The moment has finally arrived! After weeks of anticipation, my ambitious plan to transform a thrift store gem into a captivating focal point for our home has officially hatched. Yes, I’m talking about the incredible egg chair that recently joined our family. Pardon the ovum-related pun, but some opportunities are simply too good to resist!
This journey began with an unbelievable find: a vintage egg chair, discovered at a local thrift store for an astonishing $30. I had hinted at this treasure late last week, and now, the full transformation is ready to be unveiled. The chair, affectionately nicknamed ‘Eggy,’ initially sported a dated look, but beneath its tired exterior, I saw immense potential. The first step in its revitalisation involved a thorough cleaning with a liquid deglosser. This crucial preparation ensured that the surface was perfectly primed for what was to come: a fresh application of spray primer followed by a beautiful coat of spray paint. Here’s a glimpse of Eggy in its original state, complete with the old cushion, sitting in our sunroom just moments before its dramatic overhaul:
Soon after capturing that initial ‘before’ shot, Eggy was carefully moved outdoors, ready for a much-needed refresh under the open sky.
While the orangey-wood tone might appear somewhat charming in photographs, in person, it undoubtedly exuded an outdated and rather dilapidated vibe. This was compounded by sections of missing caning on both sides of the frame, which contributed to its worn appearance. My chosen solution was a fresh coat of paint – a true “coat of love” – to breathe new life into it. The beauty of paint is its transformative power and its versatility; we can always opt for a different color down the road if our tastes evolve. Imagine it in a glossy black, a soft mocha, or even a cheerful yellow! Having successfully painted our happy green office chairs – which have become some of our most beloved furnishings – I’ve completely abandoned any reservations about painting furniture. The results are always so rewarding, and we wanted Eggy to evoke that same sense of joy and style.
Our goal was simple: to adore Eggy just as much as those vibrant green chairs.
The Transformation: From Thrifted to Fabulous
Within just an hour or two, Eggy’s entire demeanor had changed. Dressed in its new “Sunday best,” it now exuded an undeniable elegance, effortlessly pulling off a crisp white suit. For this striking makeover, I opted for Rustoleum Universal in a satin white finish. The decision to go with a clean white, rather than a super bright color, was quite deliberate. I envision this chair taking pride of place in a corner of our living room, a space already vibrant with a large, colorful rug and an array of bright pillows. Unlike our office, which boasts a large neutral rug, the living room needed a piece that would complement, rather than compete with, its existing riot of color. White offered the perfect balance, allowing the chair to seamlessly integrate into the room’s aesthetic. Plus, should the mood strike, I can always introduce pops of color through different cushions and accessories.
For those interested in the specifics of the painting process, you can explore a wealth of spray painting tips in this detailed post. It covers everything from preparation to application, ensuring a smooth and durable finish. But for now, let’s fast forward to Eggy’s grand debut in our living room. After several days of drying outside in the sun, followed by a period in the sunroom to ensure any lingering fumes dissipated, it was finally ready for its indoor placement. Oh, and please forgive the temporary, rather “frumpy” pillows you see. These are just old seat cushions I repurposed from our first house’s office/playroom chairs, simply covered with white towels. Yes, white towels! They served as a placeholder to help us visualize the chair with white cushions. And because I embrace a bit of whimsy, I couldn’t resist tossing in a charming pig pillow for good measure.
Sometimes, a touch of playful eccentricity is exactly what a space needs, and I’m certainly not shy about embracing it.
Experimenting with Comfort and Style
Next, I experimented with a faux sheepskin rug draped over the cushions, replacing the placeholder towels. Before I could even step back to fully admire this latest styling tweak, our beloved dog, Burger, had already claimed the egg chair as his own personal sanctuary.
Seriously, it took him less than a second to settle in and make himself perfectly at home. His instant approval was a testament to the cozy appeal of the faux sheepskin.
However, while the faux sheepskin undeniably earned Burger’s enthusiastic seal of approval, I discovered a slight drawback after sitting in it myself on a particularly warm day: it felt a bit, well, shaggy and made me overheat! So, while the faux sheepskin might make a triumphant return for Eggy’s cozy winter look, for the interim, here’s its current summer ensemble. This is a just-for-now solution, utilizing what we already have on hand, but it certainly works for the moment.
The current configuration features a small faux fur pillow on the bottom for softness and a whimsical bunny pillow propped against the back. Doesn’t he look absolutely adorable?
And wonderfully, Burger seems perfectly content to share his new favorite spot with his furry, rabbit-kind friend.
Our daughter, Clara, also gave the chair a test run. She certainly likes it, though she isn’t 100% obsessed – in her world, toys undeniably outrank “Mom’s weird egg chair.” Which, secretly, I quite appreciate, as I fully intend to monopolize this cozy haven myself! Haha.
She did, however, have a wonderful time reading her animal book in the chair, specifically pointing out “the rabbit and the dog” – one from the pillow and one adorning her shirt!
Design, Comfort, and Safety
Then, channeling my inner artist, I captured an aerial view of the chair. Isn’t its strappy, sculptural shape simply delightful? It offers a sensation somewhat akin to a hammock, but without any of the precariousness or uncomfortable sag. You feel wonderfully enveloped and secure, with no worry of tumbling out. The added bonus? It swivels gracefully! I’d liken its slatted design to a sturdy park bench. You know how those are often slatted, yet you never feel as though you might fall through because the material is thick and dense? This chair provides that exact same reassuring stability and comfort.
A few curious individuals inquired about the safety of the slats, particularly concerning Clara’s head getting stuck. Rest assured, the design is quite thoughtful. The slats are either too close together for her head to fit inside, or wide enough that her entire body could potentially pass through – which, naturally, is something we actively discourage and monitor. It’s similar to the metal bucket filled with blocks in her room; she could, if she really tried, put her head in it, but so far, so good. Safety is always paramount, and we’ve observed her interactions carefully.
The following day, I asked John to snap a picture of me in the chair, primarily to provide a sense of “adult scale.” The back of the chair reaches just about to the shoulder blades, making it a delightfully cozy spot with excellent back support. Of course, Clara, ever the performer, insisted on joining in. So here we are, snuggled in together, showcasing the chair’s welcoming embrace.
The Enduring Appeal of Upcycled Treasures
Looking ahead, my long-term vision for Eggy involves finding a perfectly fitted white seat cushion, perhaps from a store like World Market, for the bottom, and potentially another for the back. Though, I must admit, the charming bunny pillow might just become a permanent fixture – it perfectly captures my idea of a good time! This entire project, from finding the chair to giving it a complete aesthetic overhaul, totaled just $37. What an incredible value for a virtually new-looking chair that swivels, offers superb comfort, and doubles as a sculptural statement piece thanks to its distinctive curves. It’s an undeniable upgrade from its initial, rather forlorn appearance. Frankly, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a chair in a “before” shot that looks more like it’s sticking its tongue out than this one. Perhaps I should have named him Odie!
Have you embarked on any inspiring secondhand chair rescue missions recently? Or perhaps discovered ingenious new uses for small rugs or faux sheepskins in your decor? And does your dog share an inexplicable obsession with said small rugs or faux sheepskins? If so, you’re certainly not alone – I’m right there with you, enjoying every quirky moment of home transformation.
Psst- The latest installment of Clara Conversations is now live over on Young House Life. She’s definitely honing her comedic talents with each new adventure!