A few years ago, I went through a major downsizing phase when we moved into a smaller home. I sold off several pieces of furniture I felt were too traditional for my evolving style. My family thought I was a little extreme, especially when I recently returned from a Salvation Army thrift store with a set of dining chairs that didn’t fit my initial vision.
The chairs weren’t what I had planned to buy, but surprisingly, I loved them. They had an elegant, tall, and sturdy design that instantly appealed to me. The moment I saw them, I imagined how well they would suit our family gatherings. For years, I had worried about accommodating taller guests comfortably—the kind of friends and family members who stand at 6’4″ with strong, lumberjack builds. These chairs provided the support and space they needed.
Beyond their practicality, the chairs offered just the right balance of comfort and formality. They’re perfect for long conversations after dinner but structured enough to ensure the little ones sit properly at the table. Our dining area is central to daily life. It’s where we share every meal, celebrate milestones, and create lasting memories. These chairs will see plenty of use.
I tried to resist going overboard with matching patterns, predictable trends, or neutral tones. After browsing what felt like thousands of fabric options, I settled on one that felt versatile. It complements almost anything I add to the table or nearby living room throughout the year. I expect the fabric to endure the inevitable wear and tear, especially since I coated it with a non-toxic fabric protector.
I have to credit Jennifer for inspiring this choice. She used the same fabric on pillows in her vibrant home—a home that just appeared in Good Housekeeping for the second time! Her style gave me the confidence to go for a bold but functional look.
When I first started this project, I wasn’t entirely sure what direction I wanted to take. The chairs had good bones, but I knew they needed a refresh. I considered stripping them down completely but decided painting was the more efficient route. I chose black paint to create a sleek and classic finish that would blend with the rest of our home’s decor. I wanted the fabric to pop against the dark frame, drawing attention to the patterns and making the chairs a focal point in the dining area.
The financial breakdown was reasonable for the transformation:
- Table and chairs: $150
(Some might think that’s steep for a thrift store find, but it’s a standard price around here.) - Fabric: $35
(I have almost a full yard left, enough to make a couple of pillows.) - Paint supplies: $30
(I already had black paint on hand.) - Total: $215
- Cost per chair: Less than $36
While I originally purchased the table along with the chairs, I decided not to keep it. The veneer top was in rough condition, and restoring it didn’t feel worth the effort. I returned the table to the Salvation Army, choosing instead to focus on the chairs. The project required several weekends of work, sanding down the frames and applying coats of paint between busy family schedules. The result, however, was well worth the effort.
One of the unexpected joys of this project was involving my children. They helped choose the fabric and assisted with some of the less technical parts of the process, like wiping down the chairs and painting small sections. It became a fun family project, and they now feel a sense of pride whenever we sit down for dinner. It’s a reminder that transforming a space doesn’t have to be costly or overly complicated—sometimes, a little creativity and teamwork are all you need.
If you come across chairs that feel a little outdated but have good bones, consider giving them a refresh. Even if you don’t want to fully repaint them, updating the seat cushions can breathe new life into a piece. Caitlin Wilson’s chairs, with their bold striped cushions, show how much of a difference fabric can make. They’re classic yet modern with just the right twist.
The beauty of reupholstering and painting is the ability to customize pieces to fit your personal style. I’ve learned that even if I change my mind down the road, swapping out the fabric or adding a new coat of paint is always an option. That’s the flexibility I appreciate most.
{Caitlin Wilson Interior Design via Houzz}
Don’t forget, the March Best of the Nest party is happening tomorrow! It’s a great opportunity to share your favorite design, DIY project, craft, or recipe from the past month. You can join by linking a blog post, sharing on Pinterest, or posting to Instagram with the hashtag #bestofthenestparty. I look forward to seeing what everyone’s been working on!
