my "new" bergere chair

 
my thrift store bergere chair - after annie sloan and I took over
 
A few months ago, I found a square-back bergere chair at a thrift store for a song.
I had been itching to try Annie Sloan chalk paint - so I went for the Paris Gray, of course.
I painted the chair and then had it reupholstered.
Now, I know. These chairs are usually covered in a solid silk or linen.
But you know quirky me. I wanted to try something different.
And besides, everything else in my bedroom, home for the new chair, is a solid neutral.
 
 
So here is the after:   


 such a sucker for graphic black and white!
 
 
And here is the before:
 

all the detailing on this chair made it perfect for paint and glaze
 
 
I really liked the Annie Sloan chalk paint.
Especially the part about not having to prep or sand. Woohoo!
But it is pricey.
The glaze is pricey, too, so I used some Ralph Lauren glaze that I already had.
 
Now I keep looking around for another piece to paint. 
 
Hope you have a great weekend!
donna

47 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow Donna, that looks great, as does all you do! I have some Annie Sloan paint, Paris Grey, natch, just sitting in my basement waiting for the perfect chair and you found it! Love what you did with it!

~Jane in Alexandria, VA

Anonymous said...

This chair turned out beautiful! The fabric is so perfect too!

Acquired Objects said...

Donna your chair is beautiful! You really outdid yourself and the graphic print is perfect. Great eye because I would have overlooked that chair. Good job!

Enjoy your weekend!
XXX
Debra~

ArchitectDesign™ said...

it looks magnificent!

Ivy Lane said...

Love it! The fabric is awesome! Going to check out the paint and glaze you mention... I have a table that I dread to have to sand and prep...Annie Sloan chalk paint just may be the ticket! Thanks for the tip!

An Urban Cottage said...

You found a real diamond in the rough there. The paint job looks great and the fabric is perfect. I'm glad you used something fun.

Tobe | BIA said...

she's gorgeous!! what is that fabric?

Karena said...

Donna I adore your new chair!! Every single thing about it!!

Xoxo
Karena
New 2013 Artists Series

Divine Theatre said...

Yes! Yes! YES! That chair is so you!!

xo

Andie

bluehydrangea said...

Donna,
I love a good before and after and your chair is amazing!! Love everything about it!! xoSissy

Studio One Design said...

Donna -

Exquisitely done! I think that sweetie-pie chair needs a stool to keep it company. Search and ye shall find...

Nothing better than a new 'search'!

Thank you for sharing!

Woodside Park said...

As we say, fabulous bones. It is even more beautiful now. And I LOVE the fabric.....very unexpected. Tres chic ~ Loi

Emma Kate at Paint and Style said...

Oh yum! You did a great job! x

FROM THE RIGHT BANK said...

Um, do I even need to tell you what I think about this? ;) And that Annie Sloan is crazy stuff, right?

Mary Ann Pickett said...

Bravo!!! Looks fabulous. I love everything about it.

Anonymous said...

Beautifully done! I have been saying for years (before the internet; 6 people heard me)!

'Buy old reproductions with good lines; THE WOOD is never superlative (we are not talking antiques here) and PAINT THEM! GLAZE THEM!!)

I have cautioned my clients since day one! (1970)
Do not buy new reproductions! EEEEK!

(as in anything; there are a few exceptions! However, old (50's and down for sure) are far more solid, better quality....and were not made in "CHINA"!

This chair is a PERFECT example!!

lovely proportions.......(copied from an 18th century original)

great carving, great comfort! Because of one owner's unfortunate choice of fabrics; it was purchased for a "song"!

New,; and of far lesser quality; it would start at $1500.00 wholesale......if it had any quality at all!

Don't we all love Loi?? He nailed it! In furniture and houses "the 'bones' are what count!!!

You proved it!!!

SHERRY HART said...

Bam! You nailed it girl. Total perfection!

Brocante Home said...

