Friday, January 16, 2009

The $20 vs. $495 Chair

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One of these chairs cost less than $20 and the other is selling for $495 at PomPom Interiors (the link is on my sidebar).

Since I have "champagne taste on a beer budget" you know I could never afford to spend $495 on a chair like this! This first chair is the one I purchased at a flea market last summer for $15. I painted it and then upholstered it with blue linen that I found at the thrift store.... 4 yards for $4.00. I've showed this before on my blog but that was before I put the welting on. I think I should have used smaller welting so I may redo it someday!
Here is the "before" photo:

Updated: The instructions I used for reupholstering the chair were from a book called Singer Upholstery Basics Plus: Complete Step-by-Step Photo Guide It gave instructions on how to do the welting too! It wasn't hard at all! The fabric is attached with a staple gun. The welting is done on a sewing machine and then hot glued on.
Have a great weekend! I'm so happy it's Friday!

101 comments:

Anonymous said...

Cindy, that is so amazing! Doesn't it feel so awesome to know that you created something that sells for so much somewhere else? I love it, it looks practically the same. I have the same budget that you have, and really, I can't imagine paying that much for a chair. Maybe you'll luck out and find another one this summer.
Thanks for sharing with us.

Anonymous said...

Yours is prettier! Have a great day!

Anonymous said...

Cindy, Everything you do looks SO professional! That chair is amazing.
~Sue~

Anonymous said...

Cindy, you did a beautiful job! I liked your chair better, even before I knew it was yours. How did you do the seat (staple gun?), also show us how to welting.
Your instructions are greatly appreciated. All your projects are fabulous!
Cheers! Rita

Joanne Kennedy said...

To be honest with you I like the shape of the seat on your chair better. I think it looks great as it is. I wouldn't change a thing.

Wish you would do a step by step on how to recover a chair a for us. See, I just gave you a great post. LOL

Hugs,
Joanne

Sharon~heartsongs said...

Wow, that's amazing! Even if I could afford the $495 chair, I would rather invest the $20 and have one that looks just as good. You always do such a great job.

Krissa said...

Wow....that looks great!!!
I need to keep a look out for items like this I can spruce up!
Thank You!

Beneath the Eaves said...

Cindy you are always amazing. I think I share your Champagne taste, but alas I too have a beer budget. But oh what you have done with that budget. Another great makeover.
Debra

FRENCH LAUNDRY said...

Oh my goodness! Although they are SO similar, my guess was that the top one (yours) was the $495 one. You go girl! I wouldn't change a thing on this one. I absolutely LOVE stories like this.

Judy

Terri Steffes said...

that is totally amazing! I like yours better, too. I hope that you will consider moving to Missouri and being my personal decorator!

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

What a great job! It looks beautiful.
Ginger

Anonymous said...

Wow...outstanding transformation!!! Have a great weekend, -Sheri

Anonymous said...

Yours is soo much prettier. You have talent! I love it. Can't wait to see what you are going to do with the black one!

Have a great day!

Cindy said...

Hannah, the black on is the before shot. It's the same chair as the first photo!

The Bliss Journey said...

Hi Cindy,
I like yours better as well. You did a fantastic job. Boy, could we have fun junking. I slow down when I see alot of trash on the curb. The coffee table in my sun room is from the curb.
Kathleen

Anonymous said...

Absolutely lovely. I wouldn't change a thing.

Pink Slippers said...

I'm so happy it's friday too. I'm so happy for you--that you have the talent to do the same chair for 20. Isn't it amazing. Also, thanks for the bunny post...I went to Marshall's this morning and bought the LAST 4.99 chocolate bunny. My boys thought it was the neatest thing ever. He's so cute that we have already displayed him in our home.

Becky Garrison said...

And you know, maybe it's just a better picture, but I think yours is prettier! Way to go! Becky G.

Carolyn said...

Hi Cindy,
Your chair looks amazing! That was such a good deal.
Carolyn

Four Paws and Co said...

Wow, what a beautiful job! Love the welting too. ♥ Diane

Wendy said...

