Monday, January 16, 2023

Recovering a Cat Scratched Craigslist Settee

I have wanted a cozy bench or settee for my kitchen table for a good three or four years. I love the cozy, coffee shop vibe that a comfortable bench adds to a kitchen table. I found a fabric settee on Craigslist this past summer for $10. It looked a little rough, but since I knew I was going to recover it, I decided to go for it.
Recovering a Cat Scratched Craigslist Settee
I didn't realize how bad it really was until I handed over the money and got a view of the side.
Recovering a Cat Scratched Craigslist Settee
I wasn't sure if I could save it, but I loaded it up and stuck it in my garage for seven months. I decided it was time to try and tackle it and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. 
Recovering a Cat Scratched Craigslist Settee
Keep reading to see how I recovered this and what I used for fabric.
Recovering a Cat Scratched Craigslist Settee
First thing I did was bring it in the warm house and make sure that it didn't smell like cat pee. It would have taken a trip to the dump if it did. I took off the legs and then unzipped the bottom fabric on the seat and unscrewed eight bolts to separate the bottom seat from the settee back.
Recovering a Cat Scratched Craigslist Settee
I was so glad I had access to these and could separate the two pieces as it made recovering it so much easier. It did get a good vacuuming when I separated it.
Recovering a Cat Scratched Craigslist Settee
Next, I used a box cutter or carpet knife to cut the upholstery off along the edges. 
Recovering a Cat Scratched Craigslist Settee
I was careful to do this in such a way that I could use the old upholstery as a pattern. The green fabric was sewed to the black material in some spots, but they were hidden places where I would use a staple gun so I cut the green away from it.
Recovering a Cat Scratched Craigslist Settee
I cut apart a washed, thrift store blanket shown in my post below this one to get two pieces of fabric, one sherpa and one a velvety velour. Both fabrics had some stretch to them which was helpful in creating a tight reupholstered piece. The blanket was just a throw blanket so I didn't have a lot to work with. I sewed the corners on the bottom sherpa, seat cover.
Recovering a Cat Scratched Craigslist Settee
I then stretched it onto the bottom seat and staple gunned it to the underside and the back section that butts up against the back of the seat.
Recovering a Cat Scratched Craigslist Settee
I didn't take any photos of the creating the cover for the top part, but I used thee same procedure with the velvety fabric, utilizing the sherpa for the sides. 
Recovering a Cat Scratched Craigslist Settee
The cover fits nicely and came out looking pretty darn good. The back in the velvety material looks fantastic as well, even though you can't see it where I am using it right now. I re-attached the bench seat and back. HINT--keep bolts, screws, etc. that you need in a baggie or bowl or safe place. I have lost too many over the years. Since I did this makeover in about a three hour span, I didn't lose anything.
Recovering a Cat Scratched Craigslist Settee
I sanded the legs, which took only minutes,
Recovering a Cat Scratched Craigslist Settee
I liked the look of the natural wood, so I left them, finishing them with some Johnson's Floor Wax.
Recovering a Cat Scratched Craigslist Settee
I like the light, natural wood.
Recovering a Cat Scratched Craigslist Settee
A few disclaimers about my kitchen table and this cozy spot: the settee is about an inch or inch and a half shorter than I would like. I am getting taller leg/floor protectors that should help with that. Also, we are a tall family--I am the shortest at 5'9". The table, a thrift store find from 5-6 years ago now needs the apron and legs repainted from the light grey color since I am getting rid of most of the grey. As I have the table right now, with one leaf in it, you have to crawl in a bit to get seated on the settee. This doesn't bug me at all as I will be the one sitting and working here mostly. If it does get annoying, I might add the second leaf to the table as we do have the space for it.
Recovering a Cat Scratched Craigslist Settee
This space is warm, cozy, comfortable, eclectic, and personal thanks to these essential elements: layers, textures that come with different materials, color, and curated items that make  me smile.
Recovering a Cat Scratched Craigslist Settee
This wool rug from a garage sale does a lot to meet the requirements to making a home warm and personal. The gold in it ties in well with the newly recovered settee.
Recovering a Cat Scratched Craigslist Settee
A thrifted green cotton blanket (that was brand new) and a green velvet pillow add a bit more color. I loved sitting on my new settee, sipping tea while writing this post. I am so happy I was able to save this $10, cat scratched settee with a $5 thrift store blanket and a few hours of work. Come have coffee with me here!

4 comments:

  1. This is such a creative & fun redo! Home run on this makeover❤️

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow. What a beautiful job you did.
    Ten dollars! The fabric looks so soft and comfy.

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  3. Great job!! It's fabulous. And looks so nice with the table and rug. P.s. I vote you try out the leaf into the table, I think it's worth it to see if it changes the space and feel for the
    (even!) better
    -Hannah

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate your kind words!