My Caned Sofa!

I was a bit early to pick up a rather large piece for a design job, so I ran through another favorite place next door as they were opening.

Hmmm–what here looks like it doesn’t belong–?

Nikki’s store is always so beautifully staged, and full of great stuff—I love going there!  But here sat this sofa.  Just kind of “plopped” in this awkward spot, and someone was looking a bit stymied on just what to do with it.

“Do YOU want it?  I’ll give you a GREAT PRICE!”  –Uh, Yea-a-ah!

I couldn’t take it with me right away because I was picking up the other large piece (at the neighboring store).  But I promised to be back the next morning.

I stashed it in the garage.  For a looong time.  Two years, there about.  I thought it had great potential, but I just didn’t have a plan for it–yet.

*Just not fulfilling its true potential.

The paint wasn’t entirely sticking, and the color really didn’t suit the piece anyway.  And, although it was done well,  someone seriously thought this upholstery job was an improvement–?  Really? 

Well, I got an idea.  It felt more “masculine” to me, and I was thinking “Ralph Lauren.”

• It’s about 60′ish years old (the best I can find any info).
• Its sheet caning was in excellent condition so–no stripping without risk.
• Strip the decking fabric down.
• Scrape and sand.  Sand and scrape.  Repeat-repeat-repeat!
• I even sanded the caning.  Really. Carefully.

When I was finally breaking down the yellow’ish paint, I decided to let some stray spots remain.  Then I began staining.  First with a Jacobean stain, and I hit some areas with an Ebony stain for added depth.

Lastly, it went to my upholstery ladies for some re-working, including one large bench cushion–BETTER!

I  l-o-v-e  the end results!

With the best high density foam for a singular bench cushion–this is one incredibly comfortable 6ft sofa!

Isn’t he a beaute?!

Catherine