It’s easy to give an ugly French chair a new look with updated upholstery!
Have you ever seen an ugly, worn french chair at a flea market, estate sale, or thrift store, and walked right past it, not giving it a second look? I definitely have!
However, if it’s a french chair, I always give even the ugliest ones a thorough inspection.
Sometimes, if the “bones” are good, all the chair will need is some new clothes.
Such is the case with this antique french bergere chair.
I found it at one of my favorite estate sales many months ago, and she was sadly neglected with rips, fraying, and staining to the old fabric.
There was even a huge stain on the back that someone had covered with an old crocheted doily in an effort to hide it.
The frame was in pretty good shape though, and was painted a creamy off white with natural distressing from years of use. And, it was only $38.00!
After checking the springs to make sure they were still in good shape, I decided that she would be perfect for a little makeover.
Hubby thought I was nuts when told him that I wanted to buy it.
However, I know what bergere chairs sell for, and knew that she would be gorgeous with just a little bit of love.
I used a beautiful toile fabric from Hobby Lobby that has perfect shades of blue in it.
The fabric also has sweet images of precious sheep, which are a weakness of mine.
I used this fabric to upholster the inside back and sides.
I also used an antique German grain sack for the exterior sides, back, and arms.
An upholstery grade burlap covers the bottom section under the cushion.
I wanted to make a slipcover for the cushion so that I could take it off and wash it when needed and loved the idea of using an old white quilt.
It just so happened that I had a large antique quilt that belonged to Evelyn, my sweet mother in law.
The quilt was in terrible condition with rips and tears, but was in a beautiful shade of white.
I had been saving it for awhile thinking I would find something to use it for, and decided this was the perfect project.
I was able to salvage a section large enough to make the cushion’s slipcover.
I finished it off with nail head trim all around, leaving the wood finish as found, because I loved the timeworn look that it had.
So the next time you’re at an estate sale, flea market, or thrift store and you see an ugly french chair…..take a second look…and imagine it with new clothes.
You just might end up with a beauty!
Cheers,
Cindy
Did you do a tutorial when you reupholstered the chair?? Would love to see how you did it! Its beautiful! I love toile!!
Gorgeous!
What a gorgeous transformation! I got two of basically the same chairs from Goodwill a few years ago for $7.50 each. They don’t need reupholstering yet but I will definitely use yours as inspiration! xo Kathleen
What does hubby think now?
It actually looks quite comfy.
Nice appearance too. All of your many talents.
I am intrigued with the sweet sheep in the toile fabric. I looked up “Folk Tales” by Mill Creek on ebay etc and the fabric they show has people on it, not sheep. Any suggestions? Thanks so much for posting this again.
Hi Deb! I have searched this fabric and it looks like this pattern has now been discontinued, but I’m still looking for a source!
Just beautiful Cindy. You not only have a “good eye” for a bargain, but you are so talented.
Thank you so much, Diane! Your sweet words have made my day!
Beautiful chair and beautiful job..
I was wondering would a old white quilt take to tea diyiny to match a grain sack?
Hi Daphne! I’ve seen tea dyed fabric and it’s a beautiful way to mimic old linen fabric. I’ve also used drop clothes to imitate grain sacks. You can see how I did it in this post: https://edithandevelynvintage.com/how-to-create-your-own-grain-sack-with-drop-cloths/
They are beautiful chairs!
I LOVE Bergere chairs and love that you have the courage to recover one yourself. You inspire me to tackle one if I find one that needs recovering. I absolutely love your creativity and style. Do you have a step by step process of how you did it?
Thank you, Faith! You might check out this post to see instructions on how I received this set of dining chairs:https://edithandevelynvintage.com/french-grain-sack-dining-chairs/
What a beautiful makeover! Do you have a tutorial on reupholstering? I don’t think that’s something most of us think we could do DIY!
What paint do you use to paint the stencils on your chair fabric
Hi Sue Ann! I use fabric paint from Hobby Lobby!
