Chair Help!

Some of you know that I bought this pair of chairs a few weeks ago on Craigslist. Here’s the photo that was posted on CL — you can’t tell in this picture but the fabric is a 60’s green and it’s not in that great of shape. Getting them re-upholstered is on my to-do list. Matt thinks they look like old lady chairs, and even though I love the shape and design of them I have to agree that they’d look a little more modern with some updates. A few weeks ago I tried to stain them a lot darker and it looked FAB — but the wood wouldn’t take the stain so I had to strip it. Nightmare central.


So I’ve been throwing around the idea of painting them a glossy black. Some people I’ve mentioned it to are horrified because the wood really is beautiful — it’s just a little on the lighter side which makes it look more old-fashioned. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts — am I crazy for wanting to paint over the wood? I’m nervous that I’ll regret it. I’m thinking of upholstering with a cream velvet and putting pillows in this fabric on them.
Here’s an inspo pic for keeping the wood: 
And for painting them black:
Would love to hear your thoughts!
images 1 |  2

30 comments on “Chair Help!

  1. Love both options really! but I would suggest living with them a little longer in their original wood color until you are 100% sure of what direction you want to go. And I love the pillow fabric! Sorry I am no help! And I love love the chairs!

  2. Can’t remember what the rest of the room is like. I know you have a lot of gorgeous gold pieces and that the rest of the room is more updated so these could be a great natural element to the room. Can’t wait to see what you decide!

  3. Oh Natalie, this is a tough one, I like both options, on one hand the contrast of vintage and new could be interesting, on the other hand, the black paint would go beautifully with the fabric….hmmm…maybe I’m leaning towards painting..

  4. You are not crazy, I’m totally an advocate for painting over wood if you want to! I think it def depends on the space, but if you really want them black and are only holding back because you think it’s crazy, then just go for it!

  5. Those kind of remind me of my craigslist chair! I say paint them, because it will definitely make them look more modern and with the fabric you are looking at, the black will be a much better contrast.

  6. ooh this is a toughie… i’m all for a nice lacquered look, but to ensure you don’t regret it, can you reupholster first and then decide? you might like how it looks with natural wood once you have a great fabric on them.

  7. I love the black look, and I think you can always strip the paint if you don’t like it. But like Ashley Nicole said, try the fabric out first and then see how you feel. I’m jealous you found these in the first place!

  8. Umm PAINT THEM!! Go for it!! I think it’d look totally amazing and some fantastic pillows to go with it – sensational!! I’m jealous you found something actually worth buying on Craigslist!! The Dallas/FW Craigslist always kinda sucks :( anyway, good luck! Let us know what you end up doing!

  9. I always love to have a bit of natural wood in a room, and every photo I have seen you post of these chais I have a had the feeling they need to be left as is and simply reupholstered. I love the look of the wood!

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