Looking for affordable cabinet hardware? Here are some of my favorite cabinet drawer and door pulls by category.
Do you remember this chair?
The one with the cute pillow of Buddy that I talked about on Monday?
I got it from a yard sale. I think it’s vintage and the back is super narrow and it looks like wood, but it’s actually metal.
Ummm.
Let’s go metal chair.
I see you.
The seat is covered in jute fabric and it’s torn around the edges and the metal is dinged up around the base.
No worries.
I have big plans for this friend.
But here’s the thing. I could go in two COMPLETELY different directions—-so I need a little input from you. I’m sharing two completely different directions for the chair along with some amazing hardware ideas for all the thrift store and yard sale makeovers.
Please bring all the opinions to this post.
This chair needs them.
Option 1: Vintage Floral
Here is option one. I tried to photo edit (emphasis on the word tried) the fabric I’m thinking about using.
If I use this option, the chair will go into Westleigh’s room. If you recognize the fabric you are brilliant and you figured out that it’s left over from Westleigh’s bedroom makeover.
It’s actually curtains from Amazon.
You can see the curtains here.
I was thinking about ordering the pink and white stripe and adding it to the back of the chair for added contrast. I love it when there’s contrasting upholstery on chairs and there are two parts to the back and front of the chair which makes it easier.
You can see the pink and white stripe here.
Then—if I go with this option, I was actually thinking about spray painting it white. But then? I saw the way the chair looks with the fabric and maybe I should just seal the metal with clear sealer so it doesn’t chip any more.
So if you vote for this option? Can you also add if I should paint the chair or leave the existing vintage finish?
Option 2: Navy and White
If I use this color combination, the chair would go into the dining room.
I found the PRETTIEST navy and white pattern that looks super fancy with a little bit of a fresh twist.
I was thinking about ordering the navy and white stripe and adding it to the back of the chair for added contrast. I love it when there’s contrasting upholstery on chairs and there are two parts to the back and front of the chair which makes it easier.
Then—if I go with this option, I think it needs to be spray-painted white.
You can see the navy and white striped fabric here.
Option 3: Gold and fur
I actually came up with a third option as I was typing this, but I thought it was so out of this world that I didn’t photo edit it.
But if we like it? I could create an image for us.
Here’s the way my brain works. What if I sprayed the chair gold and added fur to the seat and back for the downstairs bathroom? Think 1920’s glamour girl.
Yes?
No?
Too wild?
SEE WHAT I MEAN?
This is why I need to have you over for coffee and an opinion.
And there you have it. Let me know what you think in the comments.
And in case you need a little more thrift store furniture inspiration?
Here are 17 of my favorite thrift store makeovers.
I’m actually in the middle of working on another dresser and was researching hardware so I thought I’d share some ideas for hardware for all those thrift store makeovers, too.
The Best Affordable Cabinet Hardware
I thought it would be easier if we broke these down into categories.
These knobs and pulls are in my new favorite category.
The gold just looks so fresh and current.
It’s such an easy and inexpensive way to update a piece of thrift store furniture.
And it looks so sturdy and substantial (and expensive even though they aren’t).
gold-colored cabinet hardware
//these circle hardware pulls//
//these gold cylindrical cabinet knobs//
//these crystal and gold drawer pulls//
Clear crystal knobs are my go-to.
I have them in the kitchen—both the knobs and the pulls.
The knobs and pulls add a little bit of bling without being super overwhelming.
Any time I can’t decide which pulls to use because I’m not sure what will match with the colors on the painted piece?
Clear crystal works perfectly.
clear crystal hardware
//these victorian crystal pulls (from my kitchen)//
//these crystal and gold drawer pulls//
//these square crystal knobs (a little more modern looking)//
These are two examples of hardware in the house.
These swing knobs and black hardware are from the piece in the hallway.
In the dining room, I painted a thrift store piece white and added these round white knobs.
And then I found the CUTEST patterned knobs in black and white.
black and white hardware
//set of 20 black and white patterned pulls//
These are the cabinet pulls from the dressers in our bedroom.
I love the vintage look of them.
I also just found the cutest blue and white hardware I think I’m going to use for the dresser in the front living room.
Everything is linked below.
blue and white hardware
//these blue and white knobs//
//this set of blue and white knobs//
//these hand-painted blue and white knobs//
//blue and white drawer pulls//
//this set of 10 farmhouse pulls//
Let’s GO.
I LOVE cabinet hardware and yard sale makeovers.
I can’t wait to hear all the opinions.
There’s nothing better than DIYing with friends.
disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you Thank you for supporting Thistlewood.
