BEFORE and AFTER: Reupholstered Thrift Store Chair Stool Makeover

[@ThriftDiving]

*HEADS UP:* I didn't forget about Bathroom Week! There were some delays outside of my control and it threw everything off! I'll be posting more bathroom videos soon (and laundry!), so be on the lookout for those. I am also planning to build a small vanity for my half bathroom! That will be coming, too! :)

[@bentaylor2281]

Hi

[@BananaMae1]

Ima excited ❤

[@ThriftDiving]

@@bentaylor2281 hey Ben!

[@ThriftDiving]

@@BananaMae1 Me too! I have been tackling garage stuff this week, too. All the projects are piling up. Lol

[@anthonycalvin8475]

I enjoyed watching that transformation. Keep up the great work! I look forward to your next project.

[@stephaniekitchen4819]

I love how detailed and clear your descriptions are. Also love that you're videos are concise and get straight to the point. I never find myself forwarding the video to get to the meat of it. Well done!

[@mythra7174]

Very cute, nice job. I definitely would've just gotten new padding though.

[@Revelation18-4]

Foam padding is quite cheap now. You can get it at various craft places. They usually have half off coupons also.

[@Ahsao]

I love the piece, & the fabric is elegant & classic, good eye! I don’t understand why people are thumbing down the video. It’s beautiful.

[@paniicakes]

She makes reupholstering look easy!

[@georginaadams4826]

Gorgeous makeover! I love how you never destroy these nice pieces, and renovate respectfully and tastefully, of course. Wow! What a find!! Well done x and thanks for sharing x

[@donnabeem3036]

I love how you explain step-by-step what you're doing a lot of people just play music and they go through the video really really super fast I'm glad you do it for four people that like to be explained you know I don't visualist but I like to hear it too thank you so much and that's a phenomenal idea that's an awesome stool

[@txJoJo55]

When you have the right TOOLS the possibilities are endless !!!

[@This-Present-Darkness]

Thrift diving is one of my favourite channels. I love how you always try to engage with your audience and also always try to keep learning. You inspire me to learn and go out of my comfort zone. Plus, the fact that your a mom and into carpentry is super motivating as well. More power to you! Keep killin it!!

[@Ho11is2Ho11ywood]

This came out nicely. What a beautiful fabric. The entire video, however, I kept thinking you were about to say something went awry. lol

[@AlyKatKitty]

Me, too!

[@perfectlynaturalme]

Gorgeous chair. Love the new fabric. Thanks for sharing

[@PENTHESILEIA1000]

Just ... WOW !!! This is a masterpiece by its self!

[@cynthiareynolds3432]

That's an unusual piece of furniture - I'm glad you left the wood legs. Plus you're the only person with a DIY channel who knows how to sew. Good job!

[@rochellestaffieri3158]

My Dad had a little chair like that. He used to sit in it to tie his shoes every morning. Needless to say, he went through the bottom about 3 times. There wasn't a solid board underneath. It was more a ring of wood. Then standard upholstery stuffing. The fabric survived, though! It was a fine crewel embroidery. Thanks for reminding me of this chair!

[@777violett]

Gorgeous work, I aspire to refurbish old furniture.

[@Sara-mh6ps]

I found this exact chair at a garage sale today. I fell in love with it so hard she just gave to me. Thank you!

[@samipierce5138]

the fabric you chose is beautiful! I adore the finished chair it is so cute and classy

[@goldscissor329]

Sami P I know right it looks to good and the best thing about is no one knows that it was an old chair

[@snrdomino8814]

My dad was an upholsterer and I recall his joy when he first used a compressed air staple gun. I can remember, when I was child, him running into the house for slices of bread to swallow after he had accidentally swallowed a tack. In those days he filled his mouth with tacks as a quick way of dispensing them when he reupholstered sofas,chairs and other furniture. You made a lovely job of the chair and I loved the material.

