
We've covered wall stickers and stencils so far. If you feel ready to take on something a little more challenging for your weekend project, how about transforming a piece of furniture?
A while back I wrote a post on how to transform a chest of drawers, but the same approach can be taken for other pieces of less attractive furniture like an old wooden chair or table. With a bit of inspiration, a few changes and little investment, you can transform an unloved piece of flea market find into a unique, treasured possession. Yes, in a weekend and, yes, without any professional help.

Paint the table and once dry:
a) use spray mount to attach a piece of wallpaper cut to size to the table then top with a glass panel.
b) mask out different-width stripes before filling them in with your chosen color palette and matt varnish to strengthen the finish.

c) using a different bold color for the supports and then pull a patterned oilcloth taut over it and staple it neatly under the lip.
d) cut a rectangular panel from the table top using a jigsaw and screw a piece of moisture-proof MDF to the underside of the table under the hole, tile a thin piece of MDF, the same dimensions as the recess and grout it, then plumb in a basin.

Paint the chair then:
a) cut out chosen images using a scalpel and affix using wallpaper paste; highlight chair contours with a contrasting paint and finish with clear matt varnish.
b) highlight the seat edge and struts with an equally hot yet contrasting gloss, cover the seat pad with a fun, striped fabric, tacked on with oversized upholstery studs, and finish by hanging a bright faux-flower and tassel corsage on the chair back

c) Cut foam to fit the seat back and glue in place, cover the back and seat in leather (pull the leather tight to ensure a smooth finish) and staple to secure, and edge the chair back and seat pad with upholstery nails.
d) Recycle old shirts by wrapping narrow strips of different fabrics around the chair frame, securing discreetly using a staple gun and textile adhesive, and finish with a carefully placed cuff and some big, fun buttons on the chair back.
Voila! Goodbye garage-sale, hello designer-piece.
Credit and photos: Livingetc
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