Paint Eclectic Chairs for a Cohesive Look

Update an eclectic mix of chairs by painting them a single color and recovering the seats to create a unified look.

Contemporary White, Brown and Red Dining Room

Contemporary White and Brown Dining Room

A red and white floral patterned tablecloth stands out against the abundance of white in this dining room with a round table and eclectic mix of chairs.

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Related To:

Materials Needed:

various dining chairs in different shapes and sizes
medium-grit sanding block
spray primer
high-gloss spray paint
spray lacquer
spray handle
drop cloth

fabric
staple gun
staples
batting
damp rag
screwdriver
scissors

Choose Proper Chairs

Hunt flea markets, garage sales and estate sales for single or pairs of dining room chairs in different shapes and sizes. Try to keep all chair back heights within a range of six to eight inches of one another.

Eclectic Dining Room Chairs in Yard

Remove Existing Finish

Using medium-grit sanding block, remove the old finish from chair frame, then wipe away dust with damp rag. Remove chair cushions with screwdriver.

Refinishing a Dining Room Chair

Using medium-grit sanding block, remove the old finish from chair frame, then wipe away dust with damp rag. Remove chair cushions with screwdriver.

Add Primer Coat

Attach spray handle to can of spray primer. Keeping a distance of six to eight inches from surface, pull handle back in a smooth, controlled manner, adding a light coat of primer to chair frame.

Spray Painting a Chair White

Attach spray handle to can of spray primer. Keeping a distance of six to eight inches from surface, pull handle back in a smooth, controlled manner, adding a light coat of primer to chair frame.

Update Cushions

Wrap batting around existing cushion, and then attach to bottom of cushion with staple gun. Cut away excess batting with scissors. Wrap new fabric around the cushions and attach with staple gun to bottom of cushion. Need help? Get more detailed instructions for recovering chair seats.

Attaching Batting to Chair Cushion

Apply New Finish

Once primer coat is dry to the touch, add spray handle to can of high-gloss spray paint. Keep a distance of six to eight inches from surface, and pull handle back in a smooth, controlled manner to apply two coats of high-gloss finish. Once they're dry to the touch, add spray handle to can of lacquer and apply one coat.

Attach Cushions

Place newly upholstered cushions on chairs and attach screws with screwdriver from underneath. Tip: To achieve a designer look, add a tablecloth, place settings and vases that coordinate with your new chair color scheme.