Everything old is new again. This definitely applies to the seating which is coming through retailers these days – it’s a regurgitation of the 60s and 70s. While the trend is a blast from the past, unfortunately the prices are definitely not of yester year.
You can pay an arm or a leg for a “retro repo” but conveniently through Tradingpost you can cash in on this trend at a portion of the cost. Browse around the products for sale in this section for some great recommendations.
You might not be crazy on the orange vinyl or the brown and lime strips, but don’t despair. If you can look past this, here’s a creative solution for you…
A simple way to stay on trend without the financial commitment is to collect a set of old school seats and give them a revamp. You can even up-cycle a 90’s office chair for an instant industrial look.
Once you’ve found your preferred style, deconstruct it by taking all of the screws out, and paint the frame with a high-gloss enamel paint. This will take at least 3 to 4 coats.
Pick a fabric and cover the foam seating using upholsterers’ tacks and a hammer, which are available at any local hardware store.
Once the paint is dry and the seating is covered, screw it back together and you’ll be amazed at the results.
Some old chairs and stools have a plywood frame that can look fabulous left exposed, or mix the fabric and ply together.
If you’re not afraid of a little elbow grease, challenge yourself to bring “old school” to your home with these tips!
Sue Redman has been a “Picker Scout” for 25 years, applying her love of up-cycling abandoned items to a myriad of successful businesses over the years.
