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Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Pair of Vintage Open-Arm Chairs


Friends, I benefited from my own auction tips last week. Last Monday afternoon--despite nursing a bad cough and cold--I drove to an auction preview and left an absentee bid on a pair of upholstered arm chairs for the living room. In their current state, they weren't pretty; but my reasonable bid was enough to bring them home (I got them for $130!). Their open-arm style was calling my name even if their fabric left a lot to be desired.

Let's start musing inspiration for the transformation of these cool chairs, shall we?
When I saw the chairs' open-arm style, I instantly recalled a similar pair that Meg Lonergan rescued from the trash heap. Seeing what Meg did, I knew I had to leave a bid.
Meet Me in Philadelphia meetmeinphiladelphia.blogspot.com
Meet Me in Philadelphia meetmeinphiladelphia.blogspot.com

A little internet research yielded several similar chairs in solid upholstery that have sold on 1st Dibs and V&M. That means I've got some expensive inspiration (and taste, for that matter)...
Meet Me in Philadelphia meetmeinphiladelphia.blogspot.com
(one / two / three)

The chairs will flank the fireplace, but they will look infinitely better dressed up in some new fabric.
As of now, I'm leaning towards reupholstering these in a solid...right? A print might be too busy.
Meet Me in Philadelphia meetmeinphiladelphia.blogspot.com
Meet Me in Philadelphia meetmeinphiladelphia.blogspot.com
I'm ready rip that skirt off and swap the current back cushion for a box cushion (without buttons). Now, wouldn't those changes go a long way to modernize the chairs? 

These chairs are prime example of why I love auctions: you never know what kind of great stuff can come up for sale. And $130 for a couple of chairs isn't bad, if you ask me.

Stay tuned for their (eventual) new look!

10 comments:

  1. SCORE!!! They are so good and the scale is just perfect. Totally agree on the skirt and the cushions. And I think you are right on the solid fabric, although Meg's ikat sure looks nice.

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  2. Let me know what auctions you check out in the area...unless you dont want to reveal your secrets:)

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  3. I love an open-arm chair and you scored with these! Hmm. I know your sofa will be solid but can't remember what other pieces will be in the room. If no other patterns are going on, I think a large scale print could be so cool (like Meg's), but I'm kind of a play it safe gal when it comes to upholstery. Definitely rip off the granny skirt and let those ladies show their legs. Can't wait to see what you do!!

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  4. Definitely a solid so you can really see the clean lines of the chairs. Great find!

    Champagne Lifestyle on a Beer Budget

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  5. You are on fire. Your house is evolving into a chic and collected looking space! I'm with Kathy, I think since the sofa is solid it might be fun to do a big, bold print, but I say follow your instincts. I have loved all of your choices thus far!

    www.chattafabulous.blogspot.com

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  6. If not a pattern, then a richly hued velvet -either bright or dark and saturated but definitely something bold. What fun, I'm jealous!

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  7. Nice find! I rescued a pair of antique armchairs from the side of the road and am currently saving up to have them reupholstered. Love giving something a second chance at life:) Yours will look awesome, I'm sure!

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  8. These chairs are great! I agree the skirt has to go and a solid will keep the room refined.

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  9. Love these...great buy!!! Can't wait to see what you recover them in!!

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  10. Congrats on the acquisition. You saw potential where I would not have seen any.

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I'd love to hear your thoughts!