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I vote for option 2. With the white paint. It’s fresh and current and it suits you. Thanks for asking and I need some black pulls so thanks for the suggestions! Connie
I really like option one for both sides of the chair. I don’t think the stripe would come out like you would want it too. I Also clean up the chair legs and seal them.
Leave it in its original metal finish and seal it. I think is screams vintage fabric, burlap, grain sack or linen. Looking forward to what you choose.
I vote for option 2 painting the chair white and using the two navy and white fabrics.. but option 3 could be interesting with the fur and a little gold paint! Good luck!
I like it the way it is. Not fond of any other suggestions at this time
I would put the chair in your daughters room with pink stripe on the seat and floral print on the back and paint the chair white.
I like the original look the best. Seal the metal and if it needs new upholstery, a muted color linen or possibly a velvet. For number 2, I would put a solid linen on the back.
I think I have to go with the Navy out of those 3 options; but I DO like it as is.
i like leaving the chair metal as is and adding the navy and white OR painting it gold with fur on the back and velvet on the seat!!!
I like the navy combo but the gold and fur would be sooo fun! If the bathroom is big enough, I might try that. You can always repaint if needed!
I am all in for Option 1.
Good morning I think the fur and gold would be fun and unexpected!! I love the glamour girl idea !!! Can’t wait to see what you pick!
This is easy for me. Navy and white fabric. The pure white chair is too stark in my opinion but would love it once distressed. Good luck and happy “Diying”.
I would go with the blue and white chair with the contrasting stripes on the back
I like the gold idea! That would be a great addition to your bathroom!
I would seal the paint and call it done. I don’t think the fabric options compliment the chair. Celebrate its’ uniqueness.
Navy and white!!!!
I’d go with the blue and white with the stripes.
I love option number 1 with the floral fabric and leaving the metal as is!
I vote thé vintage floral #1
I would go for the gold/ fur combination. Love the navy too. But it just screams bathroom chair to me. Quirky and fun.
I really like both options #1 and #2 depending on where you want to use the chair. But if I had to pick, I would go with option #2, the white & navy, paint it white....it is a real refreshing look that would go great in your dining area.
Would horizontal stripes or a horizontal pattern make it look wider? I think the vertical stripes make it look even more oddly proportioned. (Although I do think it is an interesting option.) Will be eager to see what you chose.
Fur and gold for my favorite “ glamour girl”!! So unexpected in the bathroom! Well, probably NOT unexpected if anyone really knows YOU! Vote#2- Westleighs room! But it’s a distant 2nd to the fur!
Navy fabric Seal the chair No on white paint
I like the #2 Ambesone.
I like #1 with the floral fabric. Just seal the paint as is. It makes it unique
I’d go with the fur. It would be fun and wouldn’t take away from the uniqueness of the chair. I think patterns would take away from that.
Fur and gold! The chair is so unusual!
Option one, with the metal as is!
Option 2 is so YOU!
Option 3! She would be gorgeous in the bathroom.
My opinion is it should be a solid color. The patterns detract from the structure of the chair.
I loved the vintage fabric idea and leaving it chippy until you said gold and fur for the bathroom and that’s a “YES”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I like options #2. I am a navy and white person. However, the fur and gold for the powder room seems like fun. You a fun gal and I know you make it fun.
This chair looks more like an accent to me. That is why I am leaning toward your bathroom idea adding a pop of glam with the fur! Do it!
You make me giggle as I am drinking my morning tea.Ruled out the gold and fur. It just doesn’t have the classy feel of your home. Not sure it would come across as Glamour Girl. I shall let you fill in the blank. (I’ve been watching to many movies) The chair has a period French feel. Leaving the original finish and sealing it seems like an excellent option. Neither fabric seems to fit the feel of the chair. Perhaps you could find a linen or linen type fabric in a neutral shade. Even one with a faded blue stripe. Obviously, these are just some opinions to add to the fun. I look forward to seeing the final product.
I agree with Michele! I would leave the chair as is and cover it with a pale French blue toile or Hydrangea print.
Option 1, leave the vintage look - prob my first choice. But I’m so intrigued by option 3 and think that could be a great option for this chair - so fun!
I’m in for the gold! I think the chair screams bathroom rather than bedroom or living room.
I actually love the idea of the white fur (and maybe white velvet or white corduroy for the seat) and put it in the bathroom as a complete kitschy surprise item yet useful maybe when doing make-up. Thanks for asking but I know whichever mode you choose will be awesome!!
My first thought was that this chair should be paired with a vanity, so I'd like to see it with fur (or lambswool) in your bathroom.
