Thrift stores almost always seem to have a ton of old kitchen chairs for sale. It's easy to look over them if they're worn or completely outdated, but these DIY projects will change your mindset on these finds.
Whether you choose to transform an old kitchen chair into something completely new or you decide to simply refurbish it and breathe a little life into a tired piece of furniture, you've got to check out these inspiring project ideas.
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1. Wallpaper a boring, old chair
With some decorative wallpaper and paint, you can change a boring old chair into an inspirational sitting piece for a nursery or living room.
With some decorative wallpaper and paint, you can change a boring old chair into an inspirational sitting piece for a nursery or living room.
DIY Everywhere
Almost anyone can make this project. In fact, the hardest part might be choosing the paint color and the wallpaper pattern. Get the full tutorial here.
2. Aluminum chair makeover
Rock vintage vibes by upgrading an old aluminum chair. Use bold colors to have the chair really pop. This accent piece will be the highlight in the backyard, or take it with you to the beach. Get the full tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
Rock vintage vibes by upgrading an old aluminum chair. Use bold colors to have the chair really pop. This accent piece will be the highlight in the backyard, or take it with you to the beach. Get the full tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
3. Easy peasy woven seat
Sometimes, an old chair seat is in need of an overhaul. Try this super easy woven seat look. Get the full tutorial at My Repurposed Life.
Sometimes, an old chair seat is in need of an overhaul. Try this super easy woven seat look. Get the full tutorial at My Repurposed Life.
4. DIY bench
This bench provides useful seating in an entryway, out on a front porch or in a child's room. Not much has to be done with the chairs themselves for this project; the real work lies in making the bench cushion. The benefit of this project, however, is that you'll be able to remove the bench and use the chairs again if necessary.
This bench provides useful seating in an entryway, out on a front porch or in a child's room. Not much has to be done with the chairs themselves for this project; the real work lies in making the bench cushion. The benefit of this project, however, is that you'll be able to remove the bench and use the chairs again if necessary.
DIY Everywhere
In fact, very little woodworking skills are required. The hardest part is making the cushion. If you don't have a power saw, have the piece of plywood for the seat cut to size at the store. Get the full tutorial here.
5. $10 yard sale chair makeover
Next time you see a seriously dilapidated chair at a garage sale, pick it up. That's right – Confessions of a Serial DIYer features a seriously inspiring change that'll make you warm up to even the most sorry-looking chairs. Adding that greenery really alters the chair's entire look.
Next time you see a seriously dilapidated chair at a garage sale, pick it up. That's right – Confessions of a Serial DIYer features a seriously inspiring change that'll make you warm up to even the most sorry-looking chairs. Adding that greenery really alters the chair's entire look.
6. Turn the chair into an end table
Drawn to nautical design aesthetics and beach house chic? This faux antique end table is a stylish addition to any sea lover’s living room or bedroom. It’s made out of an old chair and comes together in six simple steps, so anyone with a modest budget and an afternoon to spare can whip one up. Get the full tutorial here.
Drawn to nautical design aesthetics and beach house chic? This faux antique end table is a stylish addition to any sea lover’s living room or bedroom. It’s made out of an old chair and comes together in six simple steps, so anyone with a modest budget and an afternoon to spare can whip one up. Get the full tutorial here.
7. Towel rack
If you look closely, can you see the chair? Yep, the seat has been cut off and mounted on the wall upside down, creating the perfect addition to a small bathroom.
If you look closely, can you see the chair? Yep, the seat has been cut off and mounted on the wall upside down, creating the perfect addition to a small bathroom.
DIY Everywhere
With its detailed spindles and a lovely muted blue color, this towel rack adds a shabby chic look to any room. Get the full tutorial here.
8. Porch swing
A hanging swing is the sort of addition to a room or porch that everyone will gravitate toward. Few things are as idyllic for people as swaying gently while enjoying a good book or glass of wine. Get the full tutorial here.
A hanging swing is the sort of addition to a room or porch that everyone will gravitate toward. Few things are as idyllic for people as swaying gently while enjoying a good book or glass of wine. Get the full tutorial here.
DIY Everywhere
9. Quick upholstery makeover
Knowing how to reupholster furniture is a skill that should be in everyone’s mental toolbox. A fresh piece of foam can double or triple the longevity of a chair, while new fabric can make a piece of furniture impervious to falling out of style. Get the full tutorial here.
Knowing how to reupholster furniture is a skill that should be in everyone’s mental toolbox. A fresh piece of foam can double or triple the longevity of a chair, while new fabric can make a piece of furniture impervious to falling out of style. Get the full tutorial here.
DIY Everywhere
10. Chair planter
Breathe some life into an old chair (literally!) by turning it into a planter. Not only will it bring some interest to your garden, but it is an ideal way to make use of a piece of furniture rather than sending it to a landfill.
Breathe some life into an old chair (literally!) by turning it into a planter. Not only will it bring some interest to your garden, but it is an ideal way to make use of a piece of furniture rather than sending it to a landfill.
DIY Everywhere
By planting succulents that complement the color of the chair, you can make this planter box look even more professional and cohesive. Get the full tutorial here.
11. Wraparound bench
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This project, from Too Inspired to Sleep, is genius! See how they transformed a set of regular old kitchen chairs into a stunning wrap-around tree bench similar to ones that sell for thousands of dollars!