Repurposing an old chair offers a sustainable and cost-effective way to create unique home and garden decor. This process transforms discarded furniture into new, useful items, extending their lifespan and allowing for personal expression.
Planning Your Chair Conversion
Before beginning any chair conversion, assess its condition. Examine the frame’s stability, checking for loose joints, cracks, rot, or rust. The chair’s material (solid wood, wicker, or metal) influences possible modifications and tools. Original design elements, like a decorative backrest or sturdy legs, can inspire its new purpose.
Define the chair’s new function (e.g., storage, pet bed, planter). Sketching a design helps visualize the transformation and identify necessary alterations. Create a list of tools and materials, from basic hand tools to specific hardware or finishes. Ensure structural integrity for the intended new use.
Creative Chair Conversion Ideas
Chair to Storage Shelf
Converting a chair into a storage shelf provides a practical solution. Remove the seat and potentially the front legs, using the back and remaining legs as the frame. Wooden planks or salvaged cabinet doors can be cut to size and fitted into the open seat space, creating sturdy shelves. This repurposed piece can display books, decorative objects, or small gardening tools.
Chair to Pet Bed
An old chair can become a comfortable, elevated pet bed. Remove the seat and adapt the frame to hold a cushion or custom bed. Chairs with wide, deep seating and sturdy armrests are suitable, providing a secure enclosure. Reinforce the frame as needed, and install a base (e.g., plywood) to support bedding for comfort and stability.
Chair to Planter Stand
Transforming a chair into a planter stand displays plants, adding charm to a garden or patio. Remove the chair’s seat to create an opening for a pot or planting container. For direct planting, staple a chicken wire and coco fiber liner into the seat cavity to hold soil and plants, ensuring drainage. Alternatively, size the opening to hold a specific plant pot for easy rotation or removal.
Consider plant needs; trailing plants (e.g., vinca, creeping jenny) cascade well, and succulents are also suitable. For outdoor use, ensure materials withstand elements and allow for adequate water drainage to prevent root rot. Place the planter in a location with appropriate sunlight for plant health.
Essential Techniques and Finishing Touches
Structural Modifications
Structural modifications adapt a chair for its new purpose. This involves dismantling parts like the seat or backrest using tools such as a hammer or screwdriver. For significant changes, like cutting legs or creating frame openings, a jigsaw or handsaw may be used. Reinforcing joints with wood glue, screws, or brackets ensures the converted piece is stable and durable.
Surface Preparation and Painting
Proper surface preparation is fundamental for a lasting finish, especially outdoors. Clean the surface to remove dirt, grime, and loose paint. Sanding smooths rough areas and creates texture for paint adhesion.
Apply primer before painting for a uniform base and enhanced durability. For outdoor projects, use exterior-grade paint or a penetrating stain to protect wood from moisture and UV exposure. Apply a clear sealant as a final layer to protect the finish from fading, peeling, or cracking.
Simple Upholstery or Cushioning
For projects like pet beds, upholstery or cushioning enhances comfort and appeal. This might involve attaching new fabric over padding or creating simple removable cushions. Durable, washable materials are preferred for pet beds for regular cleaning. A simple throw pillow can be inserted into the adapted chair frame for immediate comfort.
Tips for a Successful Conversion
Safety is a priority throughout any conversion project. Wear appropriate protective gear (gloves, eye protection) to prevent injuries. Work in a well-ventilated area, especially when using paints, sealants, or power tools. Proper tool usage, including safe handling of saws and drills, contributes to a smoother process.
Patience is valuable; rushing can lead to mistakes. Taking time for each step often yields better results. Embrace imperfections, as minor irregularities can add character. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and reapplying protective finishes, extends the life of your converted chair, particularly outdoor items.