An American flag chair is the perfect display piece for the upcoming patriotic holiday!
For a couple of years, I’ve looked for a vintage French chair that I could upholster in the iconic Stars and Stripes fabric. I’ve always loved the look of patriotic furniture and accessories used in decor during the Summer, especially for Memorial Day and the 4th of July holiday.
Well, about a year ago, I found a vintage French chair at my “go to” estate sale. I didn’t want to invest a lot of money into a piece of furniture that I would only display once a year, and thankfully, this chair fit the budget at only $38.00.
The upholstery was very worn and shabby, which was probably the reason for the low price, but since I was going to give it a makeover, it was ideal for this project.
I ordered the Stars and Stripes fabric and got to work removing the old upholstery and adding the new.
And now, this is what my newly made over American Flag chair looks like!
{May contain affiliate links}
The back of the chair is done in the Stars fabric and the bottom in the Stripes. I split the difference with the arms and did one in each pattern!
The original finish was painted in an off white, and it had some natural distressing that had occurred over the years.
I loved the way it looked and didn’t want to change it at all. I felt like the white frame worked perfectly against the red, white, and blue fabric.
This chair is in the Louis XVI style, and it has the typical pretty carvings and scrolled curvy arms.
Memorial Day weekend seems to be the time that kicks off Summer, however Memorial Day isn’t about a long weekend road trip or backyard barbecue. The real meaning of the national holiday is much more somber. Originally called Decoration Day, Monday’s holiday honors all soldiers who died during service to our nation.
On the heels of Memorial Day is June 14th, Flag Day, celebrating the adoption of the U.S. flag in 1777.
And then we will be celebrating the 4th of July, one of the most anticipated holidays, where we will celebrate our independence. Veterans Day on November 11th honors men and women who currently serve and have previously served in America’s armed forces. So as you can see, there are lots of opportunities to decorate with an American Flag chair!
To be honest, in the past, I’ve never done a lot of “Stars and Stripes” decorating. But this year it will be so much fun to use this chair as a focal point.
After I finished the chair and the gimp trim was added, I felt like it still needed something so I added shiny brass nailhead trim, which gives this chair the ideal patriotic look!
We have an amazing, large hydrangea bush in our yard and it has yielded some of the most amazing flowers this year! Their colors are gorgeous and I’ve never seen any in this color.
I added a large bouquet of the hydrangeas to the entryway commode and then I dressed them up with a few miniature American Flags.
These few little touches of the red, white, and blue will probably be the extent of my Stars and Stripes decorating, but I love how these few touches add an air of patriotism to our home for all of the upcoming holidays.
After the holiday is over, I will put the chair in storage, and then bring it out next year.
Right now, the chair sits in our entryway beside the “fish” commode, but I also tried it out on our screened in porch and I loved it there as well.
I think as long as the porch is covered, it would be fine to use there for a short time.
I’m so happy with my attempt at creating an American Flag chair, and the fact that the chair is in the French style is just the icing on the cake!
Of course, no post would be complete without Miss RubyLou! She’s wearing her patriotic bandana and she’s ready for the holiday!
Cheers, Cindy
Just beautiful! Love it!
Love this chair and RubyLou. Happy Memorial Day weekend to you and yours.
Cindy I love your chair if it was mine I would leave it out all the time. In these trying time I am finding that I love our flag more and more.
I’m going to try to find me a chair but I think I will tea dye mine for the fabric to look old. You always do beautiful work.
Very true, Gloria! It’s a reminder of what our country was founded on. I love your idea of tea dyeing the fabric! A great idea!
This is one of my most favorite things I’ve seen on your blog! Although I think that with nearly every post, the patriotic chair REALLY is at the top of my “favorites” list! Happy July 4th!
Thank you so much! Happy 4th, Missy!
Ever since I saw Wendy Conklin’s (Chair Whimsey) I have wanted to do one of these. Now I am looking at yours, and I REALLY want to do one! Great job!
Thank you, Ellen! Chair Whimsey’s is gorgeous!
You did a fabulous job on your patriotic chair. The gimp and the brass nailhead trim are the perfect finishing touches! I love finding an episode from your Southern life in my inbox. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Trisha!
You are so creative – I love it! You always inspire me. And Miss Ruby Lou is stunning!
Thank you, Jacki
Love your flag chair. You could also use it on Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Veteran’s Day. Your new home is lovely.
Thank you, Cynthia!
I love it! I do think you could bring the chair out for Memorial Day and Labor Day too! It would be a shame to pack such a beautiful chair away and only display it for one holiday.
Yes, definitely!
Beautiful work Cindy! Perhaps you can keep it out until Labor Day. Happy 4th to you also.
I may just do that, Lina! Thank you!
You have a wonderful talent in recovering the chair. It looks wonderful. I also love the French chairs but I have to pay someone to recover them, I shutter to think what they would look like if I did it. Happy 4th to you also.
Hi Katrina! I can only reupholster the very simple chairs. I’m too scared to tackle anything more complicated!
The chair is quite stunning. God Bless America
Amen, Patti!
L-O-V-E I-T!!!!! And the picture of Miss Ruby in the chair reminds me of Super Dog!
PS: I start decorating with a patriotic theme in mid-May for Memorial Day and continue the theme until after the 4th of July. Then I go full blown yellow/Summer as the Summer yellows eases into Fall colors. Sooo you can actually begin using that beautiful chair pre Memorial Day! 😉
Thank you, Deb!