I would go with the navy and white. For some reason, the other looks dated, to me. 🤷🏼♀️ Whatever you decide to do, no doubt, will look marvelous.
I vote blue and white coz that's the kind of gal I am. Having said that, I think it would be more fun to go fur and gold. Just for something completely different.
I like the blue and white fabrics. How about painting the chair gold with the blue and white. This way it is an accent chair. Different from all the blue and white you already have.
I would leave the finish on the metal the same - just coat it and I really like the first floral. I do have a question though is the width of the top of the back the same as the bottom of the back? If it is slightly tapered any strip fabric could look a little odd. This might only be a problem for me😜!!!! Also I would think working with a small stripe might be a pain to keep straight? It will look beautiful whichever way you go!
Option two, but not white for frame, find a similar color as original or seal if, because that color works with the navy. I think a navy burlap for the back. Happy sailing
Hi. I agree with Victoria, above. I'd keep it vintage...isn't that what attracted you to it in the first place. As far as fabrics, I have always like blue and white, but the idea of having different fabrics on front and back sounds like a cute idea. It's a chair, afterall, not the whole room, so you can have lots of fun with it.
Blue and white, it’s clearly an accent piece and should pop a little!
Blue and white, so you!
I agree completely with Victoria!! Leaving the original finish and sealing it seems like an excellent option. I like vintage! And maybe more neutral fabric...
Morning KariAnne, Just my opinion… If you put the chair in the dining room I love the blue print. And if you don’t have too much dark blue in it how about painting the metal blue instead of white. The stripe fabric maybe to many stripes with your dining room chairs. I also love the idea of putting the chair in the bathroom with a pretty brushed gold, matching your hardware, with the short nap fur. It will look great no matter what you decide as always! Can’t wait to see your ideas on your cruise too.
The chair is a stand alone, and therefore I vote gold and fur for the powder room! Looking forward to seeing it transformed!
I think the Navy and White fabric best suites the design of the chair. And I love the hardware you've chosen, especially the bee pulls. I might just have to find a piece of furniture to use them on!
Ok, here’s my 2 cents…. Clean up the chair frame and seal it with a clear varnish. Leave the current beige covering on the front or replace with a natural linen look fabric. Use the floral on the back for a pop of a surprise. A neutral frame and front of chair will let your eyes rest on the unique shape of the chair without the distraction of pattern. Although I like stripes, I don’t think there’s enough surface area on that chair to really show them off. If you want more color on the front, what about dip dye ombré of a color for the front? PS, I enjoy reading about your projects, family, etc.
This is exactly what I was going to say! You nailed it, and gave the reasons why it would work with the frame of the chair.
I love the first idea, leaving it chippy. Love that look. However, I also like #3 for a total revamp, but only if you want or need a makeup chair. I like both, would go with whichever one you would use/need the most.
Definitely #1 and leave the metal as is.
I love the navy and white chair with the metal painted white. It’s stunning.
The gold and fur! Why? Because your go to of blue and white is a safe choice. You are a creator - go with your last suggestion as that is truly where your heart is leading you. After all, as a creator of all things beautiful, this “unexpected” idea of gold and fur can always be updated at a later date. Blessings!
The gold and fur! Why? Because your go to of blue and white is a safe choice. You are a creator - go with your last suggestion as that is truly where your heart is leading you. After all, as a creator of all things beautiful, this “unexpected” idea of gold and fur can always be updated at a later date. Can’t wait to see it! Blessings friend!
A bathroom with TWO thrones? YES!
I vote for fur and gold in the bathroom! And now I want one!
Might you consider reinventing the wheel — that is, replacing the current fabric with the same (or similar) material? It looks pretty great from here.😄Blessings!
KariAnne So, when I was reading this blog and was looking at your pictures I was like, yea that would be ok. Then I read gold and fur and I sat straight up. Had to adjust my posture. My heart starting beating a little faster and I could hardly contain myself. I am pretty sure I felt faint. You spoke straight to my heart. I am the glam queen. With the size and design of that chair, it must be redone in gold and fur. It's practically begging for it. I can't wait to see it, no matter what, but fingers crossed its gold with some beautiful fur(maybe leopard print even?. 😊
2, KariAnne! Always the blue and white!😉
I love the idea of gold chair with white fur. So fun!
I’m a pink girl by nature so I love option 1. But, I was thinking stripes in the front and floral in the back especially if you already had the floral fabric in the room. It would give some contrast. I would paint and seal the chair too. Love your style and creativity and can’t wait to see the reveal.
There is a metal cleaner out there. Maybe buy and use it on the legs.