[@cw6744]

Wow! $10, what a great find. The chair is beautiful. Nice choice of fabric. Look so professional. You did it like you do this everyday. Girl, you can do everything ☺. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@meyou9651]

Your fabric is awesome!! And great job! I have the exact same one..... it was at a swankey hotel in San Francisco that had a fire /water damage issue. They were throwing all their furniture away even the stuff that wasn't damaged. They were just clearing out their basement and being part of the cleanup crew I managed to save this item from the dump...a friend reupholstered it and it's still beautiful to this day and it's been about 30 years now!!!

[@libbysjournal]

It was amazes me how you can change just a couple little things and you have a completely new piece of furniture

[@donnab.333]

I loved that fabric (black/purple/white). The chair came out beautiful.

[@Vinniegret]

Huh, I thought it was hideous.

[@maureenarmstrong1880]

Love the little stool. It would be perfect for the vanity I made in my bathroom. I tried putting cork stick-on pieces on the bottom of the legs of mine, but the humidity causes them to lift. Swivel would eliminate this. Nice work, Serena!

[@darniataylor7749]

What a cute chair! I think we had a couch in the original material. The new fabric is absolutely gorgeous! 😍 You did a great job! 👍🏾

[@lisagarza8238]

Super cute! You did an awesome job recover the seat too😁

[@jill552]

I’ve been looking for a vanity bench like that; pre-owned, of course! You did a great job. I love that you added the extra wood for clearance. Good idea.!

[@Druexotics]

You can also steam foam to refluff it and it disinfects

[@barbarat5729]

And looks a whole hell of a lot better.

[@evamz9584]

🙏 thankyou I apreciate this information👍

[@Twinzma]

Thanks!!

[@UsernameUnkwn21]

Steaming is a temp fix particularly on such degraded foam like she had it would have made it even funkier smelling and degrade even faster.. she should have replaced the foam

[@Druexotics]

UsernameUnkwn21 well no kidding but it would sure beat misting it but honestly my family has been doing upholstery for over 40 years and 3 generations so I don’t see how your logic is founded since we don’t do shit work but yes that foam was to far gone but in other cases steaming the foam will work just fine

[@1centplus1cent]

As always Serena, you did an awesome job! I love it and it looked well over $100 after you were done. Once you are done with your home, I can easily see you being able to sell your refurbished finds as a business if you wanted. Looking forward to the rest of bathroom week and blessings to you and your family!

[@cherylbook885]

Love your new chair. You are a very talented Lady. Love watching you do all your projects.

[@ThriftDiving]

Thanks so much, Cheryl!

[@LaurenLawless]

I love how you don’t strip the 20th Century charm from your pieces I love that you restore them rather than turn them into modern awkward uncomfortable blocks of squareness lolz keep making awesome content

[@erindoggette329]

So, I just found my own little gem, and it is the same Vintage Louis XVI Swivel Vanity Chair Stool you have...different fabric. Thanks so much for this video. I literally know EXACTLY what I need to do to revive mine for my beauty room vanity stool. 🙂You're amazing and beautiful. 👍

[@marcellespeake4272]

What a beautiful piece! Glad that I found you. Subscribed and looking forward to more great projects. Love doing this as well. Find pieces at the side of the road as well as thrift stores. Normally I strip all fabric and padding and dispose of them as I add more foam/padding so original fabric does not make an accurate pattern, check foam to see if it can still be used and see if any repairs need to be done to the wood structure/base. Repair this as needed. Wash foam by doing "grape stomp" in cleaned tub with hot soapy water, two rinses in hot clear water. Kneeling on foam as you roll it like a sleeping bag gets rid of most of the water. Then I stand it on an end in tub raised for ease of draining on a tub seat and set a fan to blow on it. Usually spray with Fabreeze or put some in last rinse water. Reverse foam piece without flipping it upside down every few hours for even air flow and drying. Can take 2 to 3 days to dry completely. To check for dryness, place foam on floor, top with 2 or 3 layers of paper towels then stand on top. Any moisture will show on towels - dry longer, in sun if possible. Living in Pacific Northwest with all the humidity and rain makes it difficult to use the sun for drying and disinfecting, but is possible in the summer. Then I reupholster the piece by placing foam on the strengthened base, fabric straps or springs as was needed. Add additional foam if wanted, then batting, then muslin to provide firm base for fabric that will lessen movement of fabric that will wear against foam/batting. Then add the fabric. I cut the muslin to approx size then check for fit, if ok, then I use this as my pattern to cut the fabric. Really like that you suggested making sure to use correct staples for each project as some staples are too long or short or simply will not hold in that specific wood. I always test staple in an area that won't show or be used to actually be needed for attaching fabric. Do not want to weaken area needed. Sometimes carpet tacks or upholstery staples are needed to insure a lasting result. You go girl, love your work!

