Where are my frugal ladies at? Do you want to add a little personality and pizzazz to your home decor/furniture but can’t (or won’t) pay the Anthropology or Pottery Barn price tag? Well, have no fear. This Easy-to-Follow Guide to Chair Reupholstery will have you turning someone else’s “trash” into your treasured piece of furniture in no time! And the best part? Your friends and fam will be blown away when you tell them how much money you saved doing this seemingly-difficult-but-actually-simple project at home!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosurehere.
Inspiration
Check out these inspo pics (& price tags) below:
I truly love the look of all four of these, but there is just no possible way that I can afford to spend $369-$519 on a single dining chair! Especially when I need a minimum of 6 (but more like 8) chairs for my table! That would be somewhere in the ballpark of $2,214 to $4,152 just for chairs!
Believe In the Impossible
If you are feeling the same way I did about those prices, you may be thinking “I am never going to be able to have that bohemian-meets-modern-farmhouse style table & chairs without selling a kidney!”
I am here to tell you friend, that you can have your dream chairs and more for a dramatically lower price. Eek! I am so excited to share my latest chair reupholstery project with you.
Bargain Hunting
It’s true that you need to have patience and a little bit of a skilled eye to walk into a thrift store and see the potential in something. Thankfully, I have honed that skill over the years so I am prepared to share with you everything I know about picking up thrifted pieces. Here is the thought process I go through when prepping to thrift:
The Goal
Are you looking for a particular piece? Do you need a certain number of items?
Jake and I went to multiple thrift stores with the goal of finding new dining chairs. We knew we would need 6, so this was risky, but we believed we could find them! And we did!
The Vision
What is your inspiration? For me, like I shared above, it was the Anthropology/Pottery Barn look without the price tag… I knew that if I wanted upholstered chairs, I was going to have to look for something that was already upholstered. The likelihood of finding exactly what I was looking for already is very slim, so I knew I would probably have to reupholster whatever I found.
Chair Reupholstery- Say What?
Before you start panicking about the difficulty of this task, let me reassure you that chair reupholstery is easier than you think. All you need is some fabric, a stapler, and a little bit of patience. If you have a sewing machine, that can be very useful, too. I did use one for this project.
Trust me, if I can do this, so can you!
First things first, choose a fabric that speaks to you. Whether it’s a bold print or a soft neutral, make sure it’s something you love and will bring joy to your space. I knew I wanted a thick, neutral colored, canvas-type fabric. I also wanted to spend as little money as possible, so I opted to purchase these 9×12 foot drop cloths on Amazon and I am so glad I did. One drop cloth was able to reupholster nearly four chairs!
Next, remove the old fabric from the chair using a flathead screwdriver and a pair of pliers. Try not to destroy the fabric during removal as you will need to use it as a template for your new fabric. Cut the new fabric to size and start stapling it onto the chair frame.
If you are able to use a sewing machine, use your seam ripper to undo the sewn aspects of the original material. I found it helpful to use a sharpie and label each piece of fabric so I knew (for pattern purposes) what parts I was tracing.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “But Molly, what about the corners? Won’t they be difficult?” Ah, yes, the corners. But fear not, my friends, for I have a trick up my sleeve. Simply fold the fabric over at the corner, creating a neat and tidy fold, and staple it in place. It’s as easy as that!
Not only is chair reupholstery a fun and doable DIY project, but it’s also a great way to breathe new life into old furniture. Plus, think of all the money you’ll save by not having to buy those new chairs!
So, grab your fabric, your stapler, and let’s get to work. Your old, tired chairs are about to become the treasure of your home decor.
My Easy-to-Follow Guide to Dining Chair Reupholstery
Out with the Old
Using a flat head screwdriver and needle nose pliers, remove all staples and fabric from chair. Be careful not to rip or ruin the fabric if possible as you will be using it for a guide later. This is a very tedious and time consuming process. I suggest putting on your favorite playlist or binge watching a show to pass the time. It is also helpful to have a second set of hands from time to time, so grab a friend to join you!