Absolutely love it! When you re-upholstered it did you have to use tack strips?
I’ve used tack strips before, but not on this one. It’s individual tacks.
I have two antique French chairs that were left to me when parents passed away. They were recovered at one time. I no longer want them but do not know how to price to sell?
Hi Kathy! Prices vary depending on what region you’re in. I would suggest check on FB Marketplace and get an idea of what they are selling for. Also, FB Marketplace is a great way to sell them!
I am looking for that wall,but with the burgundy coloring. Can you help me?
Hi Donna! Unfortunately, I’ve never seen this pattern in Burgundy.
Hi there, I am planning to do a Bergere chair but it will be my first time attempting this. Question for you. How did you attach the fabric? Did you first use a staple gun? And then attach the trim and nail in the nail heads? Just curious if the nail heads or actually functional as well as aesthetically pleasing? Thank you! I love your work.
Hi Elizabeth! I attached the fabric with a pneumatic nail gun, then glued the trim with hot glue gun. The nailhead trim is decorative only. I hope this helps!
Any idea where to get more of the Mill creek Toile? I am unable to find more for my client, myself.
Thank you-
Pamela Smith
Hi Pamela! I would try searching for it on Etsy or Ebay!
I’m in heaven! Everything on your site is a dream. I wondered if you could please tell me the paint color in the room with the re-upholstered chair? I’m struggling to choose paint, and this looks perfect for the room I’m working on!
Hi Tiffany! The wall color is Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray!
I love everything about this fabulous chair. I have a few chairs I wold love to have recovered. I’ve never done upholstery before, but this summer, I got to give it a try.
Do you know the name of the toile design from HL? Thanks
It’s called “Folk Tales” from Mill Creek.
How much fabric did you use to make this beautiful chair?
Only two yards of the toile!
You certainly gave that sweet old chair its dignity back! I love the combination of fabrics you chose and the finish was perfect. Oh, I ,too, love sheep and I so enjoy seeing all of yours.
Absolutely beautiful with her new clothes!!!!! Perfection!!
Absolutely gorgeous!
What a gorgeous chair. You were so right not to pass it up Cindy! I really lke your selection of fabrics it gives the chair a variety of textures and ambiance.
Thank you so much Mary!
Cindy that is one gorgeous chair! Can’t believe you taught yourself to upholster! I always thought that was one of the hardest things to learn, but I’ve never tried it. You did a beautiful job! I love the mix of fabrics on it.
Thank you so much Florence!
Would love to see the steps….exactly”how” you reupholstered this chair! I have two and no clue how to start!
Everything you do is stunning Cindy! Pinning this project!
Oh m goodness, thank you Janet! Coming from you, that’s quite a compliment!
Absolutely gorgeous!! I probably would not have passed it up either, but it would still be sitting in it’s bad condition years from now with plans to recover. The fabrics you chose are perfect!
Thank you Wanda!
Such a wonderful makeover! I love that toile fabric.
Thank you Angie!
Beautiful!
You are so fortunate that you can even find lovely French chairs … And only pay $38!!! That’s amazing!
In New Zealand, they are difficult to come by. I bought one that needs ‘new clothes’ plus a lot more…for $350. It is only a reproduction, but imported from France.
I enjoy seeing what you do with your furniture. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much Dale!
SCORE! I never walk right by something with that well-loved look, especially at a great price. So glad you rescued her. I probably would have saved the old fabric on the chair too! And don’t you love it when you can pull something out of storage (the white quilt) and use it on a new treasure? Lovely and definitely you. Thanks for sharing this beautiful post.
Thank you Pat!
You did a beautiful job with this chair! I would have no clue to even start to recover anything:( You have so many talents it is amazing. LOVE the toile fabric you found. The peonies are the perfect added bonus!!! I was going to ask how the foyer is coming but see you answered that above:)
Thank you Pinky!
~Cindy~
What a lovely chair so glad you didn’t pass her up !! You are amazing at what you do! Did you glue the fabric on this like you have before??
