The DIY That'll Transform Your Boring Leather Chair Into A Masterpiece On A Budget
A common conundrum when it comes to leather chairs is the fact that their longevity far exceeds their stylistic relevancy. Often, this leads to a solid, durable chair that feels boring and outdated being cast away into a forgotten corner despite all the years it has left in it. However, there is a simple, little-known DIY trick that can tie any leather chair into your room's current aesthetic.
The secret ingredient for making over your leather chair is effective, accessible, and affordable: leather paint. The most popular leather paint online seems to be Angelus acrylic leather paint. You can purchase it in a wide variety of colors on the Angelus Paint website. You'll likely need about one to two four-ounce bottles per chair at $6.70 each.
Similar to fabric paint, leather paint can be applied directly to clean leather in order to completely transform the appearance of a piece of furniture. Using just paint and finisher — which is available at Angelus Paint's website for $5.05 per four-ounce bottle— you can change a black or brown leather chair into a hot pink throne, a cool gray seat at the whitewashed farmhouse table, or a warm burnt sienna accent chair for your '70s-themed living room. If you're the owner of a boring old leather chair, this is the DIY for you.
How to paint a leather chair
The key to successfully painting a boring leather chair with leather paint is proper preparation. In order for the paint to evenly adhere to the chair's leather surface, any existing oils or finishes will need to be removed. You can achieve this by cleaning the leather with 100% acetone. You can currently snag a 16-ounce bottle by Supernail for less than $10 on Amazon. Before sure to wear gloves and apply acetone in a well-ventilated area to prevent skin or lung irritation (via Medical News Today). After finishing this step, you'll notice that the leather is no longer glossy and the color may appear altered. This is a normal part of the process.
After the chair has been cleaned and dried, it's time to start painting. For the best coverage, use a foam brush or a new, dry sponge. Apply one thin layer, then allow the paint to completely dry. Repeat the painting and drying process until you achieve the color saturation you desire. As you apply your final coat, use your foam brush or sponge to create the appearance of added texture, if desired. Once your final coat of paint has dried, apply a leather sealant or finisher to seal the paint and add gloss or sheen.
How to style your painted leather chair
No matter where your made-over leather chair is in your home or what new purpose it's going to serve, you can style it to show off its new look. If the chair will now be residing in your living room, pair it with a soft comfy throw blanket in a complementary color. Keep the throw draped over the chair at an angle, but be sure to allow its new color to show. Alternatively, place houseplants near the chair that make its new color pop.
Adding the newly painted chair to your master bedroom? Decorate it with a throw pillow featuring sensual details like lace, fringe, or tassels, plus texturally stimulating fabric. Place it next to a surface where you can display moody candles. Don't forget to consider the chair's legs, arms or other components that may not be made from leather. Any metal adornments can easily be painted to better match the chair's new hue, while wooden arms or legs can be sanded and painted or stained to get the perfect look.