I always love finding petite size French chairs!
It’s always so much fun to find a petite size French chair when I’m out antiquing. They are a perfect size to dress up any small space and they’re small enough that they work in almost any room, even the bathroom.
Usually, when I find them, they are a good price and they add just the right amount of “French flair” in any room.
Recently I’ve been searching estate sales, auctions, and antique shops for a pair of petite French chairs to put in the living room.
My search paid off when several months ago I found two petite french chairs at my “go to” estate sale, and at $38.00 each, I grabbed them.
They weren’t an exact match, with each one being slightly different, but that made me drawn to them even more.
I found a gorgeous turquoise fabric from Hobby Lobby that I knew would be perfect for these two beauties.
The first step was to remove the large number of nailhead trim and the old original faded velvet so I could begin reupholstering them.
Once finished, I added back new nailhead trim to finish the look.
The wood frames appeared to be some kind of maple which I didn’t care for.
I wanted a different look, but I wasn’t completely sure that I wanted to paint them either. So I decided to just gild the wood using Rub-n-Buff gold leaf gilding paste.
I love the gilded finish so much more than the original maple, and I love the way they look in the formal living room, sitting on each side of the storied french chest.
Their small size make them easy to display in any room should I decide to move them somewhere else.
The turquoise color of the fabric looks gorgeous against the gray painted walls, which is Sherwin Williams Dovetail.
I’m searching for a longer console style table to go here, something that I can place two lamps on, and long enough that it will work better proportionally on this long wall.
Until then, the little bombe chest will have to do.
Another recent estate sale find is the French trumeau mirror.
The french scene at the top of the mirror is actually hand painted.
It fit perfectly in the center of one of the “boxes” made from the decorative moulding.
The gilded wood on the chairs draws out the gilding on the interior moulding panels on the walls, as well as the gilding in the fireplace.
The fireplace is the focal point of the living room.
In forty years, it’s never been used, even though it was originally built to burn wood. It has such a beautiful pink marble surround and hearth.
The firebox is cast iron with a stunning chinoserie design. It’s so pretty and unusual, and we have no plans to mar it by burning wood in it.
When we bought the house, there were some electric logs sitting in the fireplace and I’m not sure why we saved them because I had no plans to use them. However, once the room was finished, we moved the faux logs back into the firebox and plugged them in. They made such a pretty glow that we decided to leave them. They even make the sound of fire crackling when they are turned on!
The french style andirons came from a flea market and they are the perfect addition.
The antique french sofa that we renovated several years ago has taken center stage in the living room, and for the time being two wing chairs flank it.
I have an old coffee table in the attic that belonged to my mother that needs a little updating. I’m going to give it a little renovation and use it in here at some point.
I’m still on the hunt for a frenchy table and chairs to place in front of the large bay window, and of course the long console table that I mentioned earlier.
There’s a few pieces that are waiting for a makeover that will go in this room once I have them finished, so as you can see, it’s still a work in progress.
I just finished making over a pair of large Italian candelabra sconces that will be mounted on each side of the French trumeau mirror. I’ll reveal these to you in a few days.
This old neglected house is coming along.
I want to thank all of you for following along with E&E this year, it means so much to me. I wish all of you a new year filled with abundant blessings and everything that you could possibly wish for!
Cheers,
Cindy
Resource List:
Wall Color: Sherwin Williams Dovetail
Trim color: Sherwin Williams Snowbound
Gilding used on chairs: Rub n Buff Gold Leaf
Fabric on chairs: Turquoise Pace
Hi Cindy, I have refered back to this post so many time that I finally bookmarked it! I have 6 dining chairs, very similar to yours, that were passed down to me when my favorite Aunt died. She was all about French decorating style, which I also love. I am currious, after a year, are you still pleased with the guilding wax on your blue velvet chairs? I just removed the one million tacks from each chair and moire` fabric and need to decide what to do with these beauties. Do you have a preference for German grain sack over Belgian linen? I appreciate the time and excellence you put into your blog so that others can learn from you and have a wonderful resource for French style at it’s best. Thanks so much!
Hi Cecilia! Yes, I’m very pleased with the gilding wax that I used. However, the chairs don’t get very much use, they are more decorative. So I don’t know how the gilding wax would hold up over long term on chairs that are used on a regular basis. I love both the German grain sacks and Belgian linen! I use both in my upholstery, and I can’t say that I prefer one over the other. It just depends on the project and the look I’m wanting. Thank you so much for your comment! I hope this helps!
You have an incredible talent. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharig.
Thank you so much, Jan!
Cindy, love your living room & all your beautiful pieces. I’m looking at an antique sofa like yours but before I buycan you tell me if it’s comfortable enough for everyday use as hub loves to lie down at night watch his sports. I want to go soon to your fav place in Mobile.
