The soft spot we have for stencil projects has only grown since our office undertaking, and this transformation by Amy at The Casablanca Transformation is likely to win over even the most skeptical stencil fans. It’s an achievable project that sounds doable in just a few hours. Here’s Amy’s note about the makeover:
No matter how many decorating projects I do in my lifetime this one will surely go down in history as one of my all time best! I am so happy I had the idea and even happier that I dared to try! Here is the plain white leather bar stool before:
And the after!
I used a stencil from cuttingedgestencils.com and the paint is from turtlefeathers.net and is called Angelus Paint. It is made especially for painting leather (it has a bit of give to it and won’t crack). Since the chairs came unassembled I decided to leave them that way to make it a little easier to stencil. I was amazed at how easy the process was – total time was only about 4 hours.
I loved that I could pick out the exact style and colors I wanted for these chairs – a custom chair at a very cheap price! I bought the chairs 2 for $152 from overstock then add in the $80 in materials and my total cost is $384 for four bar stools ($96 each)! To have these stools custom upholstered in a fabric of my choice would have cost a lot more than that and they would have been ruined so quickly. I am hoping this painted leather alternative means they will stand the test of time and three boys! – Amy
This project is a great example of how a few inexpensive supplies and a bold idea can transform ordinary pieces into something custom and stylish. Amy’s approach—selecting a leather-appropriate paint, using a ready-made stencil, and keeping the chairs unassembled while stenciling—highlights practical tips that make the job quicker and cleaner. The finished stools read custom and high-end, but the cost remains very reasonable, especially compared to professional upholstery.
If you’re considering a similar update, think about these practical takeaways: choose paint formulated for the material you’re painting, test the stencil placement on a small area first, work on removable parts when possible to improve access, and allow proper drying time between layers. These small steps help avoid common pitfalls and yield a more durable finish.
The kitchen backdrop in the photos adds to the appeal—seeing these bar stools in a real home setting helps imagine how a stencil pattern can complement existing decor. Whether you prefer a bold geometric design or a subtle motif, stenciling leather or faux leather is a flexible option that lets you customize color, pattern, and scale without a major expense.
Update: There are follow-up posts that mention a few issues Amy faced after the project, mostly related to the quality of the particular chairs she purchased and the acrylic finisher she applied. She still confirms that the stenciling method itself worked well, and other, higher-quality chairs that were stenciled have held up nicely without an acrylic finisher. Those follow-up entries provide more context for anyone planning the same project and help you choose materials and finishes with confidence.