Paula ~ IN
p.s How is that big project coming along 🙂 can’t wait to see it !!
Thank you Paula! No, I didn’t glue this one on, I did it the “proper” way! However, my sweet little French loveseat that I used the hot glue on is still fabulous! The foyer is progressing, at a very slow speed, but it is coming along. We just finished the painting the last remaining two story wall in the stairwell….that’s not something I ever want to do again! We’re finishing up some touch ups on the paint in a few areas and then we’re ready to lay the floor…so hopefully the reveal will be coming soon! I must say it’s turning out to be gorgeous!
Cindy~
sounds wonderful !!, wore me out just reading everything you have been doing , hehe
Paula
I just love all the textures in your room. Is that a gray on the walls? What color, may I ask?
Hi Sheryl! Yes, it’s gray! The color is Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray.
Stunning……every single detail is so beautiful!
~Des
Thank you so much Des!
Just beautiful! We had 2 bettered chairs in out living room when I was a teen and I would luv to have them back. I keep my eyes peeled but do far, none.
Luv the mix of fabrics you used Cindy. I will keep searching!
Hugs, Gee
Thank you Gee! Good luck!
Just gorgeous! I admire your bravery in tackling an upholstery job. They always seem beyond my skill level. I would love to see you post a tutorial; maybe I *can* do this!
Thank you Linda! I always intend to do a tutorial and then in the process, forget to take photos! I’ll have to work on that!
such a transformation…she’s beautiful!!
Thank you so much Ann!
Wow Cindy, I’m amaze at how beautiful your chair turned out…..I would be scared to try and tackle a chair….lol…..your not only brave but so talented……love the way you use your mother in laws old quilt so special….
Have a wonderful day~
Mari
Thank you Mari!
Absolutely gorgeous!!
Thank you Jacqui!
Absolutely lovely. Would really love a tutorial. Jann
Thank you Jann!
Cindy, your chair is so pretty. Wish I had the ability to see the possibility of used treasure. You have the gift.
Thank you Sue!
Oh yeah, I’d have brought her home too. She’s lovely in her new clothes. Love the mix of fabrics!
Thank you so much Cecilia!
You never cease to amaze me! The chair is wonderful…and using an old quilt…great idea. As a quilter and collector of old ones, there are quilts every where in my house! And I’m in love with the toile…the sheep caught my eye immediately!! Great job!
Thank you so much Cheryl!
Love, love the chair! The ones with the separate seat cushion are really comfortable – and hard to find! What color fabric dye did you use for the pillow? I made pillows from a grain sack found at Scott Antique Market, bought blue dye, and it’s too bright! Yours is just perfect.
Thank you Kathryn! I used black fabric paint on the pillow!
Amazing recovery, Cindy! The fabric with the lambs is so you!! The colors are so soft and of course it’s perfect in your lovely home!! Gotta feel good about that redo!!
Thank you so much Celia!
Do you have a tutorial on how you recovered this chair?? It’s beautiful!!! Did you take the existing fabric off before putting the new fabric on ? And did you have to add foam to the existing seat cushion?
Hi Kristi! I don’t have a tutorial, something I need to work on! Yes, on this chair I removed the old fabric. I have redone some chairs that I left the old fabric on if it was in good shape. This fabric was so ripped and stained that I didn’t want to cover over the top of it so I removed it. I did add a bit more padding to the cushion, but not enough. I’m going to have to go back and add a bit more to it.
Cindy, did you teach yourself to reupholster, or did you take a class? The chair looks great, love all the mixed fabrics.
Lucia
Thank you Lucia! I am self taught, through trial and error! I started small with a small side chair that only needed the seat upholstered, and progressed from there.
LOVE it Cindy! Gosh that grain sack must have been wide. Mine are so narrow they would not have covered the width of that chair without sewing two together. I love the graphics on it. Just perfect as always!
Thanks Kim! Yes, this grain sack was very large when opened up, I actually have two of them, and haven’t decided what to do with the other one yet!