A thrifted spare chair gets a Restoration Hardware–style makeover using just chalk paint and wax.
I have a habit of bringing furniture home the way some people bring stray puppies and kittens in from the cold. This time it was a spare chair that somehow hopped into my car in the thrift store parking lot. It was one of those finds you can’t quite explain—sturdy, comfortable, clean, and priced at just $25. If furniture could give puppy-dog eyes, this one certainly did.
The chair’s one flaw was the bright orange vinyl upholstery. It was in excellent shape structurally, but the color didn’t fit my home’s palette. Instead of reupholstering, I opted for a quick, budget-friendly makeover that would give the piece a modern, Restoration Hardware–inspired look using chalk paint and wax.
First I focused on the wood frame. I treated it with a DIY weathered wood finish—my go-to technique when I want a soft, aged look without heavy distressing. The finish tones down the wood, adds depth, and pairs beautifully with neutral upholstery colors.
How I updated the vinyl seat
To tame the orange vinyl, I applied a single coat of Annie Sloan French Linen chalk paint. Once it was dry I gently sanded the surface using ultra-fine 500-grit sandpaper to smooth the finish and remove any brush marks. Finally, I sealed the paint with Annie Sloan Clear Wax, which protected the surface and gave the seat a soft, natural sheen while maintaining the feel of vinyl or leather.
The result is smooth and tactile—what I like to call “smooth as butter.” The finish keeps the seat’s original pliability and cleanability, but the color shift makes the entire chair read as more sophisticated and neutral.
For now the chair is parked in the corner of our dining room where it blends with the room’s tones and adds personality to the space. My husband Robert has already claimed it for his office once we finish that room’s makeover, but I’m enjoying the little touch of charm it brings to the dining area in the meantime.
This makeover was part of my monthly Trash to Treasure Transformation Tuesday series, where I and a group of blogger friends share thrifted makeovers. These quick updates prove that a small investment, some paint, and a bit of wax can take a dated thrift-store find and transform it into something that looks custom or designer-inspired.
The French Linen paired with the weathered wood finish is unexpectedly elegant. The neutral tone complements a variety of interiors, from modern farmhouse to industrial chic, and gives the chair an upscale, Restoration Hardware–like vibe without the boutique price tag.
Below you’ll find a gallery of the other Trash to Treasure makeovers from this month’s crew—small, creative updates that breathe new life into thrifted pieces. Clockwise from top left: Prodigal Pieces, Confessions of a Serial DIYer, Girl in the Garage, and Artsy Chicks Rule.
If you enjoy quick, budget-friendly makeovers, this is a great approach to upcycling vinyl or faux leather pieces. A simple coat of chalk paint, careful sanding, and a protective wax can deliver a surprisingly high-end result that keeps the original durability while updating the style to fit your home.