Before I left Birmingham, I hit a sale at the Catholic Rummage Sale in Homewood and found a cute $10 bench that I couldn’t pass up. I always found some good stuff at their rummage sale, so if you’re in Birmingham, be sure to look it up on the 4th of July. I had kept this old bench and had plans to use it somewhere, so I finally got around to giving her a makeover.
Here she is in her Before state. Cute, but definitely needing some sprucing up. That old gold velvet has seen better days. You can see the veneer is gone on the side. But, I’m painting it so that doesn’t matter.
I turned it over and took off the seat.
Ready to recover.
I am making a couple of pillows for my bed out of this striped fabric, so for now I used some of it since I already have it, but I may change it out later for something not striped, since this is going to sit on my striped rug.
Using an electric stapler and this method, turn the corners under and staple all the way around.
That’s it! Stapled and ready to put back on after painting the base of the bench.
I painted the base with 2 coats of my Annie Sloan Old White chalk paint and left some of the brown showing through on the legs.
Added the seat back on and how cute is it now? A far cry from the original. All it needed was new paint and fabric.
I love those legs, so cute!
I did get out my clear wax and a little bit of dark wax (Annie Sloan) and gave it a quick coat of wax, rubbing it in and letting it dry and now it’s sitting at the end of my bed.
I’m still not a wax expert, but once you rub it all over the paint, let it dry and then go back and buff it with a soft cotton rag to bring out the sheen.
I didn’t spend a lot of time waxing and rubbing, but I’m happy with how it came out.
It’s a cute updated piece at the end of my bed for now.
Do you have something that needs a new paint job and maybe some new fabric? Think of the possibilities!
Today, I’m posting over at My Way Home, Wayfair’s blog about organizing a pretty office and I’m happy to say, I’m a brand new contributor over there and will be sharing posts once a month, all about sprucing up the home.Â
Joining Linda’s Nifty Thrifty party today!
susan maclean says
Lovely fabric, and looks like more than $10 worth! The two different stripes look well together (cushion and rug) too.
Cindy says
Great price! Your bench has such pretty lines and they show up nicely with your paint touches…the fabric is so pretty!
Blessings,
Cindy
Debbie says
I did a little bench just like yours recently. The legs on yours are much prettier. I haven’t added wax or some stain over the paint yet, can’t decide how I want to do it yet?
Great post! I wish I would get my stuff together and start documenting my projects. You make it look so fun to blog…
Thanks.
Cathy says
What a fun and simple make-over! You’ve inspired me to do a chalkpaint transformation or two!
Cathy @ Room Rx
Kathy says
Love it! I would love for you to show photos of a wax process. Probably sounds simple to you….I just haven’t ever waxed anything…..other than my eyebrows and mustache!
Martina says
Super cute makeover!!
Carol T says
Thanks for reminding me that little projects don’t have to be overwhelming! And congrats on becoming part of Wayfair’s blog team!
Lynne says
What a pretty bench! I am sitting on a similar one as I type this. My sister and I were just talking about trying ASCP last week, and Old White is the color I chose!!! So glad to have it pop up here in your post, Rhoda. Guess this little bench will be getting a facelift soon. Thanks so much. I LOVE your blog.
Sally says
How cute!! I’m in the market for a piano bench and this post helps me remember to not overlook anything that may just need a coat of paint and new fabric. I also like that you went ahead and used fabric you have so you can start using the bench, rather than waiting for the perfect fabric to come along! I have so many un-started projects because I’m waiting for the right fabric.
Lisa Lee says
I did a little table recently in ASCP’s Florence, it too had legs like your little bench. Too cute! Still love your blog Rhoda!
Donna Duffy says
Nicely updated
Lisa Fernandez says
Perfect little touch. Love the bench. What would we do without little projects. Lovely.
Lisa
leeshideaway.blogspot.com
Kathy says
Your bench looks so cute!! I love the colors. Your home is truly amazing. You worked so hard , and it’s so beautiful!!
Kathy
angela says
I have your blog in my favorites but I am having a problem it does not go to the new post and I hit the home button and I still do not see your new post I have to go to the archives to get it. I do not know if other people are having a hard time too.
Rhoda says
Hi, Angela, I am getting some comments about that, so I don’t know why that is happening. I have no idea how to fix it either! I’m hoping this glitch will go away.
Leslie Stewart @ House on the Way says
Such a cute transformation! Love it!
katie says
Looks great – such a difference! I need to hurry up and try chalk paint, already 🙂
Lynne says
Rhoda, love the little bench.
On another subject, I’m having my kitchen island changed from doors to drawers and I plan on painting it when I’m finished. I want to use your beadboard wallpaper on the sides and back and will order from you. I live close-by in Cumming and would love to see if I could pick it up from you rather than having it shipped. I can’t find an e-mail address for you to contact you directly.
Rhoda says
HI, Lynn, you found me and I emailed you back. I don’t stock the beadboard wallpaper, thanks!
Jill Flory says
Very cut makeover! Well done 🙂
Olga says
She’s got great legs and you have GREAT taste!! Well done!
Doris G says
I love doing benches! So easy! I actually like the two stripes together.