DIY Rope Bar Stool | How to Upcycle a Bar Stool with Sisal Rope
Some of the best DIY projects start with a $3 estate sale find and ten months of patience.
That’s exactly how this DIY rope bar stool came to life. I spotted a sad little green bar stool at an estate sale, paid three dollars for it, and promptly forgot it existed in my attic. When I finally pulled it out I knew exactly what it needed — chalk paint, sisal rope, and a little time.
The result is one of my favorite upcycles. A completely transformed stool for under $25 that looks like it came from a boutique home shop.
Here’s exactly how I did it.
My Project: The $3 Bar Stool Glow-Up
So… I had this green bar stool sitting in my attic for about 10 months. I picked it up at an estate sale for $3 —a steal, right? It sat there patiently while I “thought about it.” (Translation: forgot it existed. 😂)
But when the rope challenge rolled around, the stool whispered, “Pick me!” And here we are.
What You’ll Need:
One bar stool (similar one)or neglected bar stool in your attic
Chalk paint (I used Line White)
Matte water-based polyurethane
Titebond III wood glue
Natural sisal rope (3/8″ x 50′)
Step 1: Paint & Prep
I gave the stool two coats of chalk paint and let it dry overnight. Then I sealed it with matte polyurethane to protect the paint and give it a smooth finish. Easy and classic.
Step 2: Rope It In
This is where the magic (and the glue) comes in!
Tip: Sisal rope can be a little scratchy, so this works best for decorative seating or occasional use.
Heads up:
Titebond III dries yellow, so keep it on the underside of the rope to avoid discoloration. I worked in sections—glue, wrap, let it dry—then repeated. Slow and steady gives you a super clean look.
It took almost the entire 50 feet of rope to cover my 12-inch stool seat. I had about 4 inches left, which I’m pretending was perfectly planned.
Start by measuring and marking the center of your stool seat. Pop a small nail right in the middle—this anchors your rope.
Add a generous dab of Titebond III around the nail, then start coiling the rope tightly around itself. Keep adding glue and wrapping as you go.
Tightly wrap rope end around the nail, and continue wrapping rope around the beginning rope.
I worked in sections—glue, wrap, let it dry slightly —then repeated. Slow and steady gives you a super clean look.
The Finished DIY Upcycled Bar Stool
If this inspired you to dig something out of your own attic and give it new life, I’d love to see it. Tag me on Instagram at @bonbonbell.home — that’s where I share all my current DIY projects and home updates.
I love this! What a great idea for an upcycle. I can relate to the “sitting in my attic for 10 months” idea. My husband is always like, when are you doing something with that piece of furniture. lol
Hi Amy, I am glad that I am not the only one that has furniture around awhile before getting something done with it. LOL Thanks for stopping by.
I absolutely love this! I probably never would have thought of it but it adds such character and awesome texture to the stool!!
Thanks Cindy….I appreciate you stopping by.
I see this project and I think to myself “WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT?” It is just so smart! I love the new look.. the original stool in unrecognizable!
Hi Kim…thanks! I appreciate you stopping in.
This is such a great project, I love it! I love the white paint you used, too.
Hi Meg…..thank you!
Super nice! It’s amazing how much more refined a plain stool can look with just the addition of rope! I love it. Great upcycle!!
Hi Stephanie…..this was really a fun challenge. Thanks for coming by Stephanie
That is SUCH a great idea! Pinning!
thank you so much for coming by.
Very clever, I love it!
Such a great idea to update old bar stools. It turned out great!
Hey Katie……thank you!
I love this – I have a stool that I use for my water jug, I may have to vamp it up like this. Great idea!
This is too cute! Love it!
Bonbon,
Your rope stool is the cutest! The addition of the rope really gave it something special! Thank you for joining in! inning!
What a cool use of the rope! I love it! Pinning!
This is so cute! I love the mix of the white with the light rope color, great combination!
I love the rope, and might very well do this to our stools! Pinned!
I need to pretty up some boring ugly barstools. I love the rope detail. Pinned!
This is so fantastic! I love it! You are one of the features at The Round-Up from the Before & After Wednesday party at The Dedicated House. Here is the link so you can check out your feature. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2016/10/round-wednesday-19-9.html Have a wonderful day! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Great idea to upcycle an old bar stool – love the look! I so can relate to having a furniture stash and being asked when I’m going to get it outta here. LOL
These bar stools turned out so good! I love them so much. I am having our kitchen cabinets refinished & I will need to try this out to finish up the space. Thanks so much for sharing!!!