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Thrifting Antique Woven Desk Chairs

These.

Chairs 1

Are you surprised that we were thrifting again? I’m not. These were originally $90 a pop ($180 total). Marked down to $70 each ($140 total). With an additional 50% off. So we ended up paying just $35 a chair ($70 for both of them). Not bad considering Ballard sells semi similar metal versions for $199 a pop here and reminiscent-ish rattan ones for a whopping $249 a piece here.

And they’re sturdy little buggers. I sat in them expecting a rickety mess with flat cushions (why else would they be so cheap?) and I was surprised. Not bad. Not bad at all. So I did that “wow, John, they’re really quite nice” thing and I walked around them and scratched my chin and looked at John again and batted my eyelashes and explained how much I’ve always wanted chairs just like this and how we have so many places they could go and on and on. After a while John got sick of listening to me agreed and we carried them up to the cashier with a spring in our my step.

In fairness to John, he might not have been as giddy as I am, but let’s face it, not many people on earth are as unabashedly enthusiastic about life in general as I am. Which I know can be highly irritating. But we have a pact that we don’t get anything unless we both sign off on it and actually like it. So if John hated them it would have been a total no go. Really, he can put the kibosh on things like you wouldn’t believe. And exercises that right on a very regular basis. Luckily, being the freakishly happy person that I am, I usually can be found seconds later lovingly stroking a vase that I want instead or just generally getting ecstatic about non decor things (like the mention that our latest Netflix arrived) and skipping out of the store. But after talking about all the possibilities for a major makeover, even John is psyched to give these babies some love. Cause you know we’re into that sort of thing. It’s better than on par with ice cream and puppies to us.

You can’t really tell from the pics, but the chairs are actually a deep navy color. With lots o’ chips and scratches.

Chairs 2

But not for long. We’re gonna repaint and reupholster them with something fun. And we’ll share how we do it all (with pics) when we get there. We’re not sure about what color or even where they’ll live (most likely in the office as our new desk chairs since they’re so comfy and then we can craigslist the kitchen chairs that we’re currently using along with the table when we DIY a kitchen island down the road). We’ll probably just sit on them as-is for a while, since we should be focusing our attention on more dire projects (like the guest bedroom). But I’ve always had a thing for lattice-y chippendale-esque chairs so I’m happy to have them. Oh and guess what? Johnny somehow squeezed them both into the Altima like a true hero. My man.

Oh and I guess you’re wondering where we got ’em. A cute little local antiques place called the Midlothian Antique Center (which is next door to Hancock Fabrics, where we get clearance yards of bold prints & patterns for our Clara project). So even though we were in the market for a few fabric scraps, I totally did that drag your man next door “just to look” thing. Ten minutes later John finds himself trying to squeeze these puppies into the car and I’m chatting the whole way home about colors and fabrics (while he’s most likely zoning out and thinking about sandwiches or washing the car).

Psst- Yes I still have this rocker to redo. It’s about 15% done (stripped of its old fabric & tacks just waiting to be sanded, stained, and reupholstered. Pics to come when it’s fully pimped.

Comments

  5. Chelsea in Richmond says

    I love the part about being happy about a vase a few minutes later after having a potential purchase be vetoed by John. I’m kind of like that too. I use (!) alot in my writing as well because I like to emphasize feelings lol.

    Because of ya’ll, I’ve learned about so many thrift and antique places to check out! There’s also a consignment shop on Midlo Tpk called Izzie’s. They have such cute stuff! Ever been? See, there are those (!) again.

    Reply

  6. Molly says

    I’m SO in love with your new chairs!!! Awesome find! I can’t believe that you were able to find 2 of them…so jealous! I know whatever you do with them will be fab, but I’m really hoping you paint them a bold color :) Can’t wait to see the end result!

    Reply

  8. Jenn L says

    I can’t wait to see what you do with them! I haven’t been lucky in thrifting as of lately but I hope my luck changes soon! <3 I love fun projects like revamping chairs and other furniture!

    xoXOxo
    Jenn @ Peas & Crayons

    Reply

  9. Marla says

    You’re so funny! Love how you take us to the store with you when you tell this story. I like your chairs better than the two versions by Ballard. Just scored myself an awesome french provincial style sofa and matching chair at goodwill for $100, thanks to “50% off green ticket items” and having 20 minutes to kill after dropping off my daughter to piano lessons. You just never when you’re gonna find something grand!

    Reply

  11. Katie says

    I love the chairs! I’ve been scouting Craigslist trying to find a chair of my own to redo, so I can’t wait to see what you do with these and get some inspiration :)

    Reply

  14. Annie Davis says

    love them! thrift store finds are the best! Here in Raleigh, NC we have a flea market at the fair grounds every weekend! It’s the best thing ever! You find the greatest things there!!

    Reply

  17. Melissa says

    I can’t wait to see how they turn out. I am trying to find a pair of chairs (not too big yet still cozy to curl up in) to flank a chest and mirror on the other side of my LR. You’ve re-inspired me to keep looking!

    Reply

  19. Allison says

    Love these! I saw a picture of similar chair last week online and it has inspired me to try and find one to transform as well. I say a nice pop of color, any color really will do. How about coral, turquoise, robins egg blue – something bright with a fun patterned fabric. Will any of the Clara’s project fabric work for this?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Sadly we just get one yard of each pattern for Ckara’s project, so we doubt that would cover both chair seats. And we’re thinking we want the upholstery to match. We’ll definitely share whatever we end up with though…

      xo,
      s

    • Katrina says

      You could always consider getting a enough yardage of a beloved print for a future week of the Clara project that could also work for the chairs – then it would serve double duty!

      BTW – I need to find myself a Sue (and I’m not talking about my boss)!

