I like fixing stuff, and resurrecting lost causes. Most notably I make my line of lamps from bits and bobs and vintage pieces, and turn my attentions to furniture when it’s broken down. But one thing I have no idea how to fix is caned furniture. Which is a shame, because I really like it. But if you live in a busy household with pets and kids and the occasional film crew wreaking havoc, caned chairs can be a bit…temporary. I have a few of them in the basement waiting for attention. I really liked the chairs in the dining room, except for that foot-sized issue in the corner.
caned chair
Recaning it would probably be pricey, and I currently don’t have anyone in my rolodex that could do it. And maybe such a fragile thing was not the best idea for my household. So I took it to Das, my favorite local upholsterer, with a piece of fabric, and converted it to an upholstered dining chair.
the finished chair
I think it looks really great, and it was a nice way to save the chair. It has inspired me to pull the other 2 family antique chairs out of the basement! They will be getting the same treatment soon. While I had hesitated before to take such liberties with my grandmother Olive’s nice walnut side chair, now that I see how great this one came out, I think it would be nicer to change it and use it then leave it languishing in the basement with the busted cane.