Donna - I'm a Stockist (retailer) for Chalk Paint and really recommend you try Annie Sloan's soft wax to protect and provide a fabulous patina. A can of wax will last many many projects and the paint, because it is highly pigmented, will last at least one and a half if not two cans of other paint. I love what you did on this chair and have dozens of customers love their furniture after painting it. Thanks!!

Anne Boykin said...

Hi Donna, Your chair is fabulous! I love the fabric.

Summer for Swede said...

Donna, your chair looks fabulous. Glad you tried Annie Sloan. I was introduced to it before it was brought to the US, and of course met and took a class from Annie. I do recommend the sealer of the clear wax. It sounds wierd to wax furniture but when it dries it is great. Your fabric selection really makes that frame stellar. Congratulations on your finished project.

Pura Vida said...

Donna
Incredible...really really so pretty!!!

24 Corners said...

I actually screamed in my head when I saw the original chair! You gave this beauty new life and some dignity...well one donna, it's wonderful!!
I've been dying to use Paris Gray, and think it just might be the gray we've been searching for these past two years for above our fireplace...time for another paint sample!
xo J~

(Thanks for your sweet comment and blogging 'advice'...it gave me a boost!)

24 Corners said...

That would be well *done*! Sheesh...xo

Anonymous said...

...very nice updated look....
Paris gray sounds so wonderful....

Karen Phillips said...

donna, i love the chair!! i have a question for you but cannot find any other way to contact...i am considering painting my bathroom cabinetry gray and am not sure of a good wall/cabinet color combination. i have found lots of grays i love but am not sure what wall and cabinet combo will be most complimentary to each other. i want a light airy look and have white hex tile flooring and white trim. any thoughts?? thanks so much:)

My Notting Hill said...

This is perfectly fabulous! I think your choice fo fabric was spot on.

Trouvais said...

Beautiful job, Donna! Love it against the curtains, the side table. Perfect tones...and that bit of drama! Trish

Unknown said...

I think you did a fabulous job with this piece. It's drop dead gorgeous!
Cheers, Heather

http://www.stylemindchic.blogspot.com

Curtains designs said...


i love your pretty tastes and your fantastic ideas :)

International decor said...


this is my first visit for your site but i will be one of your followers because your site is great

Marisa said...

Just gorgeous. Love the fabric you have used.

chichi Furniture said...

Great job, the chair is stunning and so stylish. I love the print, I think it makes it a real feature :O)

Patti Borrelli @BeSoStyle said...

LOVE IT! well done. I'm inspired to find a project of my own. THANKS for sharing.

Unknown said...

It looks fantastic! Love the double cording, too.
xo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com

Anonymous said...

Thank you for introducing me to Annie Sloan chalk paint. I can't wait to get some!
Lori

Anonymous said...

Looks great.I have a question.Ihave an old maple piece that I want to paint so that it has that french country kind of distressed look.Do you think that technique would woek?

Curtains designs said...

this is my first visit for your blog but i will be one of your followers

International decor said...

Always you provide exclusive posts for me and your visitors, thank you

Italian Corner said...

I like this post and i have waiting for your new posts :)

Charlotta Ward said...

Darling it looks fabulous!
Did you reupholster yourself?

Lots of love
xox

The enchanted home said...

Holy smokes..hard to believe its the same chair!! Just stunning....enjoy!

lamb and blonde said...

What a gorgeous transformation! Love the fabric and grey trim. Bravo!

angela | the painted house said...

Donna! This chair is now living the life it was meant to have--gorgeous, sophisticated but also a little irreverent (which I love, naturally!). I adore a good ugly duckling to swan furniture rehab story.

The Perfect Piece said...

Lawdy. That be one straight up fabulous makeover. Jealous. BRAVO, my friend!

Ceiling designs said...

how fantastic :)

Anonymous said...

Donna, I am just getting to this post now. It has been a busy month...

The bergere is beautiful. You have done an amazing job bringing new life to a great piece of furniture. This is a passion of mine as well. Seeing the beauty in the before chair and knowing it can be the "after" before it the rehab is begun.

bedroom design ideas said...

beautiful !