Pretty Blue Refurbished Stool
A Stool Makeover for the Craft Room
We bought this house with an unfinished basement, its about half done and I am determined to create a thrifty DIY craft room. We built a large functional table, but still need bar height chairs to go with it. All the craft room furniture must be both study and inexpensive because I expect it to receive lots of abuse and activity. This pretty turquoise stool is just perfect and is a simple and easy DIY stool makeover project.
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Cleaning and Painting the Chrome Legs
I have sewn some cute curtains from a purchased pattern, and luckily had enough material left over for this little vintage stool.
The first step was to remove all the built-up ick, grease, grime, rust and paint splatters with CLR and a magic eraser sponge. Once clean the chrome was intact and very shiny.
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Take the legs off of the stool and set aside the seat portion.
To give the chair a modern fun look I chose to give it dipped legs. To get the look, tape off the bottom portion of the legs to prevent splatter. Make sure the tape is square around the leg so the “dipped” portion has a tidy even border.
Once the chrome legs are thoroughly protected apply three very light coats of baby blue spray paint. Three light coats will reduce the chance of runs. Let the paint dry thoroughly between coats according to the instructions of your spray paint.
While the paint was drying I tackled the seat of the craft stool.
Fixing and Covering the Stool Seat
Tear apart the existing layers of the cushion. The stool had a horrible orange plastic outer layer that was likely very trendy in the 1960s. It is surprising how the manufacturer’s upholster furniture sometimes, this one was ugly underneath.
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Under the plastic was a super thin foam and finally a very nice sturdy wood center. Each layer was held on with a multitude of staples so it takes patience to remove them all. Using the wood as a template cut a piece of 1-inch thick foam for extra cushioning. I used some old couch foam left over from a couple of years ago. Your stool may have enough cushioning so you can skip this part.
Lay your fabric down first, the original foam, the new 1-inch thick foam and then the wood core. Cut a circle in the fabric making sure you have enough fabric to wrap over the sides.
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Wrap the sides of the fabric over the edge of the stool. Staple the fabric back in to place. Think of the circle as a clock, and start stapling at 12, then 6, 9, and 3. Then work between each staple finishing the sections.
Line the original holes in the bottom fabric with the holes drilled in the wood so that you know where to screw the legs back to the stool. You can use whatever you have but I picked toothpicks. Once the original bottom fabric is placed back in its original position staple everything down securely.
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Let the chair dry for 24 hours before reattaching the stool seat and adding new rubbers to the feet.
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These old real metal stools are the best, I am always on the lookout for an old Cosco stool. These old stools may not be trendy but they are so very useful, hardworking, store easily and very handy to have on hand.
it’s so retro cool!! love it!
I love the color and fabric! What a great refurb!
A great makeover. I like the way the legs match the fabric.
Amalia
xo
Such a cute makeover Leanna!! I love how you have dipped the bottom of the legs in that gorgeous colour and the material that you used is divine!!!
That’s such a great transformation. I love the dipped feet, just adds a quirky touch and the fabric is really pretty.
This is a wonderful makeover! I really like the blue dipped legs and the fabric.
Leanna,
I am loving your update to this drab stool. I am thinking drab to fab is definitely what your craft room will be as it is completed. Thank you for sharing with TADA. See you tomorrow.
Happy Creating.
Karen Marie
Love this Leanna! Especially the ‘dipped’ blue on the legs and the pretty fabric! Pinned.
This stool turned out beautiful! Thank you for sharing with us at the To Grandma’s house we go weekly link party, you will be featured in the new party that starts tomorrow morning! Hope to see you there!
Cant wait to see the thrifty craft room done! I love the up cycled stool. The dipped legs too cute and the curtain cushion foamed up is really pretty.
Love how your stool turned out!
This is the cutest stool! I love the color and fabric you chose. Thanks for sharing at the Wednesday showcase party!
That particular shade of blue is one of my favorites. I first discovered Breath of Fresh Air blue when I painted my front door with it.
Enjoy your week and see you Wednesday. Leanna
Love the colours you have chosen and so pretty
Absolutely gorgeous update Leanna, you are one talented lady
Thank you Amber. This chair was much easier to clean up than I thought it would be. I hope to find a couple similar stool to add to my collection.
You have a great week. Hugs Leanna
The stool looks great. I love the dipped legs and the fabric. It has the 50’s look but is updated. This will certainly come in handy as well.
Hi Debra: I have absolutely no idea how old this stool is, but it does look 50 ish. I can not begin to explain how hard and uncomfortable this little seat was, adding the extra couple inches of foam made a huge difference.
Thank you for stopping by and providing feedback, I appreciate it. Leanna
This stool turned out so well, I admire people who can see potential in even the most destroyed pieces. Getting this project done in March is such great timing, the fun blue textile is ideal for the spring and summer time. I am looking forward to seeing what other home decor you have chosen for your basement.
Thank you. The paint I used in the basement is called Breath of Fresh Air from Benjamin Moore, it is the prettiest blue. This fabric was chosen to match it. My craft room is coming along. In about a month I will start posting tidbits. Thank you for commenting.
Leanna the stool is really cute. I once redid one with the left over fabric of an umbrella thus making it waterproof. I really love those legs that have been dipped on the bottom.
Hi Mary. I am really pleased with how this little project turned out. The material on this chair is from leftovers from a couple other projects I have been doing for the basement so it matches the decor.
I really like the dipped leg look and wanted to try it on a small project first. It really does give it a modern look.
Thank you commenting Mary. The positive feedback encourages me to post more upcycling post and try new things.
Enjoy your weekend Leanna
Hi Leanna! The stool looks fantastic! I see these on occasion when I’m out thrifting, and now I know how great they can look (with some elbow grease!). Thanks for sharing. Susan
Hi Susan: Unfortunately it took me awhile to find one, but I will keep looking. Hubs built us a large craft table that we will all gather around and do puzzles or crafts with the little ones. It will be nicer when the adults can sit down comfortably.
Thank you for commenting. It is especially nice to get positive feedback from an upcyling blogger.
This looks so nice! Pinned!
Hi Cristina: Thank you for the pin, much appreciated. This little stool was pretty easy to do. I was happily surprised at how well the legs cleaned up.
Enjoy your week. Leanna
That is so cool! Love the colors. I have an old stool that could definitely use a makeover like this:) Thanks for the inspiration as always lol!
Hi Randi: I finally found a thrift store here that charges what I am willing to pay. This little stool was ten bucks and I love the 50s feel of it even if the garish orange was hard on the eyes.
Hopefully I will finish the craft room post in the next month or so, emphasis on Hope. Thanks for commenting. Enjoy your week.
I love your refurbished stool! It caught my attention because I have a vintage “ice cream parlor” chair that is crying for a re-do. I’m almost afraid to start (in case I goof it up!) but your post gives me more confidence!