Classic Attic Tips on Rehabbing Old Furniture + Charlotte Upholstery and Fabric Resources
Ever since the DIY revolution hit the Internet, Pinterest has been populated with all kinds of stylish home hacks and furniture rehabilitation ideas. We’d be lying if we said we haven’t tried our hand at some do-it-yourself projects on weekends. After all, it’s a savvy way to make use of older items and breathe new life into them. And the Scoop gals are the savviest. Duh.
But we figured it’s much better to get rehabbing tips from the pros in Charlotte instead of randos on the Internet. Think about it… How many times have you tried to recreate something you saw on a tutorial, only to be gravely disappointed with the result? We are trying to save ourselves from as many “Pinterest fails” as possible.
So we went right to the furniture rehabbing geniuses at Classic Attic to give us pointers on how to transform some of their vintage in-store items into brand-new masterpieces. Seriously, the vision these ladies have is incredible. Take a look at some of the pieces below that you can snag at Classic Attic and turn into something totally new.
1. Turn this dresser into a useful kitchen island
How? Use the openings on the bottom to create a wine rack, then add casters on the bottom and towel bars on the ends. Making your island mobile is a smart trick for limited-space kitchens. It also enables you to have the extra counter space when entertaining. Inspo here.
2. Customize these chairs to suit your style
How? You’ve already got the frames, now you just need the seats, which gives you lots of free-range for customization. Choose any kind of seat cover you prefer. We’ve included a resource list for Charlotte-area upholsterers and fabric suppliers below for your convenience. Check out this project for an idea. While you’re at it, paint these a glossy bright, a creamy white or black to breathe new life into them.
3. Make this vintage armchair a modern masterpiece
How? Easy. Use chalk paint to change the hue of the chair’s frame, and then reupholster the seat to match your home’s design. You can also choose to use fabric paint on the existing back and seat fabric. There’s a prime example waiting for you here.
4. Spice up this terracotta lamp
How? The great thing about terracotta is that it’s just dying to be painted. To create a fabulous, playful look, give this lamp a makeover with a glossy lime color. Then, top it off with a new drum shade–matte black would look super chic with the fresh lime hue. Here’s a similar idea.
5. Transform this cabint into something better
How? Take the doors off to create more open space. With the new space, you can transform this piece to benefit you in any way you need. You can add stylish storage baskets in the openings or choose to use the new room for wine racks. Or, you can add both baskets and wine racks to the spots. Here are a wine rack example and another with cute baskets.
6. Make this chair into a shabby chic bathroom shelf and towel rack
How? It sounds hard, but it’s not. It just takes vision! You’ll want to cut off the front of the chair, which means you’re saving about half of the seat and the front legs of the chair. When hung on the wall, the seat becomes a handy shelf, and the legs become smart towel racks. See an example here.
7. Glamorize this unique mirror
How? Perhaps the simplest project of all. Paint the mirror frame a fabulously bright, glossy hue or opt for a patriotic red or blue for the ultimate statement. Check out this pink painted mirror project.
Local Charlotte Furniture Rehabbing Businesses/Classes
- Melinda Shrom of Artisan by Design teaches how to use chalk paint at Sleepy Poet Antique Mall and Blacklion in South Charlotte. Learn more here.
- Artist Robin Puckett of Creative Brushworks offers furniture and cabinet makeovers. Learn more here.
Local Charlotte Upholstery Resources
- Dellinger’s: 6395 NC 150, Maiden, NC 2865o. (704) 483-0977
- Lake Norman Upholstery: 3097 East Maiden Road, Maiden, NC 28650. (828) 428-3588
- H&F Upholstery: 1913 Cleveland Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28203. (704) 375-3945
Local Charlotte Fabric Resources
- Modern Fabrics: 4450 South Boulevard, Suite 1, Charlotte, NC 28209. (704) 740-9676
- Front Door Fabrics: 9517 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28270. (704) 844-6330
- Calico Corners: 1630 East Woodlawn Road, Charlotte, NC 28209. (704) 527-3133
