Cane Back Chairs: Before and After

A few weeks ago I brought two of these caned back chairs home from my local Habitat for Humanity store. They were free so it made them even more appealing! I only grabbed two of the four... I'm still kicking myself for not getting all of them. You live and you learn! I found this picture in House Beautiful and used as inspiration for the painted finish but with different colors.

Here are the chairs before.. I also picked up that shelf for a few dollars to keep some of my paint and fabric supplies on in my work space. (Can you see the cat in the window?) The cane was loose and had holes in some spots so I removed it.

I used milk paint in the color slate for the base color. It looks dark when you mix it, but it dries to a lighter shade of blue. Once the base coat dried I dry brushed the color buttermilk over that. I sanded and distressed the chairs,and used a clear and dark wax to add some depth to the finish. I upholstered the chairs in a cotton canvas and made slip covers for the seats. Here's the after...

I loved the way they turned out and probably would have kept them if I would of brought all four of the chairs home with me! Lesson learned.. they sold fast at the antique fair and I'm so happy they found a good home.

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sharing at:

http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/

http://www.theironstonenest.com/

http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

http://www.primpjunktion.com/

http://www.domestically-speaking.com/

http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/

http://missmustardseed.com/

http://www.freckledlaundry.com/