• Contact Kim
  • Stay Connected
  • Shop Printables
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Salvaged Living

Easy DIY home decor and craft projects for budget home decor

  • Home
  • Meet Kim
    • About KIM
    • Get Kim’s Look
    • Kim’s Bookshelf
    • Kim’s Home Tour
    • Get The House Look
    • Disclosures
  • DIY Projects
  • Faith
  • Home Decor
  • Grow Your Creative Business
    • Grow Your Creative Business Course
    • One on One Business Consulting
  • Classes
Home » DIY Projects » How to save a broken chair: Chair to stool makeover

DIY Projects

How to save a broken chair: Chair to stool makeover

This post may contain affiliate links.

Do you have a chair with a broken back? Save it!

I have received information and materials from ©Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. 2017.The opinions stated are my own. This is a sponsored post. #ForWhatMattersMost #CollectiveBias

You guys know I will save just about anything! A while back I scooped up an outdoor furniture set at a garage sale, I had been looking for a new bench and this one was perfect. It came with two chairs that I thought were pretty cute too. I made the bench over for our patio and the chairs got shoved into a storage shed until I could think of something to do with them. Then, someone broke one. 🙁 I’m not sure if it was my husband or kids, but none the less, it was in disrepair. Most people would have tossed it, but I was determined to make it useful!How to save a broken chair. Don't toss that chair just because the back is broken. Try this easy makeover for a fast DIY save.

This idea is going to change the way you look at broken chairs on the side of the road or in your very own house. The concept is easily adaptable to just about any chair and you will have extra seating available in no time! The steps are easy enough, but the one thing worth noting is the older I get, the harder some of these DIY’s are on my body! While I am super open with you guys here at the blog I haven’t told you about my back yet! When I was a young tween I was diagnosed with scoliosis at a school check up. How to save a broken chair. Don't toss that chair just because the back is broken. Try this easy makeover for a fast DIY save.

After heading to the Dr. we found out my curvature of the spine was pretty severe. As a result I wore a back brace for two years (during 5th and 6th grade…not the best school years in life) then I had Herrington Rods placed in my back. These two steel rods straightened my back a ton, but I am still pretty crooked. I would say my normal is probably not a regular normal if that makes sense!? Do you guys have any experiences like this? It’s always interesting to me to hear how many people have similar ailments that you never talk about! I always say I’m partially made of steel, because I am!!! And NO I don’t go off in the metal detector at the airport.How to save a broken chair. Don't toss that chair just because the back is broken. Try this easy makeover for a fast DIY save.

As most things go crooked paths are often a blessing and I certainly feel that way about my back all these years later. Bending over, sawing, painting and sanding can be hard on me but I manage the sore muscles I get from overexertion with TYLENOL® 8 HR Muscle Aches & Pain. In the evening, when the soreness creeps in from a full day of DIY projects TYLENOL® is my go to relief, if I creak out of bed in the morning, still aching, TYLENOL® helps my sore muscles and allows me to take back my day, instead of the day taking my back. It’s worth adding to your supply list. 😉 I always grab some at Target when I’m strolling the aisles for decorating inspiration. Next to a garage sale Target might just be my favorite spot!How to save a broken chair. Don't toss that chair just because the back is broken. Try this easy makeover for a fast DIY save.

The weather has turned so gorgeous lately, it’s just the thing that makes me want to get outside and get some projects done. I don’t like working outside in the cold, or extreme heat, so projects tend to stockpile for good weather days, then I pay for it with a sore body from exerting to much elbow grease!

I couldn’t have asked for a prettier day to tackle this chair. You can see, I easily sawed the back of this chair completely off, leaving two “stubs”, even in length, where the chair back meets the seat. I used a hand held jigsaw, you might want to use a chop saw if that works for you. It is helpful to have a second set of hands to hold the back as you cut it down. Always use extreme caution when sawing!How to save a broken chair. Don't toss that chair just because the back is broken. Try this easy makeover for a fast DIY save.

