DIY projects

How to refresh Bentwood chairs with paint

In this easy but impactful furniture flip, interior designer Gretchen Lowe transforms these classic Bentwood chairs with a stylish makeover using Resene paint. Their simple, enduring design has made Bentwood chairs a furniture staple since they were invented by German-Austrian cabinetmaker Michael Thonet in 1850.

Their sturdy form and smooth, curved lines conjure a quaint, cafe-style vibe, which is what attracted Gretchen. “They remind me of travelling in Europe and all the French bistros. I wanted to create that sort of feel at home,” she says.

Gretchen scours op shops, Trade Me and auction houses for classic pieces to reinvigorate – her recent finds include a vintage record holder and a drinks trolley. The beauty of choosing vintage items is that they are often very well made and crafted from solid timber, which means all they need is a little love to gain a new lease on life and become a statement piece once again.

Of the four Bentwood chairs she salvaged, Gretchen says, “The wood is quite tired so I wanted to give them a makeover with some beautiful autumnal colours.” She chose Resene Sanguine Brown, a soft earth red, for the outside and Resene Heathered Grey, a worn grey brown, for the interior and bottom of the legs. As the signature rattan seat was in good condition, she left it as is to help the new colours pop.

Gretchen also opted to use Karen Walker Chalk Colour paint – it doesn’t require any priming or sanding, so is really simple to use. The Resene Karen Walker Paints collection is a range of 42 colours (seven palettes with six colours in each) including neutrals, metallics and a range of inspiring colours by Karen Walker. Karen Walker Chalk Colour is now available in all these hues.

Resene Colour Experts often advise that painting a small piece of furniture is an excellent low-commitment and beginner-friendly way to add some colour to your space. So if you’re looking for an instant pop and want to be more adventurous, this is the project for you.

If you’re not sure about which colours to choose, bring a photo of your thrift flip and ask the staff at your local Resene ColorShop or use the free Ask a Resene Colour Expert service online. Even if you have only the vaguest idea of what you prefer, they’ll be able to help you fine-tune your selection, as well as recommend the best paint system for your project.

Resene dropcloth
Paintbrushes
Karen Walker Chalk Colour (Gretchen used Resene Sanguine Brown and Resene Heathered Grey)
Low-tack painter’s tape (optional)

1

Set up your work area

Place down your Resene dropcloth to avoid any mess or paint splatter.

2

Apply your first colour

Apply two coats of your chosen paint colour to the circular base of the chair and outer curved panels – Gretchen used Karen Walker Chalk Colour in Resene Sanguine Brown.

Make sure to wait the appropriate drying time between coats.

3

Apply your second colour

Using a contrasting colour, apply two coats to the inner detailing and lower leg bases – Gretchen used Karen Walker Chalk Colour in Resene Heathered Grey.

If you don’t have a steady hand and want very precise, crisp lines, use painter’s tape around the table leg to divide the sections.

Use a smaller paintbrush to tidy up the areas where the colours meet.

4

Take a seat

Time to give your dining room a lift with your refreshed and reimagined Bentwood chairs.

Gretchen’s top tips for budding furniture flippers:

Estate sales and garage sales are also great places to find vintage items at reasonable prices.
Look for pieces that are well-made and have good bones. Quality materials and construction will make the upcycling process more rewarding.
Check for structural integrity and make any necessary repairs before painting.
Retain and highlight the original charm of the piece during the painting process.
Explore various painting techniques beyond the traditional, such as distressing or stencilling.
Combine vintage aesthetics with modern elements for a fresh and unique look.
Enhance the functionality of the item during the upcycling process.

Karen Walker Chalk Colour creates a luxurious matte finish. The best part? It doesn’t require sanding or priming prior to application!

Gretchen Lowe is a keen thrift flipper and has an eye for solid, well-made original pieces and gives them a new lease of life with Resene paint. Bentwood chairs painted in Resene Sanguine Brown and Resene Heathered Grey.