Mom sprays paint over a folding chair, gives it a shabby chic upgrade

Do you have an old folding chair that still works well but is a bit on the grubby side? Instead of leaving it tucked away unused, consider this DIY shabby chic makeover project.

This simple project turns a traditional chair into charming seating for spring gatherings or an eye-catching addition to the garden. A coat of pastel paint removes evidence of wear and tear. Floral fabric and a touch of lace give this folding chair a vibrant, wonderfully vintage vibe. Panels of sheer fabric strategically tucked beneath the seat and over the back add to the whimsical appeal.

-Folding chair
-2 sawhorses
-Plywood tabletop
-Handheld drill
-Plastic gloves
-Apron
-Respirator mask
-Drop cloths
-Ultra-matte spray paint in blush pink or a preferred color
-Pliers
-Industrial work gloves
-Floral bedsheet
-Scissors
-Industrial stapler
-Lace ribbon, 3inches wide
-2 panels of sheer, light pink curtains
-Pencil

Instructions
 
1. Place the folding chair upside down on top of a workbench crafted from plywood positioned over two sawhorses. The underside of the seat should be facing up, toward the ceiling.

2. Remove the screws from the seat with a handheld drill to release the cushion.

3. Flip the chair over and remove the screws from the back support to release the smaller cushion at the top.

4. Unfold the chair, and place it in a work area well-protected by drop cloths.

5. Cover the entire chair in ultra-matte spray paint. (Here, we've used blush pink to stick with a garden theme.)

Wearing plastic gloves, an apron and a respirator mask is advisable during this step.

Don't forget the backside!

6. Flip the larger cushion upside down on the work table.

7. Remove staples using handheld pliers to release the fabric covering. Do the same for the smaller back support cushion. Wear industrial work gloves for this step.

8. Flip the larger cushion right side up so the white cotton filling is facing up, toward the ceiling.

9. Position a floral bedsheet over the cushion, and cut around the perimeter of the sheet. Leave enough excess fabric at the edges to tuck underneath the cushion.

10. Flip the cushion and fabric upside down, and secure the new fabric in place from behind with an industrial stapler.

When staples have been added around the entire perimeter, trim away the excess fabric.

11. Flip the large seat right side up once more, and cut four lengths of 3-inch-wide lace ribbon long enough to extend diagonally over each of the four corners of the cushion.

12. Position the lace strips so they overlap at the center point of each side of the cushion before flipping the cushion over and tucking the excess lace underneath.

13. Staple the lace strips to the back of the cushion to secure them, and trim away excess material as needed.

14. Repeat steps 8 through 10 to cover the back support cushion in matching floral fabric.

15. Place the larger newly covered cushion on the chair to make sure the fabric appears smooth.

16. Hold the smaller back support cushion in place at the back of the chair.

17. Fold a single curtain panel over the top of the back support cushion, and grab the two sides below the cushion where they meet in the middle.

18. Holding the fabric in place, carry the smaller back support cushion to the work table.

Staple the sheer fabric to the back bottom edge of the cushion.

19. Trim away any excess fabric above the staples, and allow the second side of the sheer panel to hang freely over the back of the cushion.

20. Position a second curtain panel underneath the larger folding chair cushion. Adjust and tuck the sides as needed so it hangs smoothly around the front and sides of the chair.

21. Trace the edge of the cushion, and draw lines directly onto the panel in pencil.

22. Turn the larger cushion and sheer panel upside down on the work table. Use the pencil markings to staple the fabric in place underneath. Trim away the excess fabric once the panel is attached.

23. Replace the larger cushion right side up on the chair, and smooth the hanging fabric down.

24. Cut a single line from bottom to top in the fabric on either side of the chair where the fabric meets the metal leg. This allows the fabric to be positioned on either side of the chair leg to let it hang smoothly.

25. Fold the chair, cushion and fabric up to carry it to the work table in one piece.

26. Position the chair upside down on the table so the bottom of the seat cushion faces up. Reattach each of the screws to the underside of the chair to secure the cushion and fabric.

27. Position the smaller back support cushion and fabric on the metal backing of the chair before flipping it over on the table.

28. Reattach each of the screws to the underside of the back support to secure the cushion and fabric.