[@bminnie2233]

I love her and i Love this channel. She has great finds and makes me feel as a Woman i can do anything and do these projects! I love that she still works with her Manicured nails on!! Love it !! 😚😚🤣

[@chellbee]

I would love to see a thrifting vlog. Just to see and get an idea of how you find and pick out all these great pieces!❤

[@genevievedurham567]

Thank you so much for showing me that cuz I have a stool just like that LOL!! I've had it for probably 10 or 15 years and have needed to recover it but haven't yet. That gives me confidence to do so.

[@CB-oo9ht]

Great job! We should choose the colors we love. If it makes yor heart smile, do it! I love creams and warm neutral colors and a lot of people think thats boring lol so each to their own 😊

[@tielwelch8132]

This is so flipping cute!!!!!!!!! I love the purple velvet. It’s a perfect fabric honestly, for this type of chair. Love your videos and I chomp at the bit to see more.

[@Gun5hip]

Ohhh that would be such a great little sewing table seat compact and comfortable.

[@esterixis]

Nice video, Serena! Thanks for instructions on making the piping/attaching. I'm a visual learner, so this was very helpful. And that fabric! Now I'll be on the hunt for a similar stool!

[@rileydoolittle5324]

That upholstery class is really paying off!

[@annmariemarin5513]

One of the best tutorials I've seen: Perfect sound, clear picture--- you should give lessons on how to film and edit a tutorial! SO GREAT! (new subscriber) :)

[@maggiesue4825]

What a unique piece! You refinished it beautifully!

[@starbright5504]

OMG I am loving this ! I have many dresser pieces that I have that I have repurposed they came out so great I kept them instead of selling them. You did a awesome job !

[@UsernameUnkwn21]

Girl you should have replaced that foam!!! And put a layer of dacron (poly batting) Been doing upholstery over 20 years.. I am just dying! If needed you could have purchased inexpensive med grade foam from joanns with a 50/ 60 % off coupon .. i totally get wanting to save $ but all that work on old.. sinking degraded foam..Noo Bueni

[@pats4211]

I just love your stool make over. I have that same stool I got mine from a moving sale it go to a vanity. Great job

[@adripaez]

Nice tip on saving the old fabric to make a template!

[@itsallaboutperspective3183]

Gr8 restoration & care given to an existing treasure.

[@wykkydtruth]

love it~ I am still jealous you find such great deals. that chair in my area would easily go for $40-50.

[@alliekingsley7919]

If you have one, check your local Goodwill Outlet. They're huge warehouse style buildings full of bins of clothes and they have *nice* furniture for very little cost wise. Last time I was at the one in my home city, they had a full love seat and couch for 20$, a couple really nice armchairs for like 10$, and then some crappier furniture that needed restoration for like 5$. They also cycle through the bins regularly, and weigh clothes by the pound, rather than the item. My last trip, I got a blanket, three rag rugs (great for ferret having spaces, because you can throw them in corners and if the little buggers poop or pee, since they like corners, easily washed), two really cute dresses, a pair of jeans, a pair of shorts and a pair of pants for the roomie, a couple camisoles and a few other items, and it was all 15$.

[@wykkydtruth]

@@alliekingsley7919 sadly the two Goodwill's in my town are no better than the very worst yard sale you can imagine.

[@junglepitts]

Those goodwill warehouses she is talking about is different than the actual stores. I've been to both in my same city and the warehouses sells stuff cheaper because you have to go through mountains of clothes and stuff they have piled up.

