I have a cane back chair addiction. I’m not really sure why, but they catch my attention every time I come across them. Unfortunately, they are usually battered and bruised and in need of refinishing when I find them. But because of their worn condition, the price tag makes them even more irresistible. In the past 6 months, I’ve purchased 3 of them for $5 a piece. My very first upholstery job several years ago (which I had a lot of help with) was a cane back chair that I paid $25 for and then wrestled into my Camry with my 6 month old baby in the back seat. I love cane back chairs. But it goes against my DIY principles to pay someone to re-cane them for me, and I certainly don’t have that skill myself. So, I just find ways to work around the broken caning.
Most recently that involved some strategically placed pillows. But here is what she looked like before I gave her some love.
I found this chair at our local Habitat for Humanity Re Store for $5 and knew I needed it immediately. I actually planned to refinish it and sell it, but as soon as I painted the frame, I knew I wouldn’t be able to part with it. I really loved the finish and didn’t want to paint it, but I didn’t really have any other option because it was damaged where the caning was coming loose.
I lightly sanded the frame, painted 1 coat of Zinsser primer, and let that dry for about an hour. I wanted the frame to have a nice matte finish and to be kind of charcoal/black like a chalkboard. Astronomical by Behr was exactly what I envisioned.
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I purchased extra of this cream linen for another project because I knew I wanted to recover the seat with it. I had considered trying to reconstruct the fabric like it was originally, including the piping, but I just didn’t feel confident in my abilities. Also, because I wasn’t replacing the caning, the back side of the cushion would be exposed and I didn’t have enough piping to cover the back.
Here she is all dressed up. I’m still on the hunt for the perfect pillow for this spot, but in the meantime this set up works just fine.
Have I mentioned yet that I just love this chair? I find myself randomly staring at it a lot. I feel silly even saying that, but those are the things that I want to fill my home with. Things that inspire me, that are meaningful, or are just beautiful, Not because things make the home. No, of course people make the home. But I do believe that the things we surround ourselves with have the ability to lift us up, to bring us joy, and to help us celebrate life. It’s the small things, right? And small things add up. So I’m celebrating paying bills and answering emails in a chair that I love.
What home decor obsessions do you have?
