Chairs and Ottomans: Vintage Makeovers and Upcycled Seating

Park your bottom or put up your feet on one of these cleverly repurposed or revived seating options.

By: Jacquelyn McGilvray and Keri Sanders

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From Dining to Desk

By adding casters, bold paint and a fun fabric, this old dining chair was given new life as a stylish office chair. Learn to do it yourself here.

Sitting On Top of the World

Decoupage is back in a big way. This fun child's chair has been affixed with a colorful world map for an updated look that's cute and educational. Design by Brian Patrick Flynn

Unexpected Ottoman

Do you think you know what's hiding under this crafty ottoman? If you guessed an old tire, you'd be correct! Learn to make your own here.

Gorgeous Gilt

Brittany from brittanyMakes found this old chair in poor condition, but after a golden makeover and a new upholstery job, this chair looks like a million bucks. See the full makeover here.

Re-Schooled

An old school desk was given a fresh coat of paint and a new upholstered seat to give it a funky, fresh look.

What Lies Underneath

Inside this plush ottoman is a large industrial wooden spool. It was cushioned then wrapped in microfiber and soft flannel. See the next slide for another version of this project. Design by Joanne Palmisano

Floral Ottoman

Another industrial wood spool is wrapped in foam and vintage fabric to make a soft stool. Check out the next slide for one more variation on this versatile project. Design by Joanne Palmisano

Flannel Footstool

A soft blanket, some foam cushion and a wood spool come together to make a fluffy footstool. Design by Joanne Palmisano

Ragtag Bunch Reinvented

Add character and save money by painting and recovering mismatched dining chairs in the same color and fabric. Design by Brian Patrick Flynn

DIY Drawer Ottoman

This cute ottoman was made from an old drawer and looks totally comfortable as well as adorable. Learn to make your own version here.

Stadium Seating

Check architectural shops or online auctions for old stadium seats. They'll add extra seating with a fun bit of history to go along with them.

High-End High Chair

If you're looking to add style to your child's high chair, look no further. Dawn from Designing Dawn has the perfect tutorial for adding a hint of glam to a vintage wooden high chair.

Got Milk?

Vintage milk crates can be found online and at antique stores and flea markets. Jennifer from Decorating Ideas Made Easy turned her vintage milk crate into an adorable ottoman with rustic charm.

Wine Barrels

Old wine barrels are turned into rustic barstools. Even though they're store-bought, each one is unique.

Colorful Update

This basic chair was given a new lease on life with a funky, two-toned paint job. Design by Brian Patrick Flynn

Quaint Seating

If your dining chairs are in good condition but could use a spruce, consider making these charming grain sack seat cushions. Find the full instructions here.

Drop-Cloth Covers

These chairs were once covered in dingy plaid. The pair was found at a yard sale for $50. Canvas drop cloths, upholstery tacks and spray glue were used to re-cover them and give them a charming cottage look. Design by Joanne Palmisano

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Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Photo By: Emilee Ramsier

Photo By: Jean-Marc Giboux