I had an old chair—actually two—and a few years ago I shortened their legs so they would sit perfectly in front of the fireplace. They were cozy there for a while, but after years of use the chairs began to fall apart.
As someone who likes to upcycle, I parked them in a corner and thought about possibilities. At first I planned to reuse the chair backs for a decorative sign with a fall theme. But projects rarely go exactly as planned, and I ended up making something more practical: a kitchen organizer made from a chair back.
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What I used:
- DecoArt Americana Decor Chalky Finish paint in Everlasting
- Sandpaper
- DecoArt Americana Decor Chalky Finish paint in Escape
- Homemade beeswax
- S-shaped hooks (various sizes)
- Twine
Below is a photo of one of the chairs from when they were still in good shape, keeping my table company.
The How To:
The first step was to remove all the extra parts so I was left with only the chair back. It was easier than I expected — the old joinery had loosened over the years, probably because the chairs had spent time beside the fireplace.
I sanded the chair back to remove the glossy varnish that had built up over time. Once the surface was ready, I applied two coats of DecoArt Americana Chalky Finish in Everlasting. This soft white served as the base color.
Next I added color to the top section. I used leftover DecoArt Americana Decor paint in Escape, but mixed in some white to create a soft, faded blue that gives a subtle pop without overwhelming the space.
After the paint cured for a day, I distressed the chair back in places where natural wear would occur, then sealed the surface with my homemade beeswax. This gives the piece subtle texture and protects the paint while keeping a vintage feel.
You can see the white base peeking through in the distressed areas where I didn’t sand all the way to bare wood. The layered colors add depth and make the piece visually interesting.
To hang it, I simply placed two nails in the wall and hung the chair back like a decorative board. Because it is practical as well as pretty, I installed several S-shaped hooks across the top and added a twine-mounted paper towel holder and other kitchen essentials.
The result is a useful wall organizer that keeps frequently used items within reach and saves space — especially helpful if you don’t want to drill many holes into new tile or cabinetry.
I used Ikea hooks to hang utensils, gloves, and strainers. One corner of the twine slipped while I was packing for a trip, which made the paper towel roll tilt in one photo — proof that this organizer is meant to be used, not just admired.
For the paper towel holder I tied a long piece of twine, doubled and passed the roll through so the knot is hidden inside. It’s simple, inexpensive, and easy to replace or adjust.
I kept the original side holes and the leftover wood pieces, in case I want to refit or add features later. Even empty, those details contribute character to the finished organizer.
The seasonal sign idea was shelved, but I’m happy with the result. The blue accent brings a cheerful touch to the kitchen while the repurposed chair back serves a real purpose. It’s a quick, low-cost project that uses what you already have and keeps clutter off counters and out of drawers.
If you have leftover chairs that need new life, consider turning a chair back into a kitchen organizer—it’s practical, stylish, and eco-friendly.
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