Blue floral is my favorite. Also love black and white knobs.
Wow, lots of ideas! I also like the blue and white pattern with a white chair. But if it could be a vanity chair in the bathroom, that sounds really fun! Love all of your ideas and can't wait to see the finished product!
Option 1 and seal the chair.
I like the original look! Just seal the metal, find the same fabric that's on it now and let it be. It has character and beauty as it is. Big Hugs,
Gold and fur would be so unique.
I love the blue and white option! That said, all 3 are fun options!
Painted white, navy and white print with stripes on the back would be my choice!
Here's a fourth option with variations for you: slipcover the chair with the Westleigh floral with pink stripe piping and skirt underlay and then you'd have the original chair intact for the next time you want move it to another room. https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4c/28/37/4c283719b173178e9afec97c7c310321.jpg
Go with the blue and white if you need another chair in the dining room, but fur and gold if you can use it in the bathroom!!!
I vote for #2 but the glam option for your bathroom sounds fun!! I’m living vicariously through you on your cruise.😊 Glad you’re having a blast!
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Definitely the gold and fur option ! Maybe do a velvet seat that someone suggested. So glamorous and your downstairs bathroom would look fabulous with that in it! The chair itself is pretty unique looking so I really don’t like options 1 or 2. Gold and fur please!!
Blue and white with painting chair white - but the fur sounds interesting!
I was all about option 1, leaving the finish as is and covering with poly. I do feel both stripe options are too white for the fabrics you've chosen. Then, you threw option 3 into the mix and I Love that choice. Gold and fur would take this statement chair to the next level. What a gorgeous find!
Your editing looks like mine, LOL! Definitely option 3 and if you back out of that then option 2 with the contrast stripe on the back. Have fun!
I love the blue and white chair idea! Love your blog!
Leave it in it’s original metal finish and seal it. I think it screams vintage fabric, burlap, grain sack, linen or canvas. Looking forward to what you decide.
For the chair, I vote for option 2.
#2 Blue & White but with the SEALED metal
I prefer the navy and white.
I like the blue and white , but be careful a print like that doesn't always line up the way you want it to!
Of options 1 and 2, I love the floral fabric and you already have it and I'm super frugal. However, GOLD & FUR sounds super fun for a guest bedroom. I'd love to see it. :)
Hi! I vote for option one and I would not paint it. I like the idea of contrasting patterns too!
I love the navy and white print. You can move the chair to other rooms in your house with that print. The gold with the fur isn’t a bad idea either. Have fun choosing. Can’t wait to see the results.
My little opinion - The frame of the chair is its own beauty. Leaving it as is, just a good cleaning and sealing it against future damage, gives it its charming character. A print fabric will detract from that, I think. A good, creamy linen fabric will let the classic shape shine. Just my two cents.
My Goodness!! You have a lot of followers! I have only been following you for a few months, but I love your style and you have made me decide to put navy and white in my home to add to my gray and white home with robbin egg blue accents. So I vote for the navy and white. The navy tripe on the back would be striking. Good luck! I'm sure it will be so beautiful when you finish. :)
I’m loving option 2, I think the white paint is really fresh and new looking. Plus I love the fabric choices. It will still look great with Buddy’s pillow on it for a contrasting accent piece.
Option 2 seems most like you! Hope you are having fun on the cruise!!!
I’d leave the chair white, clean it up and spray it to protect the chippy finish. Cover the seat in a neutral, soft fabric. I did like the idea of light blue toile, but is there blue in that bath? Maybe a neutral toile on the back. Good luck. ❤️
Vintage floral all the way. Leave the frame unpainted. I don't care for the pink and white stripe with it, though--maybe a coordinating green and white stripe or a solid coordinating green. #2 option is also nice but (don't be mad at me) I kinda hate your #3 idea. I think you would tire of it quickly.
Karianne, All great ideas but I am partial to the vintage floral idea while leaving the metal as is. Beautiful! Whatever you decide I am sure it will be perfect! Good luck with it!
I think option 3 would be the most fun and truly give the chair a place to highlight it's uniqueness while not competing with other design elements. I'd clean up the white chippiness...might even paint it white.
Hi , I would go with fur if you are thinking white fur I would keep the chair color white. But that is only an opinion. It is a very groovy 60’s chair.
love the floral- if she needs a chair in her room. If you want to move it all over your house- like I would navy and white. Seal in the "chippyness" love the character!
Oh I would paint for sure and I do lean toward the navy and white theme, but I am sure it will look fab whatever you decide
You know me, KA - I like it exactly as it is and would love to have that chair just like that - in its shabby awesomeness. Sometimes one needs some non-printed goodness in their world. Sorry I am not much help here. Love that chair!
