Trash to Treasure: How to Turn a Dumpster Find into a DIY Holographic Chair

By Brittni • posted on 07/07/2021

How to turn a dumpster find into a DIY holographic chair (for free)

I found this Eames inspired (but not real) chair in the trash at my studio one day and once I realized all that was missing were a few screws for the base, I quickly rescued it and brought it back inside. It matches my other chairs pretty well…it just has a different base. So I thought I would buy a new base for it at some point and kind of set it aside.

I still haven’t bought a new base though and the chair has just been sitting in the corner, so I figured we might as well have some fun with it. Sooooooooo holographic chair it is!

How to turn a dumpster find into a DIY holographic chair

How to turn a dumpster find into a DIY holographic chair (for free)

There are a million and one things you can do with these kinds of chairs, if you want to jazz them up – from adding fabric to vinyl stickers. But I wanted to try something I hadn’t seen before, so we went with the holographic / iridescent option.

AND since I found this chair in the dumpster and already had all the supplies I needed it didn’t cost any money at al to make. Don’t you love projects like that?

Here’s how to make your own holographic chair at home…

How to turn a dumpster find into a DIY holographic chair (for free)

Materials:

  • found chair (here’s a similar version if you like this shape)
  • holographic tissue paper (which can be found here)
  • Mod Podge (in matte finish)
  • paint brush
  • clothes pins or clamps
  • scissors or sharp blade

Instructions:

1. Start by applying a layer if Mod Podge in small 6-8 inch sections.

How to turn a dumpster find into a DIY holographic chair (for free)

2. Then place holographic tissue paper on top of the Mod Podge and smooth as best you can. There will most likely be bumps and wrinkles that you won’t be able to get out, so just embrace it. 🙂

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the entire front and back if the chair.

4. When you get to the edges, let the tissue paper hang over, if there is not a natural spot to wrap around the back or front. Then use a blade to cut off the excess. And use a little extra Mod Podge and a clamp to get the edge to stay down until dry.

How to turn a dumpster find into a DIY holographic chair (for free)

5. Once the entire chair has been covered, use a blade to cut into any large wrinkles (if applicable) and smooth those down with more Mod Podge, again using the clamps or clothes pins to keep the tissue paper in contact with the chair while drying.

6. Wait for the chair to completely dry overnight. Then apply a top coat of Mod Podge if desired. Again, wait for the chair to dry overnight before using.

How to turn a dumpster find into a DIY holographic chair

How to turn a dumpster find into a DIY holographic chair

Crafting by Rachel Brewer
Photography by Amelia Tatnall and Brittni Mehlhoff
Styling by Brittni Mehlhoff

Think you’ll give this DIY chair idea a try? What other projects could you adapt this technique to?

12 comments | Click here to reply

Hi Angela. It’s from CB2. Here’s the link: http://rstyle.me/n/bvtvi5mvmw

Brittni

Great idea! Love how it’s styled with the lamp too! Where is it from?

Angela

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Me encanta la idea, es muy original.

Saludos. Natalia

Natalia

Oh yay, Kait. Glad to hear you like it.

Brittni

I have these chairs, and they are SO comfortable. I love how this totally looks like it was made out of a unicorn horn or something magical. Might have to do this for the ones in the craft room!

Kait

Thanks Carmen. 🙂

Brittni

Muy buena idea me encanta. Un abrazo.

Carmen Aparicio

Thanks Michelle!

Brittni

I love this effect!
https://www.makeandmess.com/

Michelle
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