When Teresa sent us before-and-after photos of her chair makeover, we couldn’t wait to share the transformation. Here’s the note she included:
I had to pass along the story of our $20 garage-sale find. My husband hated the patterned Ikea curtains I had hanging in our living room, so I’m happy to show one panel’s reincarnation. My husband and I refinished the chair by sanding it, applying Kilz oil-based primer, and finishing with a can of white high-gloss spray paint from Lowe’s. We can’t take credit for the reupholstering—we had that done professionally—but here she is in all her glory. This is definitely my new favorite nook. I unwind here after long days with our two-year-old and six-month-old, sometimes with a glass of wine, always with the latest book I’m reading. Hope you enjoy my special ‘getaway’ as much as I do. Cheers! —Teresa
Here’s Teresa’s chair before the primer, paint, and Ikea-curtain makeover:
And here it is after being refreshed with oil-based primer, glossy spray paint, and a fun patterned fabric repurposed from the living room curtains:
Teresa’s creative reuse of the curtains her husband disliked is a great example of simple, budget-friendly upcycling. She handled the refinishing—sanding, priming, and painting—to save money, and wisely chose to have the upholstery professionally done where she lacked experience. The result is a cozy, inviting nook that fits perfectly into her home life.
We love how the bright fabric and glossy white frame modernize the chair while keeping it comfortable and welcoming. It’s a reminder that small updates—good prep work, the right primer and paint, and a thoughtful fabric choice—can make a big difference.
What do you think of Teresa’s thrift-store chair transformation? Cozy, inventive, or both? Share your thoughts and any similar projects you’ve tackled—there’s always inspiration in clever repurposing.