Hi Betty! Compared to newer sofas, my hubby would probably say that it’s definitely not comfortable enough to lay down on. If you find one, I would suggest having your husband sit on it and even lay down on it first!
One word….. Breathless…
Thank you so much, Bettie!
Your home for the holidays is just breathtakingly beautiful! All the details in chairs living room are just gorgeous.
Thank you, Lisa!
Wow, just love these! They came out so good! Cant wait till your next post… Have a good one. Leticia
Thank you so much, Leticia!
Cindy, I love the look of your chairs! Stunning! How many tubes of gold rub did you use per chair? I love the finished look/ patina that it gave the chairs, I’m thinking I might try it. Love your style and home. You are s sweet kind soul.
Hi Rebecca! I used just a little more than one tube, so two tubes will be needed for two chairs, though you will have a lot left in the second tube. Enough for another project!
I really love the blue on the chairs!!!
Thank you, Diane!
Oh Cindy, this room is glorious and such beautiful details in place that you have only enhanced. Love your chairs, but I am afraid the mirror takes my heart. You are such an inspiration and talent. Thank you for sharing with us your many special talents.
Thank you so much, Sandra! I appreciate you following along so much!
Absolutely love that mirror! It would be great in my own home! I went to Atelier de Campangne sale recently and found a few great French pieces. You would love it.
WIsh we have some of those great prices in California though.
Oh, I would love to attend one of Atelier de Campagne’s sales! It’s on my bucket list!
Cindy, Happy New Year! The holidays are especially painful when one of our loved ones haves passed on. Glad you were able to experience her presence. Wow! Your formal living room is gorgeous! I love the transformation of the chairs and the trumeau mirror looks perfect in that spot! Half the fun of renovating a space is to let the room evolve! I know you will find the perfect pieces for each spot. I wish I had your energy, skill and talent! I really enjoy how you walk us through your process of each room. I read through your comments and can definitely see a gorgeous coffee table book in your future. Thank you for sharing your home, thoughts and process with us!
Thank you, Sandy, for your sweet words and encouragement. You are always so supportive and it means so much to me! Happy New Year dear friend!
~Cindy~
I understand how your Christmas was not the same since your sister was not here, this was our 2nd Christmas without our sister, but I know they want us to be happy and enjoy all the special moments of life we can. Then 3 days after Christmas we had to put our Lexy girl down, our sweet sweet Boxer she had cancer which is common in Boxers, but so heartbreaking losing her.
The chairs are lovely, as is the whole room!!! you have such an eye (or two) decorating.
Happy New Year to you and your family, and Blessings in 2018!
Hugs,
Paula
IN.
Oh, Paula, I’m so sorry that you lost your sweet Lexy! It’s so difficult to lose our fur babies, they are like children to us. I know your heart hurts with missing her. Virtual hugs coming your way!
The new chairs you reupholstered are very pretty, but the mirror–be still, my heart!
It is absolutely gorgeous! Where are some of your favorite local haunts for vintage goodies? I would love to find some of the beauties you have unearthed!
Thank you, Diane! Both the chairs and mirror came from my very favorite place to shop for vintage goodies! It’s a monthly estate sale in Mobile, AL at Olde Mobile Antiques Gallery. They have a huge estate sale the first weekend of every month and the prices are amazing! It’s well worth the drive to experience this sale every month!
Happy New Year Cindy! You make me feel like I can do things which would normally be outside of my comfort level – and for this – I say a humble but heartfelt THANK YOU! I want to attempt another ceiling in my almost”popcorn” free home – but just checked online @ lowe’s in attempt to order more pine – AND – they are not carrying it! Do you happen to have any suggestions??
Terry, I know that some of the Lowe’s have stopped carrying this brand of pine planks. I think they have replaced it with another brand so you might check with them and see what they offer that is comparable. Also, check with Hope Depot. I think they carry a pine plank that is similar. Hope this helps! Happy New Year!
Oh Cindy!! Truly gorgeous!! I kept looking for the unfinished part, but I do know what you mean when looking for the exact piece that you have imaged in your mind…and you will find it, I am sure. The petite chairs are heavenlly in the perfect blue; the French trumeau mirror is a beauty with the hand-painted scene, and THAT firebox…it is just WOW. I haven’t ever seen a firebox quite that pretty. And the logs when lit up brings the firebox to another level!!!
We all anxiously await each room as you and your hubby put your magic touch to each one. So happy that you share them with all of us.
Wishing for you a wonderful and properous 2018!! Happy New Year!!
Wrenda, you are too sweet, thank you so much! Happy New Year, dear friend!
Love those chairs girls , just gorgeous to the max
Thank you so much, Janice!
