Before and After - Cane Sided Chairs

I am going to be showing more before and after photos - the obvious transformation is so compelling and I'm hoping that it will inspire others to refurbish rather than toss well-built heirloom pieces.  First of all, I automatically reject a couple of categories of "used furniture" that is readily available but not worth redoing:

• anything bought at Ikea or Rooms to Go (quality not worth it)
• anything that has been obviously repaired or is REALLY badly scarred (unless you plan to repaint)
• anything that has a strong odor that may indicate mold or insect damage inside the piece

I have had several occasions to redo chairs with a nice side caning and love the tall wingback style version of these.  It is important to make sure that the caning itself is in excellent shape (no breaks or obvious repairs) - caning is very expensive to have professionally repaired and hard to match with existing pieces.   

BEFORE - Cane Sided Chairs

I bought these latest chairs from a antique collector - they were in good shape but featured old, tired tufted upholstery.  I would guess that these chairs are of 60's vintage.

I selected a nice toile featuring a traditional red on deep yellow background pattern called "La Petite Ferme" giving them a French country look.  I added a deep red for piping to reinforce the red of the pattern and added my usual feather-filled accent pillows.  I love how these turned out.

AFTER - La Petite Ferme Chairs

AFTER - detail

AFTER - Previously Redone Chairs (SOLD)