Hearth Room Mini-Makeover, Part 2

Welcome back for Part 2 of the Hearth Room Mini-Makeover.

As I mentioned yesterday, outfitting our little hearth room was a challange because the space is small intimate.  I'd find a chair I like, then measure it.  Today's furniture is so BIG and fitting two chairs in the space would make it look pretty crammed.

I'd just finished an semester-long class on reupholstering furniture, so I began to consider antique furniture, which was made for smaller scaled people than we are today.   Then, I found a posting on Craig's List for two FREE chairs with the disclaimer they'd need to be reupholstered.  Perfect!  I called the guy immediately and he bragged how he bought them from an estate in a hoity toity area of the city.

He didn't mention on the phone that he had three large manx cats.

I am not daunted.  So, I signed up for a second sememster of upholstery and hauled my projects to class.  Despite their size, they are heavy.  And the seat cushions have springs inside and are amazingly dense.  Even the instructor was impressed.

And the final result?

I love the warmth of the worn arm rests.  I rubbed them with Howard's Restor-a-Finish to even the sheen but maintain that great patina.

Right now, we have a coffee table in the room which I moved for the pictures, but I'm thinking of replacing it with an ottoman. 



(Truth be known, the chairs normally FACE the fireplace.)

Now this is a great place to relax in the winter.  I'll put on more coffee for you.

Note: If you are interested in learning upholstery, check a nearby community college or trade school.  I found my upholstery classes in the continuing education section at a technical school, so it was very reasonably priced considering it was a twelve week course and provided all the tools and supplies I'd need, such as cord for piping, staples, dacron, cotton batting, adhesives, tack strips, ply grip, etc.  The only thing not provided was fabric, gimp, decorative tacks and foam.  Some extension offices offer upholstery and furniture refinishing classes as well.