I honestly think there's no better feeling compared to spotting a solid thrift store wingback chair hidden away within the back again corner of the dirty shop. It's such as finding a diamond in the tough, specially when the price tag is under fifty bucks. The thing is the "bones" of it—those classic higher sides and sophisticated legs—while everyone otherwise just sees a dated floral design from 1984.
The issue about wingback chair is that these people get this incredible existence. They aren't simply places to sit down; they're "statement pieces" that somehow make a room experience finished. But purchasing a brand-new you can easily set you back several 100 (or even thousand) dollars. That's exactly why the thrift store route is such a game-changer. If you're prepared to look previous some questionable material and maybe a little bit associated with dust, you can end up along with a high-quality piece of furniture that lasts another 30 years.
Precisely why the Wingback Never Goes Out associated with Style
You've probably noticed that styles come and go, but the wingback chair just remains relevant. It has been originally designed back in the 17th century to snare heat from a fireplace and protect you from drafts—hence the "wings. " Even though we all have central heating now, that cozy, enclosed feeling is still some thing we all crave.
When you find a thrift store wingback chair , you're usually getting something built much better than the "fast furniture" you find online today. Modern budget chairs are often made of particle panel and staples. Older thrifted versions? Those are usually strong wood frames with real joinery. They will have weight to them. When you sit down, it doesn't feel like the particular chair is reconsidering its life choices under your weight.
Plus, they're incredibly versatile. The wingback can appear just like good in a nursery since it does in a moody library or even a bright, modern family room. It's all regarding the way you style it, which we'll obtain into in a little bit.
What to Verify Before You Move It Home
I've made the particular mistake of having too excited about the find and recognizing later that We bought a lemon. Before you back your car up to the loading boat dock, you need in order to do a fast yet thorough inspection.
The "Squeak and Wobble" Test
First points first, sit in it. Don't simply hover—really sit lower. Does the frame creak? Does this feel like it's leaning to one side? A little bit of a loose leg is definitely usually an easy fix with some wooden glue or a tightened screw, but if the real internal frame is usually cracked or bended, you might want to keep looking.
Check the "wings" and the particular arms. Grab all of them and give them the gentle wiggle. In the event that there's a great deal of play within the joints, that shows the dowels may be broken inside. Unless you're a professional at furniture fix, a broken framework is usually more trouble than it's well worth.
Let's Talk About the Odours
This is actually the part nobody wants to speak about, but it's the most important. Give the chair a literal sniff test. If it smells like heavy cig smoke or that will distinct "basement" wetness, be very careful. Individuals odors are infamously hard to get free from upholstery foam.
Also, look out for any signs of "uninvited guests. " Examine the stitches and under the pads for any evidence of pests. Most trustworthy thrift stores great about screening their own inventory, but this never hurts in order to be your own detective. If the fabric is torn but the foam looks spending the frame will be solid, it's still a win. Fabric can be changed; a rotted core cannot.
Cleansing Your New (Old) Treasure
Once you get your thrift store wingback chair home, the first thing you're going in order to wish to accomplish is give it a deep clean. Even when it looks spotless, it's already been sitting in the warehouse or perhaps a store for who knows just how long.
I actually usually start with the very thorough a vacuum. Use the crevice tool to get deep to the edges where the back again meets the seat—that's where all the particular old loose change and crumbs live life. When the chair provides removable cushion covers, look into the tags. A few can be tossed within the wash upon a delicate period, but most will require "S" (solvent) or "W" (water) based cleaning.
If you don't want to employ a professional, renting the small upholstery steam cleaner is an excellent middle ground. It's extremely satisfying (and a little gross) to find the water turn brownish as it pulls many years of dust out there of the material. For minor smells, a heavy spread of baking soda pop left overnight plus then vacuumed away from works wonders.
To Reupholster or Not?
This is the big question. A person found a chair with an excellent shape, but the fabric is nicely, it's an option. Maybe it's the dusty rose velvet or a plaid that hurts your eyes.
Reupholstering is really a big job. If you've never done it before, a wingback is actually one of the most difficult pieces to start with because of most the curves and those tricky wings. In case you hire a professional, the labor cost can be several hundred dollars, plus the cost of the particular fabric. At that will point, your "cheap" thrift store find might start priced at as much as a brand new chair.
However, don't allow that discourage a person! There are a few "cheat" methods to handle the funky-looking chair:
- The Slipcover: A person can find general wingback slipcovers on the web for pretty inexpensive. They aren't often a perfect suit, but they may totally transform the particular look of the chair in five minutes.
- Fabric Paint: Indeed, this is the real thing. In the event that the fabric is a flat place (like linen or even cotton), you can actually use upholstery paint to alter the color. It seems crazy, but it can look amazing if you take your time.
- The "Lazy" Reupholster: Sometimes you will get away along with just replacing the seat cushion material. Since it's the separate piece, it's much easier in order to wrap it in a new material and staple it down. It produces an awesome two-tone look.
Making It Fit Your Contemporary Space
So, you've cleaned it up and it's sitting in your own living room. How do you make certain it doesn't appear like it just walked out of a 1950s parlor?
The important thing is contrast . In case you have an old-school, traditional thrift store wingback chair , pair it with a super modern flooring lamp. Throw a chunky, oversized knit blanket within the back to soften the particular lines.
I'm a huge fan of making use of a "mismatched" pillow. If the chair is a strong color, go with regard to a bold geometric print. If the chair has a pattern, opt for the solid, textured velvet pillow. It pauses up the "old" vibe and makes the chair feel like an deliberate design choice instead of just something a person picked up mainly because it was inexpensive.
Another pro tip: look into the hip and legs. A lot of old wingbacks have got those "Queen Anne" curved legs. In the event that they're looking the bit scratched upward, a quick coating of black color or a dark wood stain can make the whole chair look ten instances more expensive plus modern.
The Bottom Line
At the particular end of the day, looking for a thrift store wingback chair is about more than just spending less. It's about the spirit of the piece. There's something therefore cool about knowing your preferred reading chair includes a history. It's sustainable, it's budget-friendly, and it also gives you a chance to flex your innovative muscles.
Following time you're searching your local charity or hitting upward a garage sale, keep an eyesight out for individuals distinctive wings. Even if it appears a little tough around the sides, keep in mind that with a little bit of elbow grease and the right design, it could quickly become the best seat in your house. Happy looking!