That is amazing! You did a great job! Love everything you do.

Wendy

KarenB said...

The only way I could tell the difference is the setting. The first one looked like it was in your home. You did a fabulous job. I think I might've just passed on over that black thing and not envisioned it different. Nice job!

Donna said...

Wow, Cindy - I like yours better than the expensive one!! And I'm going to have to look up that book - anything that has step-by-step photos is my kind of instructional book, and I'd dearly love to learn to sew and do simple upholstery... Donna @ An Enchanted Cottage

Rechelle ~Walnuthaven Cottage~ said...

yes Cindy! I remember this chair and love how it turned out. Of course the before picture was enjoyed too~your little furbaby is just to cute and I love his ears :0)
I just wanted to say I'll be using her :how to paint furniture" directions soon. I've two end tables, a coffee table and my old china cabinet that will be getting refreshed for the Spring. I can't wait to start :0)

Anonymous said...

It is amazing how talented you are! Just goes to show what can be created with a little ingenuity and sweat equity.
Have a good weekend
Lorri

Dream Mom said...

Great job! You make me want to try these things!

Anonymous said...

um...i wanna come shoppin' with you when i grow up. i'm speechless. it's beautiful!

Cottagecheap said...

I think yours may be nicer, since it appears more comfy, to me!

Unknown said...

I like yours beter! It is much more elegant.
You can be proud.
Bye,
Marianne.

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

I like your chair better....really. It has a squattier body & I think that gives it more style.

Unknown said...

Looks absolutely beautiful....thanks for mentioning the book you used as a guide. I have two great buys I got for two wing chairs for $10 each. Think I want to try slipcovers. Or maybe I should do upholstery first? What do you think? I'll post pic of chairs on my Blog..if you would take a look. Would appreciate your feedback.
*Tricia*

Anonymous said...

I actually like yours better! :)

Anonymous said...

Cindy the chair is gorgeous.I don't think the welting is too big at all...Ann

Kathleen Grace said...

You have some mad talent Cindy! The chair you remade is every bit as beautiful as the more expensive one. Good job!

Anonymous said...

appreciate Cindy!~we both have similar chairs at lovely prices!~thankful you painted yours'...have my first layer of white paint on mine~onto the table legs and maybe table top in the spring!~wonderful inspiration thanks to you!!!
cupcake hugs, diana

JEWEL said...

Fabulous job! I have a chair I started about 18 months ago - still not finished. You are an inspiration.

Salmagundi said...

You are a trend setter -- this is proof of that. Congratulations!! Sally

Anonymous said...

I have to agree Cindy, I like your chair better! You did a fantastic job on it!

Johanna B said...

I just visited the Pom Pom site and I think yours looks better than theirs!!! Good work...

Sandy~Romantique Inspirations~ said...

Now thats a transformation well done. I have a chair also that need upholstering, but with a little more work involved.

Brocante said...

Hello Cindy! This is the first time I am visiting you blog! What a great chair you have made! I love fixing up furniture myself and love to read about what others are doing as well. Come by and visit me sometime as well. Glad to have found your blog! Have a great week end.

julie & joe said...

To be honest, I have to say I like your much better. I think the color is better.

Mona said...

Honestly, Cindy, I thought yours was the expensive one. Wow! Great job! Mona

Stacey said...

That is truly amazing. I love the larger welting. :)

Melissa said...

Wow!! That is really well done! You're certainly talented!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Wow, your chair is amazing. You did a fabulous job. Hugs, Marty

Zoe said...

Beautiful! I so enjoy reading your blog. It takes me to another world that gives me lots of ideas and inspiration to make my home as welcoming and gorgeous as yours.

Thank you,

Zoe

Rochelle said...

Hi Cindy
What a person can do with a big imagination and a little pocketbook! It looks fantastic....I love all of your "makeovers" of furniture!
Rochelle

Anonymous said...

Cindy, I like your chair better anyway. If I had the choice between the two, not knowing the story, I'd pick yours!

