For some strange reason, I am very particular about dining tables. Like a pair of shoes to an outfit, a dining table can make or break your dining area-- or even your whole house. Figuratively, of course, unless one has to tear down a wall to accommodate a table that is too big for a dining area then one can take this sentence literally.
When we acquired this house, a dining table was already provided for us but it was small, just enough to seat only 4 people-- prompting us to use salad plates instead of the usual dinner plates. This was not a problem to us because we're only a small family, but when we had guests over, we had to use our kitchen island and do buffet style dining for ease and comfort.
We had a lot of opportunity to change it but for all those times I went dining table shopping, none ever appealed to me. No one spoke to my very soul and said, "take me, I am yours.." You know what I mean?! When you go shopping and you just feel that certain connection? Yes? No? Or is it just me who feels like one has to go marry somebody when shopping for house stuff? Hahaha!
Seriously though, I don't buy on impulse when it comes to furnitures (even appliances) so my husband and I waited until we've decided to go for a customized farmhouse table and bench. Something that would look good even if we mix and match it with our old dining chairs.
Seriously though, I don't buy on impulse when it comes to furnitures (even appliances) so my husband and I waited until we've decided to go for a customized farmhouse table and bench. Something that would look good even if we mix and match it with our old dining chairs.
THE SEARCH
When we met with our first supplier, he assured us that he will come up with an "exceptional" table. Gloating every now and then that he's made a lot of these tables in the past-- making us feel that our money was safe with him but sadly, it fell very short of our expectations. It was ugly and disappointing to say the least. I mean, seriously, retaso wood used as table top? Are you kidding me? Another red flag was when I told him that I wanted a table top in natural wood finish with a contrasting base in white and he just blurted out "it won't look good. it will never look good." Shitake mushrooms, get out of the room! Someone needs to go out more often, noh? I am not usually like this as I always give people the benefit of the doubt but he was just so rude to my husband and very unprofessional at that. But I am not here to smear his reputation nor do I intend to divulge his identity. I am plainly airing out my disappointment as a customer because, don't we always do that? But like any sad story, there's always a light at the end of the tunnel and ours was pretty darn good!
THE ONE
And because my farmhouse table and bench combo wish is already granted (much to my delight! thank you, chinks!), my husband took it upon himself to upholster our dining chairs. It was no new surprise to me when my husband enthusiastically agreed to DIY it when I told him to because he's been crazy DIY-ing stuff around the house since he came home. This was only a minor DIY project though, the biggest one being Vania's closet-- a 7.8ft x 2ft x 8.5ft closet. A one-man show, no less. Quite impressive for someone who has no background in carpentry. hahaha! But we're not here to talk about that as that will be posted as another blog entry.
Moving on, below is the process of how
SUPPLIES: fabric / upholstery foam (optional. only if you want to change the old one) / manual staple gun + staples / screwdriver / working gloves / small carpenters knife + pliers (to manually remove the staples) / sandpaper + aerosol paint (if you're going to change your chair's color)
WORKING TIME: 45 mins per chair ( sanding and painting not included)
• • •
1.) Remove your chair cushions using a screw driver.
Use a small carpenter's knife and pliers to remove the staples. (or a staple remover if you have one) Don't forget to use working gloves!
2.) Remove the old fabric and foam and use the base as template for your new foam. Cut the foam so it's about 1" wider than the base.
3.) Drape the fabric on top of the foam and cut it so it's about 4" inches wider than the foam. This will make it easier for you to pull the fabric taut.
4.) Check the direction of the patterns of the print (if it's printed) and turn the cushion upside down.
5.) Staple the fabric one side at a time and pulling it taut while you staple.
6.) When you get to a corner, trim off the excess leaving just enough fabric to fold over as seen in the photo. Pull it snugly and secure with staples.
7.) Reattach to the chair using screwdriver. If your chair is painted new, make sure it's completely dry before reattaching.
Before and After
AND VOILA! BRAND NEW DINING CHAIRS!
We've yet to get ourselves a rug made of natural material-- jute, abaca or hemp! Got any suppliers in mind? Sound off in the comments section below, any leads would be greatly appreciated!
Until our next DIY, friends! :)
WORKING TIME: 45 mins per chair ( sanding and painting not included)
• • •
1.) Remove your chair cushions using a screw driver.
Use a small carpenter's knife and pliers to remove the staples. (or a staple remover if you have one) Don't forget to use working gloves!
2.) Remove the old fabric and foam and use the base as template for your new foam. Cut the foam so it's about 1" wider than the base.
3.) Drape the fabric on top of the foam and cut it so it's about 4" inches wider than the foam. This will make it easier for you to pull the fabric taut.
4.) Check the direction of the patterns of the print (if it's printed) and turn the cushion upside down.
5.) Staple the fabric one side at a time and pulling it taut while you staple.
6.) When you get to a corner, trim off the excess leaving just enough fabric to fold over as seen in the photo. Pull it snugly and secure with staples.
7.) Reattach to the chair using screwdriver. If your chair is painted new, make sure it's completely dry before reattaching.
AND VOILA! BRAND NEW DINING CHAIRS!
We've yet to get ourselves a rug made of natural material-- jute, abaca or hemp! Got any suppliers in mind? Sound off in the comments section below, any leads would be greatly appreciated!
Until our next DIY, friends! :)
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