For a long time, I’ve been a huge fan of Mid Century Modern furniture and art. So when I found this chair at a local estate sale, I just had to buy it. It doesn’t look like much, but I could envision its potential! My dad, whom I lost a few years ago, loved to renovate furniture and inspired me to find some diamonds in the rough. He was amazing at furniture renovation because honestly he had a lot more patience than I.

Mid Century Modern Chair Renovation

Mid Century Modern Chair Renovation

Step 1

I started by sanding the polyurethane off. It would have gone a lot faster with an electric sander but I used a sponge sander and got a good workout in at the same time.

Mid Century Modern Chair Renovation

img_1666

Step 2

Then came the oil-based primer. I thought one can would do it but it turns out I didn’t buy enough (duh!). So I didn’t have enough left for the bottom. It was okay though—once the cushions are on the chair, no one will notice. =) I didn’t spray it very evenly either…oops.

img_1668

img_1670

Step 3

Then came the paint. I decide to go with a nice glossy black. I didn’t want any brush or roller marks to show so I used a little Floetrol to help mask any streaks.

img_1671

img_1672

Step 4

I used a roller for the large areas and a brush to cut in on the corners.

img_1673

img_1676

Looking good…

img_1674

I’m done!!! It took about five hours, letting the coats dry in between.

img_1677

Step 5

Once it was finished I brought the chair to a local upholster who created new cushions from foam and bonded leather—super soft and comfy.

img_2038

Drumroll…. here is the finished product complete with classic Mid Century Modern Eames fabric pillow. What do you think?

mid century modern chair renovation • pomp creative • design studio • washington, dc • annapolis, maryland