In my never-ending quest to find a chair I can sit in comfortably (post-hurting-my-back), I purchased this mid-century modern piece at a garage sale last spring.
The foam cushions, which were almost useless, were covered in this unlovely grayish-white vinyl, but the chair seemed to promise me comfort if I would give it some care.
It made it to the to-do list this month...
...and I am happy to report that it was completed today.
I would love to report that it turned out exactly as I'd hoped, but, alas, I did it myself.
Some things did go very right, and I am very happy about them.
I was able to construct the covers - lining the fabric, covering and attaching the cording, installing hidden zippers - in a way that pleased me (and I usually don't like working for Me, as I seem very hard to please).
Also, my friend, Able Baker Dana, shopped for fabric with me and pointed out that I had pulled the same piece of fabric out and considered it at two different stores.
The fabric is a departure from my usual orderly geographic prints, so I was very grateful that she was there to tell me that I was obviously desirous of a change.
Friends are an excellent thing to have.
When I told her that I just didn't think I would like the piping covered in the same fabric as the cushions, but also was concerned that black (the only other option my limited thinking could offer) would be a bit too harsh, she is the one who suggested I use the piece of fabric I had purchased to cover the piano bench (just because I liked it with chair fabric).
Perfection!
It was the definition the cushions needed, without a harsh note.
There were things I learned on this job, though, which, of course, are things I wish I had been able to avoid.
I made the top cushion shorter than the original because I wanted to see the lovely curved top of the chair.
Can't see it, can you?
I did not take into account how much higher the seat would be when there was a new, wonderfully-firm piece of foam in the new-but-same-size cover.
Also, I wish I had used a 3" piece of foam for the seat-back cushion; using the four inch foam means I am sitting just a little bit too far out on the seat for perfect comfort.
Granted, that could be fixed, if I was willing to take the cushion cover apart and remake it and I was willing to spend money on another piece of foam.
Am I willing?
Not yet.
I have placed my new chair in my newly designated reading corner, and tomorrow morning I will make a test run.
I have a LOT of books I am currently reading and a whole lot more in the wings (that's a blog post for another day).
I am currently searching for the perfect little side table either to build or refinish for this space, and wondering what art would be just about right for the wall.
Other than that, all that is needed is to open the window and pour a big, fresh cup of coffee.
Life is good.