Hidden Treasures: Craigslist Antique Settee

This month’s Craigslist find is a beautiful antique settee!  I have also been working on my foyer and knew that I needed something petite for the entry, but also something unique.  You know my man Craig came through, once again!  I had been eyeing this bench for a while, unsure about the design on the back.  Even though it was listed at $200, I offered $125 and brought this baby on home.

My original intent was to paint it (gasp!) because I really liked the shape, and because I thought it would coordinate nicely with my dining room chairs, which Erin posted about here!  However, when I saw the inlaid pearl and delicate cut detail in the back, I started to seriously fret.

But, I knew I wanted it white, so I sprayed a tiny spot on the leg to force myself to tackle it later.  Big mistake.  The more I looked at it, the more I loved it in its original glory.  I could not bring myself to paint over such intricate detail.  So, an hour of the finest grit sandpaper applied to the blunder, and it’s all better.  Well, almost all better.  I just told myself it has more character now.  Lesson learned!

The original fabric didn’t suit my décor, so I chose a scrap piece of ivory matelasse from an old upholstery job from many years ago that I still loved.  While I’m no professional, I tackled the recovering myself!  Inside I found original horse hair.  Because that freaked me out a bit and I didn’t want to rock the boat too much, I left the “stuffings” as-is for now.  Perhaps I’ll hire Erin to reconfigure the seat support for me one day later…

Husband has been after me to finish the double piping trim…  I just mastered single piping, but the double piping just seems a bit more intimidating…!  But, I will conquer!  And show you the magnificently completed product next month… maybe.

Have a fantastic Wednesday!  Has anyone else tackled upholstery at home?