[@courtney9546]

The Goodwill bins in my city are disgusting and never have anything good enough to deal with the gunk and crowds of people. I have better luck in the regular stores- some stores are def better than others

[@evelynj.amponsah8417]

Great Tutorial Selena, the fabric is so different makes the chair look glamorous. The piping was a nice touch. I would have use some new cushion, that's just me. And the price of the chair OMG. That's for sharing.

[@BC-rz7eg]

Absolutely stunning. Great job. Awesome find.

[@773Tonya]

What an adorable chair! I love the new fabric that you used, it's beautiful!!

[@imomediaimomedia6648]

LOVE THAT STOOL !!! GREAT FIND...GREAT JOB !

[@vintagesouthernpicks8054]

That looks fabulous & you make it looks so easy! It was a great deal on a stool too!

[@kellymerrell2611]

Just beautiful. Love, love, love, the fabric. Stain gives it a lovely contrast.💖🤗❤🥰

[@ketmgagracielou]

What a great job. Love your choice of fabric. So cute!

[@lauraroberts8203]

So cute!I hate antique looking stuff but that really is so unique and nice!!!

[@iamwithhim1434]

Wow girl you do amazing work! I have loved watching your videos for a long time but have not been able to for a few months. You make it look so easy!!!!!! I am always thinking, yeah I could totally don’t his, lol. I am sure I could accomplish it........ however it might take me 3 to 20 times longer than you! But hey you inspire me to try! Fabric stuff and sewing always makes me a little apprehensive but I just got my first sewing machine and I’m going to try to do some sewing. Good job and keep up the good work! Thanks for sharing your talents with us

[@mbi_glam]

I’ve been watching your channel for a long time and every video get amazed you’re so talented I love it !!!

[@sparkysheep]

Oh man that foam needed to go. It was well past the end of its lifespan and foam for a project this small isn’t that expensive at all. I do love the fabric though!!!! It reminds me a lot of the haunted mansion!

[@Ash-xx5zd]

Great thrift find!!! Bet you're thankful for all those upholstery classes you took! This video made it sound easy. I'm sure it was an easier challenge than the chair! Lol.

[@joanntukes5878]

Now Serena..... that chair is G O R G E O U S. You did such a great job!!

[@patriciapartch5617]

Wow this turned out beautiful. You are so good at sewing and doing upholstery. Great job!!!

[@patriciapartch5617]

Also, I give you 5 thumbs up!!!

[@joymcmillion7192]

Love that rich wood tone!

[@1slandgirlcaribbean304]

I loved that chair. I loved how easy you made it seem to do it yourself. I've always taken my finds to a professional. Maybe I'll try it something myself in the future.

[@coffeegirl918]

LOVE this project, I tend to shy away from anything this involved but you've got me reconsidering!

[@dinkerz]

I’m so jealous of your know-how and wherewithal! You have yourself a new subscriber.

[@lisaroth7526]

Wow~! I love that so much! Such an improvement. You are an inspiration. Thank you!

[@ThriftDiving]

Aww, thanks, Lisa! I agree, it looks much nicer. That fabric is to die for!

[@goldscissor329]

Lisa Roth very true. I love doing the same things. Just started my own channel. She is really good

[@debraelmore8492]

Wow!! That $10 stool looks beautiful!😍

[@kimcwilkins5534]

Yes indeed .I'm going to try it.

[@musa2775]

That fabric is gorgeous. Really nice choice. Lovely work.

[@sharizarentas2669]

I lv that little seat it's do cute afterwards n best of all it moves AROUND 🤯❤️❤️❤️

[@TheDanj1975]

I have that exact chair and it’s in need of reupholstering thanks for this video

[@lavernmowatt2406]

Love that, purple is my favorite color

[@jaclynisveracious]

I love purple! Beautiful fabric!

[@allinministries4948]

Beautiful project. The chair is gorgeous. You did it so smoothly. I believe I can do this one.

[@tonib1029]

You make it seem so easy! Beautiful fabric and great find!

[@ThriftDiving]

HAHA, I didn't include all the detail, but the rounded back was giving me a problem! It took a little effort to get it to fit properly. There were still some gaps but not too bad. The busy fabric helped to pull the eye away from the problems. :)

[@rhyfelwrDuw]

I have the video a thumbs up before watching it because I knew the project would look awesome (as all your projects do)! This is stunning and I gasped when I saw the material - it being purple helped lol!