Ok. First, you are my favorite blog. Second, your ideas are stunning! There is absolutely not one decorating, construction or painting project in that you performed in your entire home that I would not hesitate to execute in my own home if I possessed your skill and talent and had the home to perform them in. I applaud you for being a DIY-er and sharing your creativity. Third, and the MOST important, YOU need to author a book describing your ideas for home décor along with paint recipes and directions for your furniture do overs. I would be the first to purchase your book. Perhaps PURE and ORIGINAL PAINT would sponsor such an endeavor? You certainly have convinced and inspired me to purchase Pure and Original Paint. On a side note-I lost my husband in October and I feel your pain that you experienced this Christmas. I am sorry for your loss.
Oh my goodness, Carolee, I am so very sorry for your loss! I can’t imagine losing a spouse. Please know that I will keep you in my prayers and I’m sending you virtual hugs. Thank you so much for your sweet and kind words, they mean so much to me! A book….hmmm…that would be an amazing adventure, wouldn’t it?!? Definitely a dream….
Happy New Year Cindy! How the heck did you put those nail heads on the chair? I always break the tips off when I try to push them through hard wood. Good luck on finding the right pieces for your room. I discovered a Scandinavian antiques store here in Denver recently and saw a beautiful white console table (too big for my room). But I immediately thought Cindy would love that! Hugs from Colorado, Pat
Pat, have you ever seen nailhead trim that comes in a strip?? I hadn’t either until recently and it makes adding nailhead trim to a piece of furniture so easy! Here’s the link to something similar to what I used: https://www.amazon.com/Dritz-44286-Upholstery-Nailhead-Silver/dp/B0060LDT2Y/ref=pd_sbs_201_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0060LDT2Y&pd_rd_r=NJTWX67JJSVZ2R7ZJGH4&pd_rd_w=J6cFN&pd_rd_wg=kRt8a&psc=1&refRID=NJTWX67JJSVZ2R7ZJGH4
The shop that you have discovered sounds wonderful! I would love to shop there! Happy New Year, dear friend!
I always love seeing your beautiful diy decor pieces and room progress! that sofa is amazing. love the chairs in that fabulous blue. Happy New Year!
Thank you, Debra! I hope you had wonderful holidays! Happy New Year!
What a most beautiful job that you performed on those chairs. The room is so beautiful with the most exquisite details. Thanks for showing us the progress of this room…it was such a treat to see! Happy New Year Cindy!
Happy New Year, Shirley!
Cindy, thanks for the sneaky peek of your living room,the chairs are beautiful. Hope 2018 is a much better year for you. Love all you do for your fan club.
Sue, thank you! You are too sweet! Happy New Year, dear friend!
Those chairs are gorgeous with your makeover! You are one talented smart lady!! I so look forward to every blog! Your taste is like mine, just wished I had your talent. Looking forward to your finds for LR. Happy New Year!
Nancy, thank you! You are too sweet! Happy New Year!
HELLO GORGEOUS!!! It looks fabulous. Can’t wait for you to show us the rest of the pieces. I have a tendency to go after one piece after the next. I love how you take your time and work through each step. Smart! Thanks for sharing with your readers.
Thank you, Mary! It takes me awhile to find just the right pieces for a space. Sometimes I will find them quickly, but this room is going to be taking it’s own sweet time!
Happy New Year Cindy….those chairs are making my heart sing!!! <3
Thank you, Susan! They are such sweet chairs!
Absolutely charming! I’m glad you had a nice holiday. Thank you again for inviting us along on your renovation journey.
Thank you, Julie! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year dear Cindy. Your home is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your talent with all of us.
Happy New Year! The living room is coming along beautifully. Great find on that mirror too!
Blessings,
Candy
Thank you, Candy!
They are stunning Cindy! Happy New Year to you and your wonderful family! Looking forward to reading your posts my friend!
Thank you, sweet Gay! Happy New Year!
Bonne Annee Cindy! I look forward to every post as your style is very similar to my own.
Thank you so much, Alice!
I love the chairs, they are so pretty against the wall. I get a lot of blogger emails , most I admit I don’t read but yours I love taking in all the intricate details.
Aw, thank you so much, Kathy! That means so much to me! Happy New Year!
As always your home is gorgeous! I always look forward to each of your reveals. I love the gold accents inside the picture frames on the walls in the living room and the new gold chairs are beautiful! As soon as I get these Christmas decorations down I’m going to focus on my tired living room. Thank you for the inspiration and Happy New Year! Cheers! Dell
Thank you, Dell! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you and your family Cindy!
The formal living room is absolutely stunning….., so perfect. What color and brand of paint did you use on the walls in this room?
Cindy, you are such an inspiration to so many of us, I always look forward to you sharing your new additions to your beautiful home, thank you!
Cheerfully,
Nancy J. Tx.
Thank you, Nancy! The color of the walls is Sherwin Williams Dovetail, and the paint brand that we used is Valspar Reserve from Lowe’s. Happy New Year!