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!
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Rhoda…the bench was such a find…and you turned it into a great treasure…love the striped fabric!!…
Linda@Coastal Charm says
Rhoda,
Now you have made this $10 bench…super duper cute (love that fabric). I would love to have you share it at my party today:)
Blessings,
Linda
Mary says
I have a piano bench I need to redo. Thanks for the inspiration!
Elisabeth says
How sweet! Your little bench looks happy with her new cheery makeover!
Janet says
What a transformation!! You definitely got a deal for your $10. So pretty now. Kudos.
Janet
SheilaG @ Plum Doodles says
Your little bench turned out great, Rhoda. The two stripes look like they coordinate really well.
kathy w says
Your update on your bench is so cute. Also, like that new picture on your blog.
Pam says
Hi Rhoda!!!!
Love your new photo!!! So elegant and beautiful!!!
I have an ottoman that needs redoing and haven’t had time, but, seeing your cute one makes me want to get going with it.
I love the material and the paint color. Pulling the blue in the rug that it sits on would be beautiful, but, then again I do love blue, so I’m prejudice towards that color.
Enjoy the rest of the week!!
Pam
xox
Cynthia says
Great price, great bench and you gave a lot of love and it looks great.
Cynthia
Carol says
I also wish someone would do a tutorial on the chalk paint and waxing. I have not ever heard of these techniques but love the look. Just not sure what it is and what it does. See several different products on all different blogs. Don’t even know where to start.
Christina @ The Frugal Homemaker says
Love this, Rhoda! I have a coffee table with similiar legs that I am hoping to reinforce and turn into a bench for the end of the bed.
Your house is turning out so pretty! I know you love it! Look forward to one day seeing it in person.