Once all of the upholstery has been removed, carefully remove or hammer in any staples that have broken off or are stuck so you don’t hurt yourself. (I learned that lesson the hard way!)
Trace Your Pattern & Cut
On a large, flat surface, lay out your fabric. Press any wrinkles or creases and use something heavy to weigh down any turned corners. On the back side of the fabric, trace your pattern pieces, face down. You want the traced side to be the side that no one will see once the project is complete. Make sure to trace all pieces the same way!
If using a sewing machine, continue reading. If not, continue to stapling!
Pin right sides together, bottom sides facing out. Carefully sew along the edge using 1/4 inch seam allowance and be sure to backstitch for extra durability.
Once you have your pieces pinned and sewn, make sure to trim excess strings, look for any missed stitches and verify that your work is durable and complete.
Some Assembly Required
Place fabric over chair in appropriate spots, making sure that pieces align properly before stapling.
Carefully start stapling, pulling the fabric tight as you go.
When you get to the corners, fold the fabric and make crisp, clean edges, and continue stapling.
For the chairs I did, I had to add a back piece using upholstery tack strips like these. You will want to measure your piece to know what size you will need. For what it is worth, I recommend buying new tack strips rather than trying to salvage old ones. Hammering out the originals can be time consuming and cause them to break. Using a new strip will provide significantly less of a headache for you.
Once the reupholstering was complete, I added the black netting fabric back to the bottoms of the chairs and my husband reapplied the bases to the chairs as well.
Money, Money, Money
For this chair reupholstery project, we spent:
$80 on six chairs
$20 on Drop Cloths (I did need two 9×12 cloths but had one on hand already so I only had to purchase one).
In total, we spent $100 (and about four days) making these beautiful chairs! That is a savings of about $2,114 to $4,052.
I told you it would be a dramatic savings!
I hope you will try your hand at some reupholstering! If you do, be sure to tag me over on Instagram (@mollyfinneganblog) so I can cheer you on and celebrate with you!
Are you a big fan of coffee cake? Do you find yourself drooling over the idea of a blueberry cheesecake? Are you gluten-free and struggling to find a delicious dessert or breakfast treat that fits your dietary needs? Look no further, my friend, because I have just the thing for you: The BEST Gluten-Free Blueberry Cheesecake Coffee Cake!
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Gluten-free? That must mean it tastes like cardboard.” But trust me, this coffee cake is anything but bland. The combination of sweet blueberries and creamy cheesecake filling is enough to make your taste buds dance with joy. And the best part? You won’t even be able to tell that it’s gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Flour Brands Matter
I have been cooking with gluten-free for the last eight years, and I can tell you from experience that brand absolutely matters. The Trader Joe’s brand is not it for baked goods, friends. It gives my baked goods a gritty texture. I am also not a huge fan of Bob’s Red Mill. I find it makes my baked goods seem much drier than others.
The two best brands, in my opinion, are Cup4Cup Flour and King Arthur’s Gluten Free Measure for Measure Flour . Both of these are great for making any standard recipe into a gluten-free delicacy with their 1-to-1 ratio. Both have a texture that is so close to the “real thing”, no one can ever tell when I bake gluten-free!
Sweet & Delicious
I think the true star of the show in this dish may just be the coffee cake crumble that tops the dish. The crumbly, sweet, and buttery topping perfectly complements the soft and fluffy cake below. It’s the kind of cake that pairs just right with a cup of coffee on a lazy Sunday morning. Or, let’s be real, any day of the week.
Without further ado, here is the recipe:
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.Read my full disclosure here.
Ingredients
Coffee Cake:
1 stick + 2 tbsp of butter, softened
3/4 cup of white, granulated sugar
1 tsp of vanilla extract
2 large large eggs
¾ cup of milk (nut milks will work for this recipe)
1/3 cup of white granulated of confectioner’s sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup of blueberries
Crumble Topping:
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter, softened
1/2 cup Gluten-Free flour
6 tbsp of brow sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
Directions:
Coffee Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Cream together butter and sugar in stand mixer.
