House Homemade: Get the Look: European Bistro Stool

Last weekend I scored an old, discarded stool from the end of an estate sale. I had no idea what I would do with it but you can't say no to something with promise, much less something that's cheap. It was dusty and some of the wicker wrapping was gone but I took it home and waited for inspiration.

European bistro stool with paint and fabric-- house homemade

This week, @DominoMag posted these stools by Serena and Lily on their Instagram feed. Bingo.


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I love this style of chair. I have looked at them and priced them out but am NEVER willing to actually buy them. But look at them. So good!

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When thinking about making over the stool, I actually looked into buying the plastic wicker wrap used on these kinds of chairs. It was a little expensive and I would never take the time to weave the top cushion so that would have been a waste.

I realized I just needed some type of black and white, geometric pattern to get the look and I found one I loved at JoAnn's. I liked the southwestern print but a checkered pattern would have even been closer to the look.

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First I dusted it, then I unscrewed the top from the base and stapled the new fabric right over the original.

I didn't buy enough (because not planning ahead is how I roll) so I overlapped the fabric to make it wide enough. You'll see what I mean in a minute.

I screwed the top right back on and got to work on hand painting the wicker wrapping. I painted it white first, with left over paint from the entryway makeover. It needed 2 coats before I could call it done.

Then I tried to use a black paint pen to do the black stripes but the tip of the marker was too rounded and I ended up just using black paint. My sweet Nickerbean 1 took this pic. Not the best but then again I'm not an expert either.

Here's the finished product! I love it.

It only took me an hour and that included dry time and making lunch for a DESPERATELY hungry 3 year old.

Here is what I mean by the top being pieced together. I have intentions of using it as a plant stand so I'm not really worried about the strength of the seam or even seeing the seam for that matter.

Also, remember the spot that was missing its wicker? For that I just painted stripes straight onto the stool leg and unless you were looking for it, I don't think you'd ever notice. See it right in front?

I LOVE IT SO MUCH! Best of all, I saved $228.01. You're welcome, sweet husband.

I'm proud of myself for this one. It's not perfect and is certainly not the quality of the original but for the price difference, I'm happy to call it mine. What about you? Have you ever made a knock off of an expensive decor item? I want to know about it!

Pin the image below for easy sharing or storing. Thanks for reading, friends!