Tina said...

I really like yours better! Great job.

Anonymous said...

I like yours better too, Cindy. I don't think it's necessary to redo the welting. Everyone at the workplace seemed to be especially happy for Friday today here, too!

Enjoy your weekend!
Karin

Laurie - Decorating Fanatic said...

Oh what a great comparison! And can you believe the price they want to charge for one little chair? I love it when you can take something "not so nice" and transform it into exactly what you wanted it to be. Such a sense of satisfaction. You did a wonderful job - welting and all! Have a great weekend. ~ Laurie ~ p.s. I need to start hitting your flea markets! Remember I am a neighbor! :)

vosgesparis said...

way to go !! i do like the 20 dollar one even more then the expensiver one!

Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries® said...

Cute! So clever. Thanks for the link on the how-to's.
Warmly,
Tracey

Anonymous said...

It looks great!!! I'm frugal and love finding those bargains. I just found an old frame for $8.00 at the Goodwill. I converted it to a bulletin board. I love it now.

SashaKay said...

Your doggie is the cutest!
and the chair for 20 bucks! wow steal of a deal theirs beautiful! I love you little "C" pillow, where did you find it!!

Jojo said...

Don't you just wish that there could be a shopping, redecorating event without thinking about the price tag!!! You never cease to amaze with your bargain finds and beautiful makeovers!!!!

Peggy said...

All I can say is WOW! I had to keep going back and forth between pictures to see what was different. I think the one you did is prettier than the expensive one.
Peggy

Pam @ Frippery said...

I love Pom Pom Interiors but I actually like your little chair better. You have given me courage to try a bit of upholstery on my own. I can do staples and glue gun.(I think)I have two chairs with black vinyl upholstery that I paid $25.00 each for. Can't make them look worse. Thanks, Pam

Virginia said...

You are fantastic !!!!

Virginia :)

Kris said...

Cindy, that is a fantastic chair. I thought yours was the more expensive one. Ha' you fooled me.
Thanks for sharing this post. I'm on the same beer budget and love to find inspiring ideas for decorating.

Have a happy weekend

Kris

Dixie said...

beautifully fantastic... now I know who to call for chair redo! very-very inspiring!

Dixie

Essential Oil Premier University said...

Oh Cindy, you did it!! GREAT JOB!! I have not even attempted to start my chair recover. I need to paint the chair first and I can't with this -20 degree weather we have right now in Michigan. I know you are enjoying great weather right now in California ~ lucky ducks!!

My chair redo will have to be a spring project for me.

Congrats for you!!

Blessings,

Sher

Karen Deborah said...

Way to go! Rawk on, girl. I have been on a thrift store shopping sprees myself it's fun!

Suzann said...

WOW!

larkspur said...

You have an amazing eye, the ability to see beyond the "ugly duckling".
Nice job!

SashaKay said...

Hey just me again.....
the web site didnt go all the way threw for the etsy site and i cant find out how to use the user ID on the etsy site.
Thanks for your time thought helping me find a cute pillow!
You are actually my inspiration!!!
thats why i got a blog, i saw your house on Hgtvs rate my space site and fell in love with your home! :)

Glenda said...

That's the way to go. Don't you think they did the same thing, and marked it up ? I do.

That's why we could be the refurb Queens.

I would rather buy something and make it my own.

Ciao

Anonymous said...

That's amazing Cindy!

~elaine~

Sharon said...

Your chair looks SO much better than the other! Your site always inspires. Sharon

Jeanne Oliver said...

WOW...that is truly incredible. I like your price a lot better and it looks amazing.

sandra/tx said...

Great job, Cindy. Actually, I like yours even better.

Deb said...

Wow...and I like yours the best. The welting looks great, I wouldn't do a thing to change it. I'm on the same budget as you and I love revamping things.

Best regards,
Debbie
www.shabbycozycottage.com
www.patchoulirosehome.com

Unknown said...

Hi Cindy, Fantastic job on your blue chair! Amazing what some creativity and effort can do isn't it...plus seeing the diamond in the rough.