Add baking power, GF flour, milk, and eggs. Mix to combine well.
Spread the cake layer into a greased 9×9 baking dish
Cream Cheese Layer:
Take 8oz brick of softened cream cheese and place in mixing bowl
Add sugar, vanilla, and egg, and mix until completely smooth.
Pour cheesecake layer over top of coffee cake batter.
Carefully place the remaining 1/2 cup of blueberries even dispersed throughout the cheesecake layer
Crumble Topping:
Take a small mixing bowl and melt the butter
Add flour, sugar, and cinnamon and combine using a fork to create wet sand-like crumbles
Pour over the top of the cheesecake layer
Baking it All:
Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.
Next Level Goodness
Drizzle
Now, if you want to add a little “extra” goodness, you can make a delicious cream cheese drizzle to lightly swirl over the top after baking! To do so, simply adapt my cream cheese frosting found on my Homemade Gluten-Free, Yeast-Free Cinnamon Rolls recipe post here, or simply:
Combine 2 oz. cream cheese, 4.5 tsp sugar, and 1-3 tsp of milk (start with 1 tsp and add to reach desired consistency).
Mix until no clumps remain.
Use a spoon to drizzle thinner consistencies or a piping bag for thicker consistencies!
Mix-Ins
This recipe is perfect even without the drizzle, but if you’re looking to go from “The BEST Gluten-Free Blueberry Cheesecake Coffee Cake” to “The BEST…PLUS“, I totally understand! Another delicious twist would be to add a tsp of lemon juice to your drizzle to add a little citrus zing, or add some chopped candied pecans to the crumble for a sweet & salty crunch!
Whether you’re gluten-free or not, this Gluten-Free Blueberry Cheesecake Coffee Cake is a must-try. It’s the kind of dessert that will make you forget all of your worries and indulge in a little slice of heaven. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
The BEST Gluten-Free Blueberry Cheesecake Coffee Cake
Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour5 minutes
Sweet, Tangy, and delectable! This truly IS the BEST Gluten-Free Blueberry Cheesecake Coffee Cake recipe around
Ingredients
Coffee Cake:
1 stick + 2 tbsp of butter, softened
3/4 cup of white, granulated sugar
1 tsp of vanilla extract
2 large large eggs
¾ cup of milk (nut milks will work for this recipe)
2 cups gluten-free flour like Cup4Cup or King Arthur's Gluten-Free Measure for Measure
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup fresh blueberries
Cheesecake Layer:
One brick (8 oz.) of cream cheese
1/3 cup of white granulated of confectioner's sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup of blueberries
Crumble Topping:
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter, softened
1/2 cup Gluten-Free flour
6 tbsp of brow sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
For Coffee Cake
Cream together butter and sugar in stand mixer.
Add baking power, GF flour, milk, and eggs. Mix to combine well.
Spread the cake layer into a greased 9x9 baking dish
Cheesecake Layer:
Take 8oz brick of softened cream cheese and place in mixing bowl
Add sugar, vanilla, and egg, and mix until completely smooth.
Pour cheesecake layer over top of coffee cake batter.
Carefully place the remaining 1/2 cup of blueberries even dispersed throughout the cheesecake layer
Crumble Topping:
Take a small mixing bowl and melt the butter
Add flour, sugar, and cinnamon and combine using a fork to create wet sand-like crumbles
Pour over the top of the cheesecake layer
Baking it All:
Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.
I am so excited to be rolling out this first (of many, I hope) posts about all things thrifted! Welcome to “Thrift Shopping for Home Decor: Curated Treasures and How to Give them New Life”!
Thrifting: It’s What Brings Us Together Today
A fun fact about me- I had a really great little booth at an Antique Mall for a couple of years. I would flip thrifted finds and vintage items and I had a blast doing it! I have loved thrifting for as long as I can remember.
