Upcycled Antique Bed-Frame-Bench

by Holly

Upcycled this antique bed frame into a bench. My husband built it and I did the painting and finishing. With the help of my 3yr old daughter ;)

upcycled antique bed frame bench, diy, outdoor furniture, painted furniture, repurposing upcycling, rustic furniture

First my husband built the frame and bench, but took no photos, he was in the zone! It got a light sanding too.

Huz built the bench

Next my daughter and I painted it with Miss Mustard Seed milk paint in Boxwood. I loved the color, but after we added some moulding to finish off the edges and I mixed more paint to do the moulding I couldn't seem to get the color to match.

I'm not sure why I had so much trouble, it was my first time working with milk paint and I honestly just didn't have time to mess around with it and figure it all out. (I had to get this one done, I'm pregnant with a baby on the way in 2 weeks and need to sell it to pay my midwife).

So I ran up to the hardware store and bought some Rustoleum Chalked paint (although not really chalk paint, it seemed like the best last minute hardware store option) and I repainted it.

upcycled antique bed frame bench, diy, outdoor furniture, painted furniture, repurposing upcycling, rustic furniture, Painted boxwood milk paint

Painted boxwood milk paint

My daughter, Roen, "helping"

Roen helping

Finished! Painted with Miss Mustard Seed Boxwood, then Rustoleum Chalked Paint in (I think) Tidal Pond, then distressed it a bit which made the boxwood show through. I didn't think I'd like the 2 colors together, but it turned out nicely. I finished it with 2 coats of General Finishes exterior 450 flat top coat.

Rustoleum Chalked paint

Rustoleum Chalked Paint in Tidal Pond

Finished

Finished Detail

The distressed details with Miss Mustard Seed Boxwood showing through.

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1 question

Trudy on May 23, 2020

Dear Dsouther, No one wants to sleep in a full bed anymore so these old beds are hanging around in garages and barns or rotting in landfills. I love old furniture, and refinish other people's castoffs (no chalk paint for me!). But I would rather see an old bed being creatively reused than languishing out of sight somewhere.
I have also wondered how long they old up as a bench outside. Anybody have any answers?

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2 of 3 comments

Nicolette tabram designs on Mar 04, 2016
Gorgeous colour and a proper family affair!

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Dsouther on Apr 30, 2019

I caution anyone thinking about making one of these to remember that wood bed frames were never meant to be used out of doors. I especially caution you not to put these out doors if you live in a wet or humid climate. Also before you cut up an old bed frame you may want to make sure you are not cutting up something valuable. I recently googled antiques and saw that these older solid wood bed frames are increasing in value. Some of them are made out of mahogany and walnut. Try finding something modern, made out of solid wood. You have to buy Amish or have it custom made.

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