Estate Sale Antique Louis XVI Chairs!
If you’ve followed me for awhile, you know that l love going to estate sales and auctions.
We hunt high and low for pieces to sell in our online shop and in our newly opened booth in a very popular antique store.
You also may be aware that I adore antique French furniture, and have a particular weakness for French chairs.
Many of you have told me that you have the same weakness, so maybe we should start a support group!
Earlier this month, I was attending one of my favorite monthly estate sales in Mobile, AL and I spied this pair of antique Louis XVI armchairs.
If you want to grab my attention, just show me a French chair with carved details and gilding!
This pair of Louis chairs had both of those heart stopping characteristics!
I literally ran to them, held my breath as I picked up the price tag, and then let out a sigh of relief when I saw that they were in my budget!
So I pulled the tag and put “SOLD” on them!
They are very heavy and very well made and still have the original upholstery which has become very worn over the last century.
The nail head trim is so old that it’s become a bit rusty.
However, none of that deters me because I plan on reupholstering them and giving them a new updated look.
The thing that I adore the most about this pair of Louis chairs is the gorgeous carving and gilding.
The gilding has some chippiness and wear, making them a bit imperfect.
But imperfections and flaws are what tells their story, and those imperfections are exactly what attracts me to a piece.
The carved flowers at the top of the back are so pretty as are the details around the back surround, and down the arms and legs.
Thankfully they are very sturdy and solid, otherwise I probably wouldn’t have bought them.
I originally thought that I would reupholster them and sell them in our antique booth, but now I don’t know…..I’m seriously considering keeping them myself!
The original fabric on the chairs is a cut velvet fabric in orange and olive green, definitely not my colors, but I liked the textured pattern of the cut velvet.
So I started hunting for something similar in design but in my colors, and found this fabulous upholstery fabric!
The fabric has a dark gray background with turquoise cut velvet in a coral pattern.
I can’t wait to get started on the makeover, but I have a feeling that the old nail head trim is going to be a nightmare to remove! Maybe I can talk hubby into helping!
I will share when they are finished!
Oh, and I think Miss RubyLou has become obsessed with French chairs as well! I can’t keep her out of them!
Cheers, Cindy
Update: See the “after” makeover on these chairs HERE!
Fabulous new fabric for those chairs! Can’t wait to see the transition
Thank you, Gwen! You can see the transformation of the chairs here: https://wp.me/p5Xug9-28X
Oooo, I cannot wait to see how your chairs turn out and for the step-by-step instructions you thoughtfully put together on your rehabs. I recently bought two gorgeous gilt French barrel chairs at an estate sale and I want to reupholster them.
I loved your article in French Cottage! I know the chairs will turn out beautiful
Oh my. They are exceptional. I can’t wait until we get to see what you do with them… 🙂
Absolutely beautiful Cindy! I know that once you get to work on these chairs they will turn out beautiful, just like everything else you have refinished! Looking forward to seeing the finished product!
Thank you, Nancy!
Cindy,
I love these chairs!!!! Can’t wait to see the finished look.
Thanks, Carrie!
Ruby’s all in Mom, she’ll give u a hand (paw)!
Lol, Jacklyn, if only she could pull all of those tacks out!
So elegant! Can’t wait to see their new look.
Thanks, Deb!
Pretty chairs. I know your excitement when you saw them…I’m the same way! Yes, I think we need to start a support group. I’m weak too when I see French pieces. I have to buy. I have a pair of French chairs in cut velvet with blue on cream that I love! I’ve always loved cut velvet and mohair. Excited to see new fabric on them.
Thank you, Nancy!
Can’t wait to see them redone !!! Fabulous find !!!
Thank you so much, Rhonda!
Cindy, they are to die for! The new fabric is gorgeous, cannot wait to see them finished! Miss RubyLou has such good taste!
Yes, she does! Thank you, Pamela!
Oh my gosh, that fabric you found is exquisite!!!
I can’t wait to see them done!!
Thank you, Tracey!
Love the chairs and your choice of blue fabric
Thank you, Janet!