Kindredly, Lynne Laura

Anonymous said...

Great transformation. And the savings are the amazing part! Good job Cindy.

Donna @ Party Wishes said...

Cindy, you always amaze me! I love finding stuff like that. I'm constantly trying to convince my husband how much money I am actually saving! :)

Linda Q said...

Wow, fabulous redo and for such a steal! Way to go girl!
Linda

Beth @ My Happy Cottage said...

Truthfully if you would have photoshopped out the backgrounds I don't think anyone would have been able to tell them apart. The staging of the second photo looked like a catalog - the actual chair itself is virtually identical.

Great job! I wish I had a huge shop to pick up all the cool things I come across. I too "see" things in the rough, I just have no place to store them or work on them.

Again, awesome job as usual.

Anonymous said...

great job...but now I am convinced that there are more hours in a day in America...I love the saying: I have a champagne taste with a beer budget...it's the same for me...but it is so much more fun when you make something yourself with a small budget and the result is even better than when you buy a new one...

Karen Deborah said...

Geez Cindy do you have time to read ALL these comments?
I just bought some cornices at the thrift store. I posted photos of them. I think the striped fabric is too much, and my color scheme is very warm but these are probably too bold. However the fabric is a very nice quality. Have you ever recovered a cornice? If you have a minute pop n and see what you think.
I'd like your opinion.

Anonymous said...

Very pretty and so professional looking. I just love all the ideas I get.

Elzie said...

It's really funny to find such things with low costs. I would never pay that prize for a chair either but $15 I could agree too.
Hope you have a nice weekend.
Love Elzie

Tanya said...

Your chair is just beautiful and I like it better than the "expensive" one!

Anonymous said...

It is great- don't change a thing.
This will give you more time for another project to entertain us with!

Have a wonderful week end!

Hopechest Bride said...

Wow. Cindy you are truly talented. I love that chair, and have the perfect spot for it..he he. I'm now on the lookout for one of my own to re-do.
Blessings
Lisa

Stars Fault said...

Your chair is much, much prettier than the expensive one. What a great find and restoration. I especially love the tiny "C" pillow that sits on top. So sweet.

Blessings ~ Eileen @ Star's Fault

w00ts up said...

"Champagne taste on a beer budget," that is great! I love it! I think I'm on a soda budget, like those .45 cent ones at Walmart.

akawest said...

I like your chair better. The seat is a more interesting shape.

Gayla said...

I think I like yours about twenty times more!!! It's so beautiful... Does Beau still get to sit on it??? Hugs! Gayla

Belinda said...

Absolutely amazing, Cindy! I actually prefer your chair to the $495 one...gorgeous! :-)

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness, you are always a head of the curve on fashionable furniture. I am totally going to start looking for a chair like yours. Always pretty.

Anonymous said...

Fabulous!!!!!! Once again, you've made a masterpiece! So...you really thought the book was good, and helpful? Did it cover upholstering things like wing back chairs? (I am dying to learn upholstery and cannot find any classes!)
Tracey

~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ said...

Very nice job on the chair. Thanks for the info on the instructions you used, I'll need it.

Love your new look!
~~Ahrisha~~

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Wow! I think the one you did looks better than the $495 chair! Great job. laurie

Anonymous said...

Awesome.....gives me hope that I can do the same for my oldie.

Anonymous said...

I'd pay $495 to get Bo off the chair!

nelson

Rattlebridge Farm said...

I'd pick your chair--this is a fabulous before/after!

Beth @ My Happy Cottage said...

I've never worked with upholstery or much with fabric before. I love the way
your chair turned out.

I have a "what to do with this" project myself right now, would love to hear your input!!

Amber said...

The welting turned out beautifully! I love the extra detail. Thanks for sharing your source. I need to refinish a chair and ottoman and want to remember this extra step to make it look more finished.

Mary @ Framed and Tagged said...

Yours is much prettier!! Great job!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE a good DIY project that costs practically nothing! Great job with the chair!

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