Thrift Store Stool Makeover and Thrifted Comfy Chair

I am a thrifter through and through. I don't think that is a surprise to many of you. I love the hunt, adore finding vintage and one-of-a-kind items, enjoy saving money, and I do use thrifted items throughout my home. I tend to be picky about second hand fabric finds. I mean fabric can be ewww. It holds odors, microscopic bugs, hair. But, when I find a piece that appears very clean (or can be washed like removable covers, blankets, etc.) and I have a use for it, and the price is right, I do purchase it. Such was the case with this recent, super comfortable chair I bought at our Habitat Restore.

This is a spot in our home that seems kind of purposeless (is that a word?). It sits next to the narrow steps that go up to our lofted library space. On the other side of the chair there are sliding doors that hide the storage space under the library, at the opposite end of our great room and kitchen. When we moved back into our home in Montana 18 months ago, a big, grey comfy chair from World Market got plopped here by default. We ended up calling it the second row seating as it is behind our 

couch and main sitting area in our family room. I wanted to get rid of the grey chair since I am phasing grey out of my home. Dear daughter wanted a comfy chair for their college home study so off it went to her house. The next day I found this one.

The chair was very clean, did not smell, and was solid and in great shape. It was only $40 and is so comfortable, it was a definite yes! We can sit here and still be part of the great room action, but a bit removed. This spot also faces the bar we have in this space so it is a great seat while we play cocktail hour. A comfy chair needs a side table and a few days later I found this stool/side table for $5 at the thrift store.

The top was a little rough and it had some paint on it, so I decided to sand all of the finish off from the top. I rough sanded the legs so that paint would stick to them.

I cleaned it with white vinegar and then painted the legs a navy blue color.

I clear coated the natural top.

It is small enough to not take up space or be in the way, but big enough to hold a book (this is one of my current reads--I tend to read 4-5 books at a time.) and a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, or a singing bowl and a candlestick.

It is easy enough to move the chair into the main sitting area or circle when we have a large group over.

The pillow and blanket on the chair were thrifted as well.

Short stools make fantastic side tables so be sure to keep your eyes open. They also are nice for plants or an extra seat at the table when needed.