I have mentioned before that my husband and I work as missionaries, serving as houseparents in a residential care setting (basically like foster parenting, but with up to eight kids at a time). What I have not mentioned much is that we currently work with kids ages 18-21 who are in transition to adulthood and independent living.
Believe it or not, thrifting has been such a great outlet for connecting with these kids! We have been able to laugh together over some of the ridiculous things we’ve stumble across. We have even experienced some moments where kids find an item they had in their childhood and that prompts them to share a story with us we might not have heard otherwise. Plus, it is just super fun. And everyone likes to have fun!
Thrifting With a Mission
Today, we only had time to get to one store, but I was determined to make the most of it.
I am always looking for a few staple items when thrifting. Here is my “Thrifting Must-Looks” cheat sheet. Feel free to save it and use on your next thrifting adventure!
These staples are basically every thrifters dream. You can’t go wrong with them. I love that feeling I get when I go in and find exactly what I’m looking for. I get all giddy like a child on Christmas morning!
Today Was a Fairytale
What I Bought
(Sorry, not sorry for the T-Swift reference in the heading there.)
We may have only been able to shop at one store, but I hit the jackpot! I spent less than $30 and got a whole buggy (aka shopping cart for you non-Southern folk) filled with goodies. I couldn’t wait to get them home to style them.
Without further ado, allow me to share with you my finds!
Okay, let me lay out the goods for ya:
One large woven basket (the perfect depth and in great shape)
A set of SEVEN flat weave baskets
One large and very sturdy flat weave basket/tray
A set of two small maroon serving dishes that say “simply grateful”
One wood-grain looking, ceramic candle warmer with timer settings (4hr, 8hr, 12hr, and “ON”)
A set of two brown and black, tribal printed trinket dishes
A set of two cement planters with succulents
A small succulent in round cement planter
A terracotta and cream colored handmade mug
A black wall shelf with hooks
A pink stone vase
A bathtub tray!
ALL OF THESE IN ONE STORE IN UNDER AN HOUR!? I hope you are as excited about this as I am! #miracleshappeny’all
How I Styled It
This woven basket is a perfect addition to our guest bed! We already have a tray with a candle and book on the desk in the guest room, but this allows us to add a little something extra decor wise, and hospitality wise!
This bathtub tray was one of my favorite finds. Less than $5 for this thing and it is in perfect condition! It had dove-tail edging, so it is excellent quality and very sturdy.
Hear me out: those “simply grateful” serving dishes will be so cute to serve cranberry sauce and butter on at Thanksgiving!
The handmade mug (and in fall colors, no less) is ideal. Who doesn’t love art that someone else made? Especially when it holds coffee.
The little trinket dishes were too unique to pass up. No idea what I will do with them yet, but I will figure it out!
I was way too excited about this candle warmer, but how cute is it? It looks like wood, but is actually porcelain and has a timer with various settings. I grabbed the first candle I could find in my kitchen to put on there. Maple & Cream Latte for the win!
The pink stone vase is giving a rose quartz type of vibe and I love a good pinky neutral. I will probably move it to the guest room, but. for now I love it styled on this tray on my kitchen counter!
Finally, this flat weave basket tray. I am in love with this thing. It is so versatile. For now, it is styled as a tray on my kitchen counter, but I could easily use it as a serving tray, a wall hanging basket, and more!
That’s All, Folks!
That is all I have to share with you now, but stay tuned to see how I style the rest of the items! I am thinking:
The wall shelf with hooks can be used in my kitchen to hold measuring spoons
The two matching succulent planters would make adorable book ends
The set of 7 flat woven baskets will be so cute as charger plates when I host!
I would love to see all of your thrifted finds! Tag me on insta or send me an email- [email protected]!
