How to Make Mission Style Furniture Look French

Mission-style furniture is categorized as a style within the Arts and Crafts movement that began in England during the mid-19th century and became popular in the U.S. during the early 20th century. The style is best known for putting function above form. Straight lines, natural wood and clean craftsmanship replaced the more ornate designs of the Victorian era. French furniture varies according to the era, but there are few, if any, similarities between Mission style and French style from any period. Begin this transformation from Mission to French by removing any upholstered cushions from the piece, and sand it with fine-grit paper to prepare the surface for refinishing. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Mission to French Country

1

Distress the piece by banging it with a brick, gouging with a screwdriver, hitting it with a heavy chain and/or sanding aggressively at the edges. Do not damage the construction; the point is to make the furniture look as though it's survived many generations of use.

2

Sand down all the distressed points with fine-grit paper until there are no rough edges. The overall look should be worn but charming.

3

Whitewash the piece with a pickling stain. Follow the manufacturer's directions for your brand.

4

Reupholster cushions with a fabric in the French country style. Toile, botanical prints or florals are a few options to consider. Look for fabrics in soft shades of blue, yellow and cream for a generic country appeal, or choose green, red, lavender and olive black for Provencal style.

Mission to Rococo

5

Select decorative wood trims and plaques with a design indicative of the ornate Rococo era. Shells, cherubs, branches, monkeys and flowers are some common motifs of the style. Choose several pieces in one motif.

6

Arrange the trims on your Mission furniture piece. Use painter's tape to keep them in place until you decide the final placement. Try to create curves, asymmetry and a sense of movement with the decorative pieces.

7

Remove one piece of trim and apply a layer of wood glue to the back. Clamp the trim in place until the glue dries. Repeat the process until all the decorative pieces are secured.

8

Paint the chair in a glossy black paint to imitate the black lacquer finishes that were popular during the Rococo period. Apply a gilt, bronze or gold finish to the decorative trims.

9

Reupholster cushions with fabric that resembles petit point tapestry. Patterns that enhance your motif or colors are also good choices.