Being a sparkly girl myself, Option is absolutely my fave. I can see it perfectly even w/o the pic. Please choose Option 3, it's the most fun.
I suggest using blue ticking fabric for the entire chair, keep the metal just add a sealer. the ticking fabric will keep the style of the chair. Making it look vintage. can be used in any room.
Like it the way it is. Maybe add a colorful pillow to it.
I like the fabrics of option one but rather than painting the chair white, I'd try and match the original color of the chair to blend withe print. Ev
Hello. Honestly, I love the chair as is. Its vintage beauty is irreplaceable. I would leave the chippy metal and simply seal it. If the fabric definitely needs to be replaced, I would do a natural burlap or similar simple fabric, nothing more. Let the natural vintage beauty of this chair speak for itself. It's timeless and absolutely beautiful!
I'd paint the chair no matter what fabric you select. Being metal, it would benefit from the paint I think. I'd also make sure the seat was no wider than the chair. It appears that there's quite a lot of overhang now and I think one of the things that makes this vintage chair interesting is that it is narrow. Although I like mixing fabrics too, if I used a stripe on the back, I'd use just white and a color and make sure the print on the front had a color that matched the colored stripe. Look forward to seeing the finished project.
I vote for option 2, and l love the navy patterns you chose. Jackie
I like option 2 best, second choice would be option 1.
The chair has french details so I think the gold would be nice, but the fur may be a bit much. I also like the idea of giving it a clear coat and consider a ticking stipe on the back and a floral on the seat. I can't wait to see what you decide.
Without hesitation - OPTION 2: NAVY AND WHITE You are a blue and white girl!
Option #1--floral with the stripe. I wouldn't paint that chair--just seal in the chippiness. I can't wait to see what you end up doing with it.
I am going with Sharon Paint the chair white use the navy and white. Same on back and seat and then put the stripes on the back of the chair back. I think if the seat and back were different it takes away from the style of the chair. I do love the floral material but if it's going in the dinning room stay true to your blue & white.
I love the chair the way it is!! Very french. Seal it and recover in something similar... linen, burlap. A hard no on stark white. The chair is beautiful and a great find.
I love love the original. Very classy. And it looks so vintage and unique. Could be used anywhere and no one will have something like this.
Absolutely, 1920's Glamour Girl! A beautiful unexpected and luxurious piece for the beautiful bathroom in gold and fur! Why not!
I love the blue & white fabric for it. Kari, did I tell you I'm running for Governor of Oklahoma 2026?
I love the navy & white with the striped back! I like the chair painted white but it would also be cute just clear-sealed.
KariAnne, I am partial to the navy and white combination, but I would almost always vote for blue and white.
Chair- knowing your tastes I would go with the blue and white stripe with original finish. But you neglected to say where you plannned to place it! I could see you placing the chair with the vintage fabric in your daughter’s room. Hope this helps:) Either way it will be wonderful!
#1 Floral, no stripe contrast.
You have a lot of blue and white already but I’m thinking the gold and fur in a bathroom would be so different and really cute !
OK.. After now reading all the options of some of your readers I'm totally mis confuddled!!! i like all their idea but personally I think it's a chair that needs to be seen (I CAN HEAR IT SAYING" LOOK AT ME" so not in the bed room as a bedroom is seldom visited by others.. To me its also not a comfortable looking chair but has a stand alone beauty. Don't get me wrong I love it and would love to have it soooo would go for putting in the bathroom leave metal but seal and a color fabric to compliment that room. it would be a surprise and novelty for visitors. Nut after saying all that, whatever you decide will be wonderful..OH, and other wise I vote for number one but a different fabric.LOL
I love them all but picking #1 as my favorite!
I don't like the first option at all...the 2 fabrics are too different in color and do not coordinate at all, in my opinion. the navy and white fabrics are very pretty, but how about painting the frame navy (maybe with a touch of Rub 'n Buff in copper or bronze to give it some character) instead of white...the white seems a bit too modern and stark. Third option is not my taste at all, and I really don't know what that bathroom looks like so I honestly can't judge that one. Great chair, by the way!!!! Keep us posted...
I love option 3 and placing it in the bathroom. It is so unique and has a “look at me” feeling! It deserves the royal treatment! I also love the idea of white velvet as an option. I cant wait to see the finished product no matter what you choose.
Hello, happy you had a wonderful vacation! My vote is for option 2 with the metal painted navy instead of white for added interest. I am sure it will be beautiful!