My hunt for os de mouton chairs proved that perseverance has its rewards, even in decorating.
Over a year ago, I entered a local antique store I don’t go to very often. Oh, they have lovely things but not so lovely prices. Why torture myself. I had been longing for a pair of French os de mouton chairs to use by the great room fireplace. Those have curvy “sheep bone” frames. Chairs in decent shape were out of my league, and those within budget needed major repairs — no savings there. But the shopping goddesses were smiling on me that day. On his last buying trip, the owner had purchased four chairs in excellent condition and reasonably priced. Luckily, he was willing to divide the set.
Next came the hunt for fabric. I looked on and off for months… and months… and months. Then I saw Fabric Guru mentioned on a decorating forum. It’s a fairly large website, but easy to use. The fabric photos click to enlarge providing high resolution images. I found a gorgeous honey color linen (55%) with a small repeat. I needed four yards and they had four yards – and it was discounted seventy-five percent! On the off chance it was not as expected, I would only be out thirty bucks. A sappy side note: the company offers online ordering only, but is located in a warehouse less than an hour from me — in the town where I was raised, and only a few blocks from where my father’s family owned a furniture store for seventy years. A happy connection.
Closer to home, I’ve been using Keel Refinishing & Upholstery since they were recommended by a friend. They painted and glazed our breakfast room table base and chairs, fabricated a cushion and waxed the Haywood Wakefield wicker rocker in the sunroom. They also reupholstered several chairs scattered around the house. Owner Roger Keel, along with Jesús (above), are professionals at their finest. They listened patiently as I described the nail head size and color I wanted, and didn’t flinch (okay, maybe just a little) when it came time to discuss spacing. Jesús recommended sewing gimp from the chair fabric instead of a costly ready-made French gimp and it fades away, so it doesn’t distract from the chairs.
The chair backs are one of the first things you see when entering the great room from the foyer. They were originally red leather – too Spanish for me – so it was replaced with a honey color faux suede.
Waiting for what seemed like forever was worth it, especially when the final result is just as I had imagined.
Here is a close up of the fabric pattern on the back of the chair seat which looks well placed.
The front of the seat also looks neat and beautifully upholstered with double nail heads spaced as I wanted around the bottom edge. I am a happy camper.
(Source: Fabric Guru)
Be sure to read about Jane’s Swedish hutch saga.
If you would like to see more of Allison’s home, read Alabama Stone Cottage.
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Jane T says
March 13, 2011 at 5:03 pmVery pretty Allison. I especially like the combination of the honey colored fabric with the blue side table. They appear to mimic and highlight the same hues in your Soumak rug. So nice.
Pam says
March 13, 2011 at 5:27 pmThey are beautiful! You are so good to be so patient! It sure paid off.
Delores says
March 13, 2011 at 7:26 pmYour chairs turned out absolutely perfect! Good things come to those who wait!
laxsupermom says
March 13, 2011 at 7:39 pmYour chairs are just lovely! I’m in love with the nailhead spacing! I’ve never seen it done that way before. Thanks for sharing.
Amy of WhisperWood Cottage & Junkologie says
March 13, 2011 at 8:16 pmPerfect! It’s so great when something for which you’ve searched for so long finally comes to fruition! They look great in their new fabric and new home!!
Erin says
March 13, 2011 at 8:17 pmLove them!!! Fabulous fabric choice! (thanks for stopping by my blog too!)
Allison says
March 13, 2011 at 8:23 pmThose are lovely!! Thank you for stopping by my place!
cassie says
March 13, 2011 at 8:24 pmthey look great, allison! the nailhead makes them very stately!
Cindy says
March 13, 2011 at 8:58 pmBeautiful chairs and upholstry! Your room is lovely!
Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says
March 13, 2011 at 10:05 pmHi Allison, They are beautiful chairs and the upholstery looks wonderful. Love your room!
xo,
Sherry
Kelly @ JAX does design says
March 13, 2011 at 10:47 pmThose chairs were a great find, and they look fantastic reupholstered in the fabrics that you selected. I like that the backs are a different fabric than the fronts and seats.
Kristy says
March 13, 2011 at 10:53 pmBeautiful! I love these chairs!
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
March 14, 2011 at 8:58 amThese are great looking chairs, Allison. Patience pays off sometimes if you wait for the right price. They turned out wonderfully and are prefect for seating near the fireplace!
Scribbler says
March 14, 2011 at 10:31 amThanks for stopping by! Your chairs look absolutely fabulous! The fabric you chose, plus the nail head trim is perfect — don’t think I would have wanted the red leather either. I had a chance to look back at a few of your posts and plan to come back later. I need to be twins today!
Connie says
March 14, 2011 at 9:59 amYour chairs are beautiful. I love French chairs. Thanks for stopping by this morning.
Kathy says
March 14, 2011 at 10:01 amThanks for stopping by earlier.
Your chairs are just lovely, as is the entire room.
I have used Fabric Guru when they were on Ebay & was always pleased. They are no longer there & I did not know about the web site… going to go check it out.
Thanks for thr tip… : )
Kristine says
March 14, 2011 at 10:34 amYour chairs are so beautiful…as is your home! I really like the fabric you chose. It will go with anything if you ever decide to change things up.
I am going to go and check out the rest of your blog now for more ideas! Happy Monday and thank you for the very encouraging comment on my blog. Life definitely does slow down the decorating!
Kristine
tina says
March 14, 2011 at 2:11 pmThey look beautiful Allison! Is it possible for ya’ll to have pics where they can be enlarged? I love seeing the details. It’s hard to see the fabric design from the size pics posted. Not complaining, just a request/suggestion if possible. Thanks!
I like Fabric Guru, but hadn’t even realized where it is located!!
tina
Allison says
March 14, 2011 at 4:15 pmThank you, everyone.
JaneT, when I saw the metal drum (table) I knew it had to come home with me. The blue in the rug is so dominant, I wanted to pull out the yellow border with the fabric.
laxsupermom, I saw the spacing in a magazine and made a copy for the upholstery shop. I like that it’s different!
Tina, I added a close-up picture. Hope that helps. Sometimes my monitor brightness is turned down, and making it brighter helps see photograph details. Just a thought.
Diane@InMyOwnStyle says
March 14, 2011 at 6:00 pmHI Allison-
They were so worth the wait – I love the fabric you chose. It is extra nice that you have a pair, instead of just one.
My best-Diane
Melanie says
March 14, 2011 at 6:48 pmThey look gorgeous! I love the nailhead trim.
WEST FURNITURE REVIVAL says
March 17, 2011 at 10:44 pmwow these chairs are beautiful.. and they look comfortable as well
Anna says
March 17, 2011 at 11:01 pmbeautiful chairs, and great choice in fabric too
Lisa says
March 18, 2011 at 6:04 pmI love your style! it is the perfect cross between english country manor and mideivel castle parlor! lol if that makes sense! very comfy and elegant! love your chairs!
Roger Keel says
November 12, 2013 at 11:43 amHey Allison, your room looks great! enjoyed working with you, thanks for letting us here at Keel Refinishing & Upholstery share in the experience.