Flea Market Treasures: The Cane Chair
Just look what you can do with a common used-furniture find
Just this past weekend I met a reader who had an interesting dilemma. While she enjoys reading sites like Houzz and marvels at the amazing spaces, she also becomes discouraged and downright depressed because she feels like the decor is unattainable at her budget.
After a bit of motivational chat to lift her spirits, I suggested that she visit local thrifts to seek out sturdy secondhand pieces. A friend of mine always says that secondhand does not mean second class. There is always a diamond in the rough waiting to be discovered. To prove my point, let's examine the ever-so-popular cane chair:
After a bit of motivational chat to lift her spirits, I suggested that she visit local thrifts to seek out sturdy secondhand pieces. A friend of mine always says that secondhand does not mean second class. There is always a diamond in the rough waiting to be discovered. To prove my point, let's examine the ever-so-popular cane chair:
Cane chairs are generally easy to find, and they're often dressed in a fabric like this green velvet. Painting the frame a high-gloss white instantly modernizes the piece.
Are these cane chairs brand new or are they scouted treasures? Beautifully used in this well orchestrated display of opulence, we may never know.
If the existing fabric is in poor condition, consider updating it with something unexpected like a lively stripe pattern.
Shop retail stores for inspiration on how to use your new finds in your home. This table from Restoration Hardware is no doubt a gem, and probably cost as much as one, too. Remove the old finish on a set of chairs to get this raw, weathered look.
The combination of cane and bamboo brings an earthy, organic feel into the space. With dollars to spare, you can splurge on an embroidered designer pillow to pull together the entire look.
The room's soft, powdery blue creates the perfect backdrop to display a wealth of antique treasures, starting from the headboard made from old shutters to the cane settee at the foot of the bed. The pin-tucked bedding makes this restful retreat a great mix of old and new.
This piece is my favorite of them all. These handsome accent chairs with their weathered wood frames appear hearty and masculine. Soften them to taste by adding a throw across the back of the chair and placing a toss pillow in the seat.
Tell us about your own piece of secondhand chic!
Next: Browse more home design photos
Tell us about your own piece of secondhand chic!
Next: Browse more home design photos