You will want to sand the stubs so the style looks seamless to the chair. I left mine taller to look intentional.How to save a broken chair. Don't toss that chair just because the back is broken. Try this easy makeover for a fast DIY save.

For this stool conversion I painted the wood with black chalky paint and waxed it for a professional finish.

This new stool will look especially cute with an overstuffed cushion, tied down through the holes part of the chair back left when removed (project for a later date!). You will have to play around with your chair to see what works best for you. I love to have unobtrusive seating and when you remove the back to a chair you end up with a sleek version of the original that can easily tuck away when not needed.How to save a broken chair. Don't toss that chair just because the back is broken. Try this easy makeover for a fast DIY save.

Hopefully this little trick will help save some furniture should you happen to break a favorite chair! Let me know if you have any chairs that could use this kind of makeover, or if you have any other crooked blessings! Don’t forget to share this idea so you can save some poor little broken chair out there!

“I am not a medical expert, and this post is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. ©Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. 2017. The third party trademarks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners.”How to save a broken chair. Don't toss that chair just because the back is broken. Try this easy makeover for a fast DIY save.

 

Blessings, Kim from Hunt & HostConnect more here:

E-mail Subscription / Pinterest / Facebook / Instagram / Grow Your Creative Business


20 Comments

Stay connected

Don't miss out on the latest!

By being included in our newsletter delivery, you consent to receive new post updates and occasional promotional emails related to the Salvaged Living family. We promise not to over stuff your inbox!

Previous Post: « DIY Dollar Store Solution For “It’s MY Turn!”
Next Post: Whole House Paint Colors »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amanda Lake says

    May 31, 2017 at 5:10 AM

    Love it. Great idea. Your project turned out very cute

    Reply
    • Kim at Hunt and Host says

      May 31, 2017 at 1:31 PM

      Thanks, easy way to save!!!

      Reply
  2. Kristina herrera says

    May 31, 2017 at 5:45 AM

    Wonderfully clever idea. Could be used for a little vanity seat as well or a foot stool. I really like this idea. Love your positive attitude about your back and the fact that you don’t let it keep you from living your life. I would have never known. Great post!

    Reply
    • Kim at Hunt and Host says

      May 31, 2017 at 1:32 PM

      Thanks and yes, so muany uses for this little guy. As I look back over my life, I clearly see God’s hand in my journey and my back is a big part of it!

      Reply
  3. anne says

    May 31, 2017 at 7:40 AM

    Great idea hon!

    Reply
    • Kim at Hunt and Host says

      May 31, 2017 at 1:34 PM

      thank you Anne!

      Reply
  4. Connie Kostak says

    May 31, 2017 at 8:57 AM

    Very cute!!

    Reply
    • Kim at Hunt and Host says

      May 31, 2017 at 1:34 PM

      Thanks, and easy, as always!!!

      Reply
  5. Dina says

    May 31, 2017 at 10:34 AM

    Interesting to read your comments about Scoliosis! Mine is minor, but it is more pronounced in my daughters and one now has a rod in her back. Really the rod is a blessing as she was in continuous pain before it. We all have minor figure idiosyncrasies, but, really, no one’s perfect. 🙂 Thank GOD for Texas Scottish Rite Hospital and the fabulous care my daughters’ have received. Thanks for sharing your journey with Scoliosis.

    Reply
    • Kim at Hunt and Host says

      May 31, 2017 at 1:35 PM

      So true, no one is perfect and I am so glad your daughter has some relief. My back never hurt until I hit 40, lol!!! Then who is to say if it’s my back or my age! Pretty sure it’s my back, but you never know 😉

      Reply
  6. HonestAndTruly says

    May 31, 2017 at 11:41 AM

    That is such a great idea. I love finding ways to save what others throw away #client

    Reply
    • Kim at Hunt and Host says

      May 31, 2017 at 1:36 PM

      Thanks Michelle, I love to save “junk”!

      Reply
  7. Barbara Smith says

    May 31, 2017 at 8:39 PM

    I love the chair turned stool! I have some aches and pains, but for the most part I have been blessed with health! Blessings!