Communing with God is a vital aspect of our spiritual life. We set aside intentional pockets of time to connect with Him. We steal away to our cultivated sacred spaces where we quiet the voices of our world to press in and listen for Him to speak. Communion with God in the “Secret Place” gives reference to Psalm 91:1.
1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].
The “Secret Place” is a term many use to describe the time we spend alone with God. The relational realm where we can pour out our hearts to Him, listen to His voice, and receive guidance and direction, rebuke & reconciliation.
The Secret Place is not a physical location, but rather a location cultivated in the spiritual realm around us. It is a place of intimacy. A place where we can be vulnerable and transparent with God, leaving nothing hidden or unsaid. Sacred space where we can lay down our burdens and find rest. The place where we can receive deep healing, comfort, and peace.
The Worshipful Act of Intention
Simply put, communion with God in the Secret Place requires time spent intentionally with Him. We live in a busy world, and it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. Prioritizing our relationship with God, however, is essential and should be one of those daily “non-negotiables”.
There is no life in us apart from Him. He is the vine, we are the branches (John 15). Neglecting to spend time in His Presence or in His Word would be like neglecting to eat. We may make it a few hours, a few days, etc., but our physical bodies will pay a price. We will be starving, hangry, irritable, exhausted, etc. But it won’t necessarily cause us to stop living… immediately.
In the same way, just as starvation can eventually lead to physical death, neglecting time in the Secret Place can lead to a sort of spiritual death. When we neglect that set apart time, our faith suffers. Our ability to press on in the hard moments begins to fade. Attitudes suffer, our joy dissipates, and we trap ourselves under the crushing weight of the burdens we allow ourselves to accumulate.
Eventually, we stop relying on Him altogether. We simply forget that we can lay our heavy burdens down and pickup His instead; a yoke that is easy to bear and a burden that is light (Matt. 11:30). All the while, He never stops showing up. He is always ready and willing, so why aren’t we?
Purposeful Priorities
I’ve heard it taught before that, proper priorities look something like: God first, family second, career third. I think there is some definite truth to this hierarchy, though I would tweak it ever so slightly. I would write it as: God first, spouse second, children third, career fourth. I would also add a little asterisk (*) between God first and * spouse second that has a footnote reading “* In some cases, putting yourself before your spouse is more important.”
This is not a license to be selfish and put your needs above theirs. Rather, this is to say that “you cannot pour from an empty cup”. You need to come and fill your soul first (at the well that never runs dry) so that you can have something to pour into your spouse, kids, and career.
Obedience & Watchfulness
Once we become so acutely aware of our need for making time with Him, we must be faithful to show up. Obedience is the first step to hearing His voice. You can read ALL about this concept of obedience as the first step in Priscilla Shirer’s study “Discerning the Voice of God“. Obedience leads to discipline. Discipline leads to consistency.
When we step into that sacred, set-apart space, we can begin to focus on fostering intimacy with God. (Intimacy meaning a relationship where both parties are deeply connected to one another.) It is in this secret place where chains fall off, identity is restored, and revelation is revealed. This proves that the Secret Place, where we commune with God, is a space worth fighting for.
We can be certain that dwelling with Him in the Secret Place will give us direct access to freedom, one hundred percent of the time (2 Corinthians 3:17). Because of that liberating power, the enemy will stop at NOTHING to keep us too busy, too distracted, or too lazy to be consistent. Satan does not want us free. He wants us broken, beaten, tired, and worn down. What more strategic way for the “father of lies” to ensnare us than to convince us that we don’t have time to enter the Secret Place?
Consistant Communion
Communing with God in the Secret Place is not a one-time event, but rather a lifestyle, requiring discipline, intentionality, and honestly, spiritual warfare. As we make a habit of coming into His Presence, we will find that our relationship with Him deepens, and we become more in tune with His voice (John 10:14, 27-28). Subsequently, we may also find we experience more spiritual attack, oppression, and doubt. This is all futile attempts of the devil to thwart our pursuit of the Prince of Peace.
