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My next rocking chair was from a garage sale where the curves are what beckoned me to bring it home and rescue it from the fabric it was wearing.
Using this rocker, I wrote tutorials on how to reupholster & paint a rocking chair. Check them out if you'd like to know some basics!
This particular rocker sold within a couple of hours of being listed in my online shop, and I have had over 20 requests for another. So, I am constantly looking for another candidate because there are a ton of mommies-to-be that are asking for one.
Also, do you know how hard it is to find an antique upholstered rocking chair? If I was looking for a solid wood one, no problem. The upholstered part is the key. Every mom knows how important a soft, comfy chair is a need to rock that new baby in.
DIY TIME
After getting another request, I went on a hunt and found this beauty on Craigslist.
The original fabric was faded and worn, but was gorgeous in its own right with the Art Deco design. The spindles were the draw for me, and most importantly my client loved them too.
The story behind this rocker is the lady who owned it bought it from an estate sale from a grand home in her neighborhood. Although she owned several rockers, this one was her favorite because her colicky son would only be calmed by the rocking of this chair. You see, the rockers are smaller, creating a shorter rock, which soothed the baby like none other. She even said she would have strapped it to her car and taken it everywhere with her if she could.
He's in college now and it was time for this chair to belong for a new little one and the mommy-to-be.
REPAIRS
Time for the face lift!
A couple of broken springs, but overall just needed some love. So I replaced the webbing and burlap, and gave it some antique white chalk paint topped with a hand-rubbed wax.
Don't you just love how distressing brings out the detail?
Next, came the springs. Originally, tried to find replacements online and even asked on Freecycle, but time was sparse. I went ahead and purchased new. Do you know as soon as I placed my order I received a response from a lady on Freecycle with a rocker that had the exact size springs I needed. Isn't that the way it always works?
Oh well. If you're looking for how to replace coil springs in the seat of a chair, you need to check out the tutorials from Design Sponge on how to construct coil seats. The seat is better than ever now that its done.
Let me just say I have hard time getting my rear end out of that chair. With the new springs, foam padding, and batting, it was soooo comfy!!
THE REVEAL
Here it is all spiffed up and ready for the new mommy-to-be.
I love the blue Ikat fabric and the white frame just freshens up the entire look of the chair. Don't you think?
I am so excited that the reproduction Ikat fabric chosen by my client was gorgeous. Here's what she said:
"We got the chair yesterday and everything is seriously perfect!"
One more look at the change...
...aah...so much better. However, funny thing is I found out I am expecting our sixth baby at this time. I had no idea the roller coaster ride I was about to be on. Amazing how life changes.
In addition, pin if you loved this upholstered rocker makeover.♥
As a matter of fact, not long after I refinished this rocker, I found another candidate with this vintage Bentwood rocking chair and gave it an embroidered twist.
I currently have another upholstered rocking chair awaiting a makeover in my stash. Hmmm...what will it become?? Follow along to see. To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!
Also, more makeovers like my upholstered rocking chair:
