J&J Chair: Before

Today I found my first vintage chair to reupholster!  I have been wanting to do this for some time now, but I haven’t found the right chair until today.  I was driving down Wickenden st today and saw it sitting outside a lovely new vintage shop called Rehab Vintage and Modern. They have some great vintage finds and today I was lucky enough to find the vintage chair I had in mind.  Since it is my first project, I chose a simple chair with one cushion that is screwed in to the wooden frame.  Conveniently, the cushion wasn’t attached, so I do not have to worry about detaching it.  On the back of the cushion there is a label that reads “Jacob & Josef Kohn, Mundus, New York.

Upon further research I found that Jacob & Josef Kohn were a father and son who founded an Austrian furniture manufacturing company in 1849.  They sold bentwood furniture and by 1893 they had grown to have 51 stores in worldwide.  In 1914 J & J Kohn merged with Mundus, which later incorporated Thornet in 1922.  So I believe my chair was made between 1914 and 1922, since my label includes Mundus but not Thornet. Its roughly 90 years old.  Definitely vintage, almost antique!  She is in good sturdy condition, but will need some touch ups where the finish has worn.  Considering her age and condition I have a hard time making her into a really funky piece, since I want to preserve her original charm.  I will most likely stick with a neutral color for the paint and a fresh but not to bright fabric.  My next move is to gather the right cleaning supplies and brainstorm about fabric and style for the design.

Update:  I found this Navy Blue floral fabric that I am pretty sure I am going to use for the cushion. I think I will stain the wood slightly darker.   I’m still open for suggestions though!