  20. Robyn says

    I LOVE that Hollywood Regency style! Jealous of those beauties! I don’t know if thrifting isn’t as good in the Northwest, or if I don’t know the right stores to frequent, but I never see anything this good in Seattle!!

    Reply

  21. Elizabeth says

    I would just like Clara-fication on one point…did you fit these two chairs into the Altima along with a car seat?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha. Love “Clara-fication” – and yes, the beanette was with us. It was crazy. Two upside down seats in the backseat with the carseat between them in the middle. We seatbelted the chairs securely in place so they wouldn’t shift during transit. Thank goodness it was a quick drive home!

      xo,
      s

    • Jill Stigs says

      LOL……..reminds me of when my husband seat belted in a pumpkin in our (then) minivan……..like it was going to jump our 1 yr old daughter in her carseat! :)

  24. rachel says

    GGAAAAAHHH! Even you guys found a pair of these?! I ADORE bamboo chairs like that and i can never find them! You better love them for me! and tell them to ask their cousins to come find me… because i just love those chairs!

    Reply

  25. Jamie B says

    I totally am jealous of those chairs. If they were mine, I think I’d paint them “grass green”. But then, of course, they’d match nothing in my house. I just look at them and see “grass green!”

    Reply

  27. mypatsyann says

    Those are DELICIOUS. Can’t wait to see them improved upon.

    P.S. I love the way you use “craigslist” as a verb. My kinda people.

    Reply

  30. andrea p says

    I find cool chairs at thrift stores often, but it is SO rare to find 2 or more of the same! Everything is better as a pair! Love it!

    Reply

  31. Marina says

    I’m a ridiculously happy person too! To the frustration of many who have known me. :-)

    Oh, and love the chairs too!

    Reply

  32. Andrea says

    I wish there was a quick way to post a pic or two in the comments – because I just redid a pair of these chairs – very similar. Bough them for $15 each at Habitat, painted them a nice turquoise and made a new cushion with a bright yellow suzani print, then sold the pair on Craigslist for $225. I almost couldn’t sell them, but that was the intention when I purchased them, and I stuck with it. Love them! Have fun!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We don’t get The Nate Show here in Richmond (I know, it’s devastating) so we’ll have to follow that clip and watch it online! Thanks for sharing the link since we feel so lost when it comes to Nate references!

      xo,
      s

  35. shannon berrey designs says

    Thanks so much for unexpectedly retweeting that post about my ‘paint chip valentine coupon book’. My visits exploded today as a result!! I have been following you guys for a long time and feel even more ‘connected’ to you after seeing you on Nate!!
    Thanks again–you guys rock!
    Shannon

    Reply

  36. Lynn says

    I’m SO excited to know that you bought the chairs from my booth at Midlothian Antiques Mall! I loved those chairs (it’s hard not to get attached to some of your items), and I’m happy they found a nice home. It will be fun to see what you do with them. They’re so versatile and also easy to move around if you need them for temporary service in another room. Your blog is fabulous, I read it every day.
    Keep up the great work!

    Reply

  38. Ellen says

    Off topic (love the chairs) but we live in the Richmond area and are attempting a “Kitchen Refresh” which consists of the purchase of a very expensive new range (GE Profile Stainless)and island range hood, painting kitchen cabinets (cream with chocolate glaze) and stainless backsplash and granite tile. We can’t afford full slab granite (see expensive range which is non-negotiable) and have been shopping around for tile. We are going to DIY it all except the range (county regs) and I’m wondering what your recommendations are for a granite tile source (or other tile – we’re open) in the area. I also want tips on cabinet painting, but I think I’ll search your site to find it as I think you have done it before.

    p.s. your baby is so cute she makes me want another! (but that is non-negotiable as well)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh yes, check our Projects page for a cabinet painting tutorial (see that tab under the blog header?) and as for tile, we have two tile sponsors on our sidebar, both of whom we’ve heard amazing things about (you can even read this morning’s post for a discount code you can use toward your purchase). We actually purchased some things from The Tile Shop right here in Richmond and loved it (not only do they have great stuff, their experts really know what they’re talking about). You could also try craigslist for granite (tile or slab- you might be surprised to learn that you can afford slab granite from a source like that). Good luck!

      xo,
      s

  42. Jessica E. says

    I’m sure with 125 comments you have already been validated that this is an incredible deal, but I just HAD to tell you for the 126th time, “What an awesome find!!” I’ve been flea marketing myself in Philadelphia, and I have yet to score me some Cane chairs, Chippendale chairs, Hollywood Regency chairs, or whatever you want to call them. Love, love, love them!!

    Reply

  44. amyks says

    What a deal…like those better than the Ballard chairs, so jealous because I would love a pair of chairs just like those. Can’t wait to see your update.

    Reply

  45. Ana Silva says

    Loving the chairs! You guys always find great things. Can’t wait to see them completed. I have a project just like this waiting for me at home. 2 totally awesome chairs.

    Reply

  47. Kari says

    I love love that you used the word kibosh!! My husband does that too, it’s so nice to know I am not the only one :) Much like you I am chipper and move on to the next thing excited as ever!

    Reply

  49. Diane says

    They’re very cute. I’m curious, why not the typical rolling, swinging, swaying office chairs for y’alls desks? Is it more to fit the house’s style or y’all just never liked the big bulky desk chairs?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We’ve never had desk chairs and I don’t think we’ve ever had a hankering for them (except for the super expensive sleek white ones sold at places like cb2). I guess we don’t really need wheels (we don’t wheel around at all) so your run of the mill comfy chair does the trick for us. Whatever works, right?

      xo,
      s

  50. Katie says

    Wow, I need to learn to shop like you! Definitely looking forward to seeing the finished product. I’m thinking something metallic with a deep accent color ;-)

    Reply

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