In today’s world of disposable furniture, finding a piece that stands the test of time is becoming increasingly rare. One such treasure is the iconic IKEA armchair, a Scandinavian-style design known for its comfort and durability.

I had long admired this particular armchair, drawn to its inviting curves and springy frame. When my friend decided to replace her old furniture, I couldn’t let the opportunity pass. Despite its years of use, the chair’s frame was in remarkably good condition.

The upholstery, however, showed signs of wear and tear. Determined to restore the chair to its former glory, I embarked on a renovation project.

The first step was to disassemble the chair, which revealed a surprisingly simple construction consisting of two parts held together by just four bolts.

I began by stripping away the old paint, using a paint remover to efficiently remove the thick layers. After thorough cleaning and drying, the chair was ready for a fresh coat of paint.

I chose a brown floor paint from Dulux, which provided excellent coverage and dried quickly. The chair’s frame was transformed with a single coat, achieving a smooth and even finish.

The most challenging part of the project was reupholstering the chair. The original fabric was seamlessly attached to the metal tubes, making it difficult to remove. After careful consideration, I decided to create a new cover using the pillowcase method.

To add a decorative touch, I combined different fabrics and incorporated pleats into the design. The leftover fabric was used to create small squares, which were attached to the cover using a darning needle.

The entire process was surprisingly straightforward, and the results were impressive. The restored armchair now looked as good as new, and my friend was delighted to see her beloved piece of furniture back in its former glory.

This project not only saved me money but also allowed me to connect with a piece of furniture that had been cherished for many years. It’s a reminder that with a little creativity and effort, even seemingly outdated items can be given a new lease on life.