[@rhyfelwrDuw]

For some reason I can't edit - I meant 'gave' not 'have' a thumbs up

[@ingridlopez6671]

I’m obsessed with this stool!!

[@ktkitty1903]

Nice result! Upholstery class paid off.

[@kgrean8587]

That was a perfect material for that chair. Love the pattern and colore. Good job ❣

[@torbaydos]

Definitely would have got new padding, the old stuff apart from being yellow foam, so not fire retardant, was looking horribly squashed, especially at the front where it looked lopsided.

[@leeteplitz7673]

Colossal Egos Uncovered. Definitely new foam the old foam was gross

[@omiadi7485]

I agree.

[@thiadesg]

That fabric would look fabulous on my old reading chair. Thanks for reminding me that it deserves to be beautiful too! :)

[@mzdiamondlover]

Its nice when you have all the tools, i would totally have this hobby if I had all the tools. They’re just too expensive for me 😩

[@seecanon5840]

You can buy or borrow (!!) the staple gun as a manual gun. Screw drivers the same manual type from Lowes. I don't have power tools just the willingness to buy used and make it my own.

[@mzdiamondlover]

See Canon that’s true. I actually went to Walmart yesterday and saw they have tools for like $15 rather then Home Depot had tools for like $50-300. So I’m definitely going to get from Walmart

[@junglepitts]

Do you have a harbor freight where you live? They sell tools and such very inexpensively. I like to DIY and make jewelry as a hobby and have bought stuff there that has lasted me good while.

[@mzdiamondlover]

N i c o l e not at all. I’m in NYC. The only one I know about is about an hour of a drive away

[@junglepitts]

@@mzdiamondlover oh no :/ that sucks.

[@comfynlux5695]

I have a chair just like that. I got it from a flea market for $20. It cost me about 80 to have it redone it came out great. I use mine for a vanity chair.

[@kscheuerman5378]

I personally would have hand washed foam cushion (I have done this before.) & I would have added extra cushioning to make up for some compression of old cushion. In the end it is a beautiful chair & the swivel makes it perfect for use at a sewing table!!!!

[@ninjcrafts]

Great job! This makeover went so smoothly without any major issues!😁 Beautiful work👌🏼

[@SewMuchBetter]

Wow! That came out fabulous. I like that fabric. Nice! 😃

[@sofiareif]

I simply cannot describe how gorgeous this combination looks! You got Talent! :)

[@coffeewithmysunshine2506]

I LOVE how this turned out😍 Awesome job as usual 💖

[@TheSaltyKnitter]

I adore the new fabric on this little stool/chair!

[@hummingbirdtravelerstudio7687]

Beautiful!! This has inspired me to redo an old chair that I have. Thank you!

[@beverlycollins4283]

Another Splendid job! You never disappoint. My favorite videos are when you do your yard work. I don't know what it is but I love watching people work for themselves in their own yards. Your stool turned out beautifully.🥀🧚‍♀️🥀

[@yx6889]

That is adorable! You find the cutest pieces!

[@CradleEpiscopalian56]

Someone else had already done the hard part - metal braces. The upholstery turned out great! *I stopped buying thrift due to bed bugs in our area. 😪

[@steifenhornchen2341]

I would love a chair like this for my cat. It looks like the perfect size for a cat to sit on. 😁

[@SawantHema]

Wow! Great job. The stool /chair looks classy.

[@lynn9440]

Hi Serena :) You did such an amazing job, i realy love your work :). I am an interior decorator and we used to steam iron the old foam, it looks like new afterwards.

[@SadieNova79]

The video I needed! I literally have the exact same stool that I started deconstructing a while back to recover.....but I admittedly was a little intimidated and put it aside.

[@Marbleslite]

I just threw out an identical chair to this about a month ago. The replacement I purchased is nowhere near as nice. Wish I could have seen this sooner. I'm not a sewer but I do have a sewing machine. I would have liked to try to save it. It was super comfy and went perfectly with my vanity. Well done! It looks great!