    Reply
    • Kim at Hunt and Host says

      June 3, 2017 at 10:23 PM

      Health is a wonderful blessing! I truly can’t complain either! thanks a bunch

      Reply
  8. Myrna says

    May 31, 2017 at 9:36 PM

    What a cute project. My neighbor gave me two chairs from the Disney castle and there is no way no how to take them apart to replace the cushions, so I think I am going to paint the vinyl seat and then the wood trim. I have Scoliosis too but too old to do anything about it now. I thought there was a recall on Harrington Rods. “All you can do is all you can do” but I never let that stop me.

    Reply
    • Kim at Hunt and Host says

      June 3, 2017 at 10:24 PM

      SOunds like a cute makeover. I haven’t heard anything about a recall! I am doing good so I will stay the course! Not stopping any time soon either!

      Reply
  9. Jackie Duke says

    June 1, 2017 at 8:11 AM

    Great idea!

    Reply
    • Kim at Hunt and Host says

      June 3, 2017 at 10:24 PM

      thanks! easy save!

      Reply
  10. Daisy says

    June 16, 2017 at 6:35 AM

    Love your posts an e today I especially love the sunflower picture. Never would have thought of using a broken chair like that, AWESOME idea. Will be praying for you. I can relate to God’s AWESOMENESS. The things Got has done in my life are just amazing. I’ve been told by preachers that God does not do those things today , He only did things like that in the Old Testament , I cringe at their unbelief. To make this short, He bought me back from death several times, the doctors had pronounced me dead, the healings, I could not even stand up, He healed me, there are so many things He has done in my life and I am eternally grateful and will always serve Him. Have a God filled day.

    Reply
    • Kim at Hunt and Host says

      June 16, 2017 at 7:57 AM

      He is amazing and living in his healing and transformation will make the strongest believer for sure. I have no doubt of the wonders he has done in your life. Thank you for sharing your testimony! Blessing and continued health to you

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Hi! I'm Kim. I believe getting your hands dirty can be a way to get your heart clean. This blog is a decorating and DIY guide to seeing God in the details of your day, hobby and home. Read more...

Learn to grow a creative business with Kim from Salvaged Living!

Check these out:

  • DIY Projects
  • Faith
  • Home Decor
  • Lifestyle

Stay Connected

Don't miss out on the latest.

By being included in our newsletter delivery, you consent to receive new post updates and occasional promotional emails related to the Salvaged Living family. We promise not to over stuff your inbox!

Stay connected

Don't miss out on the latest.

Footer

You might also like

Update your outdated terra cotta pot into a French country classic. Streamline your potted patio plants or bring an outdoor potted plant inside with this easy DIY makeover to get your old pots to match your current décor. It's so much easier to update what you have rather than buy new pots! Please a great tip on how to keep clean up quick and easy!

Outdated Terra Cotta Pot to French Country Classic

This DIY raised garden bed tutorial will give you step by step instructions on how to build a raised garden for your yard. If you have rock for soil, small living space or just want a movable garden this garden box is perfect for you. #raisedgarden #DIYwoodworking #gardening #flowergarden #vinatgegarden #raisedvegetablegarden #raisedflowerbeds #gardenideas

DIY Raised Garden Bed Tutorial

Mix and match stencils to get the look you are going for. This farmhouse stencil tray was a combination of stencils. Psalm 62:6

Farmhouse Stencil Tray

Dollhouse makeover, Herringbone wood floors, painted tile backsplash and fabric wallpaper really make the transformation take place! Week 2 of the One Room Challenge.

DIY Herringbone Wood Floors and Fabric Wallpaper Dollhouse Updates

This is the cutest makeover! A cheap garage sale stool covered in coffee sack burlap - love it!

Two Ideas to Save Money on Re-upholstering: Coffee Sack Covered Stool

© Kim Jones and Salvaged Living, 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Salvaged Living with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Please only use one picture with a link back unless individual permission is given otherwise by Salvaged Living. Full disclosure here.

© 2021 Salvaged Living