upholstery for so long until my husband gave me an ultimatum - recover it or out to the dumpster it goes. At that time I had about 3 chairs sitting in the basement waiting for me to make them over. I am a bit of a procrastinator. I have a hard time deciding on colours, fabrics, etc. There  are always too many options. We were moving to the US and he didn't want to be carting around junk (those were his words - not mine - I see a diamond in the rough). 


~before~

I went out an got some decorator's canvas and slipcovered the old 70's armchair. This was before my blogging days so no step-by-step photos. It is quite easy though. You measure each part of the chair, cut out a square of fabric, pin the pieces together with wrong side of fabric facing out (I use safety pins), lightly draw in pencil the stitching line and then sew! 


~after~

I realize that after looking at your room through a photo you notice things like the jumble of cords in the corner and our wedding photo that I thought I hung low enough still looks too high!

This post is attending:
Metamorphosis Monday at Naps Between the Porch
 DIY Day @A Soft Place to Land
Transformation Thursday at the Shabby Chic Cottage

and The DIY Showoff
*edited December 19th: Miss Mustard Seed Furniture Feature Friday
*edited May 29th: Funky Junk's SNS

21 comments

  1. Very lovely! It looks great with the lamp.

    And I really like your wall color. ;)

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  2. Looks like a totally different chair, love the white, goes with anything and just a throw of a different color can change it over and over, thanks for sharing, I am a new follower of yours, come for a visit...

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  3. Hi Barbara...

    What a fabulous transformation! Your chair looks sooo comfy, I would have had a difficult time getting rid of it too...and it looks gorgeous with it's new slip cover!!! Great job, my friend! I have never attempted a slip cover but one of these days...I will!

    Thanks for the inspiration!
    Warmest wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

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  4. Hi Barbara...

    I'm back! Hehe! I've had so much fun strolling though some of your blog posts...you have a delightful blog, my friend! Just wanted to let you know that I'm adding you to my list of blog follows...I look forward to your upcoming posts and getting to know you, my friend!

    So very nice to meet you, Barbara!
    Chari

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  5. Your chair looks amazing. You have created a very stylish little corner there-a lamp and a comfy chair for reading and a table to rest your cup of tea-what more could a girl want!
    Best wishes, Natasha.

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  6. Great job on that slipcover. I generally hate slipcovers because they look saggy & baggy, but yours looks great. It's the cording that would keep me from tackling that.

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  7. Thanks everyone! Yes the piping was a challenge. Lots of pinning and basting. It is a fitted slipcover with a hidden zipper in the back. Lots of work but worth it. Love it because my dog always rubs against it and I can throw it in the wash over and over!

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  8. I love the way slipcovers transform a chair and you did such a great job with this one! It's so tailored and fits so nicely. Pretty. Great job!

    pk @ Room Remix

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  9. The chair looks outstanding!!! Thanks for sharing with all of us in blogland!

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  10. Easy? It would be rocket surgery at our place.

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  11. Your tailored slipcover looks so good and has completely transformed that chair. Nothing like salvaging an old, unattractive chair that's sooooo comfortable. Great job!

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  12. You did a really great job, it looks professional. Want to come over and do mine? :O)

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  13. I ♥ your slip-covered chair, perfect, like it was done by a professional. Ahhh, to be so talented with a sewing machine.....

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  14. I'm slowly learning the ropes with sewing, but when I see stuff like this I think I will be hopeless forever...soooo lovely!

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  15. Loved the slipcover but what gave me a chuckle was your comment about the electric cords and the wedding photo being hung too low. Sounded exactly like me...I stress over every picture I take like that!

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  16. @cheapchichome. What is decorator's canvas? Where do you get it? Oh, and nice job!

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  17. Decorators canvas is just a heavier weight canvas cotton. It is used for upholstery, etc. I bought here in Canada at Fabricland. I think you can get it at Hancocks or Joanne's in the US.

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  18. Thank you for this post. I am the Jen who had posted the comment on The Shabby Nest blog that was responded to here... http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2009/11/frugal-friday-and-winner.html

    I didn't think I could re-cover my sofa because my sofa is a T-cushion so I thought it would be too complicated but you have made it look very simple. I might just give it a try.

    Thanks, Jen

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  19. I am right with you on the white slipcovers. That's what I do to all of my furniture. You did a wonderful job on this chair and I'm so glad you shared it with us.

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  20. My basement is turning into a chair graveyard. I must stop procrastinating as well. Fabric store is now officially on my to do list for this coming week. Thanks for the inspiration, your chair is beautiful!

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  21. I admire anyone who can so that well! Your slipcover looks so professional, and it turned that chair into something really pretty.

    Good job!

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