Cultivating Quiet
As we make it a priority in our lives, we will find that our relationship with God becomes richer and more fulfilling. The blessings will become immeasurable and our lives will be flooded with the peace that passes all understanding (Phil. 4:7). So what does it look like to cultivate sacred space and enter the Secret Place? Here are a few ideas:
The Where
First things first: find a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed. If that’s impossible, grab some noise-cancelling headphones and a “Do Not Disturb” sign – you’re gonna need ’em. Maybe you want to create your own war room, (just like in the movie War Room!)
Get comfortable. Whether it’s a cozy chair, a soft blanket, or a pile of cushions, make sure you’re relaxed and at ease. I like to light a candle and grab a soft blanket to snuggle up with.
The How
Start with a prayer. Ask God to join you in the “Secret Place” and to reveal His presence to you. I like to pray using the “P.R.A.Y” acronym. P– praise God for who He is, R– repent of sin, A– ask for His provision, to supply all of your needs, and to answer your prayer requests, and Y– Yield to the Lord. Wait on Him, and trust that all of His promises are “Yes & Amen”. Wait in confidence knowing that He answers all prayers. If the answer is yes, have confidence knowing that your request aligns to His will. If it is a “no” or “not yet”, have faith that His timing is perfect and His ways are higher and greater.
Take a deep breath and let go of all your worries and distractions. Imagine them floating away like confetti, leaving you feeling light and free (and if you love confetti as much as I do, joyful!)
Engage in different spiritual disciplines. Read your Bible, sing worship songs, or simply sit in silence and listen for His voice. Whatever works for you! This time doesn’t have to look any certain way. It is a heart to Heart, spirit to Spirit interaction between you and The Lord.
A Holy Longing for Us to Commune with God in the Secret Place
Don’t be afraid to be yourself. God loves your quirks and your sense of humor- He wrote them into your DNA. So go ahead and crack a joke or two – He’s got a great sense of humor! Finally, remember that the “Secret Place” is not an invitation-only space. It’s a 24/7 access point and nothing/no one can ever close the door.
Wholly Healthy
Just as in any relationship, it is important to be emotionally healthy when pursuing deeper intimacy with God. Self-awareness is required. Identifying blind spots and other areas of growth are important so we make healthy associations about what we discover in the Secret Place with the Truth of the Word and who He is/what He is saying.
Read more about this important topic in another one of my posts, here.
Final Thoughts
In closing, I just want to encourage you.
God loves you so much. I hope you can read those words and receive that. He loves you SO much, he thought you were worth dying for. He made the decision to send his Son to the world, to die on the cross for every single sin you and I would ever commit, transcendently. He exists outside of space and time. He IS the beginning and the end. He sees it all outside of our finite, linear perspective.
When we honor Him by communing with God in the Secret place, His heart overflows for us. When we are actively engaging our most secret and rebellious sins, His heart overflows for us. That is unconditional love. It is unfathomable. It is unreal. Yet, it is completely true and accessible.
Here are a few Truth-filled reminders to encourage you as you embark on your journey to the Secret Place:
The Word never returns void, so you can’t go wrong by reading scripture (Isaiah 55:11).
When you believe the Holy Spirit is speaking to you, remember to test the spirits and discern what is truly from God (1 John 4:1-6).
If you are uncertain of something or struggling to understand, always reach out to a trusted mentor, pastor, or spiritually wise friend who can help.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a cup of coffee, a pen, and your Bible, and head into the Secret Place!
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Welcome, friend! 🌿✨
Hi, I’m Molly! 🌿✨ I’m passionate about helping others flourish—mind, body, and spirit. After a life-changing health transformation, including bariatric surgery and overcoming challenges with faith, I’m learning to thrive, even in the messiness of life. As a future Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Holistic Health Practitioner, I share tips on health, wellness, and personal growth to inspire you to bloom into the best version of yourself.
Grab a cup of tea (or proffee!), and let’s grow together!
