Modernizing an old cane-back chair with tufting....

I picked up a set of 3 of these old caned chair's for $40. I totally scored a deal.  I loved the style, but the caning was so dried out, when I tossed the chairs in the back of my van, they cracked all over. I decided it would be easier to make it an upholstered piece instead of trying to re-cane it.

I thought it would bring a more modern touch.and I love the result!

I first took the seat off and painted the frame, and recovered the bottom seat. You can see a tutorial from a few years ago on how to do that here.

For the top caned part, I used quilt batting to stuff the back which I laid on top before I stapled it. All. the way. around. I think I went through about 400 staples.

I then hot glued on trim to cover the staples.

 When I did the top I used plain linen. I thought it might look busy to do both the upper and lower the same pattern.

 I actually really like contrast of the top and bottom. 

 I tufted it with a vintage button and added a pretty beige trim I found at Jo-ann Fabrics.

I am going to take it over to my new space on February 1st. 

I am going to be opening a "Petite Shoppe"; I've decided to take a different approach to things and am grabbing a slightly bigger space at Affordable Antiques.

I need to decide if I am going to do the other two chairs the same way, or if I want to mix it up a little. :)

Jen

Linking up here at From my Front porch to yours and at Southern Savvy Style.