Uncategorized / September 7, 2021

Velvet Footstool Makeover

I have a thing for little foot stools. I don’t know why…maybe it’s because they’re so small and adorable, and they’re usually all different. You never really do the same kind twice. So when I saw this one on Facebook Marketplace, I snagged it.

Let’s be honest, the red velvety velour material had to go. It was dated and not doing anything to enhance what this footstool could be. But the cute button detail in the wood was unique. I knew I could dress it up and give it another life.

The upholstered piece popped right out and I gave the base a good cleaning and a coat of paint.

Then I went to work pulling the staples from the velvet.

One of the things I love about upholstered projects is you never know what you’ll find, because under the red velvet I found this…

I’m pretty sure that’s a phoenix in there. Yeesh.

In true Phoenix fashion, I continued on to see if I could make this stool rise from the ashes. The phoenix print was secured by nails. Those took a little longer to remove, but I finally got it done.

The cushion was aged, yellow and coming apart, so it was replaced. I almost always plan on replacing the cushions when I reupholster anything, just because I don’t know what kind of life they led prior to me finding it. It would be a shame if old smells came through a fresh upgrade.

After the new cushion was in place, I wrapped a layer of batting around it and secured it with staples. This helps protect the new fabric from wear and tear at the corners.

I added another coat of paint to the base, and then added new fabric to the cushion.

Once the paint was dry on the wood base, I waxed it using Dixie Belle’s Best Dang Wax in Clear, buffed it and then put it all back together.

A little better? I’d like to think so.

I have absolutely fallen in love with the way Dixie Belle’s Caviar works on any piece I have used it on. When paired with their clear wax, it adds a nice smooth finish without being too glossy. It’s perfect.