Thrift Store Bench Makeover

ScavengerChic
by ScavengerChic
While doing errands last week I decided to stop into one of my favorite thrift stores. No sooner had I stepped into the furniture section of the store when I spy this bench calling my name. I did a quick scan…nice shape, sturdy, $25 not cheap, but not too pricey. I left it there, but could still here it calling my name in the distance, and checked out the rest of the furniture.
Do I get the bench? The question I usually ask myself is… If I leave it here, will I be kicking myself when I get home wondering why I didn’t just buy it? I’ve done that more than once.


The bench was actually in perfect condition. The foam had no bumps or dents which is super important when you’re doing any kind of upholstery since foam is rather expensive. The cover was rather dirty and there were a few scratches in the wood…
Just four screws held the cushion to the wood frame. Pulled the staples from the bottom holding the dust cover upholstery cloth in place. With no rips, it’s going back on.


Pulled out the rest of the staples from the fabric and what do you know..there was another layer of fabric underneath. The second layer of fabric was beautiful..not my style…but in fantastic shape. Because it was in such fantastic


shape I just left it as it was. It’s doing a great job of holding all the batting and foam in place and some day when somebody else recovers this bench, they too will find the original fabric in fantastic shape.
Only needed 2/3 yard to cover the bench. The fabric is stapled on as if you’re covering a seat cushion…start from the middle and work your way to the corners pulling tight as you go.


Reused the dust cloth to hide all the seams and staples.
Needed two coats of white chalk paint to cover the dark wood.
One of the reasons I wanted to paint the bench white was to highlight the fluted legs. The legs and all the other edges were given a light sanding followed by a coat of clear wax.
Click on the link below to see how my new bench looks in the bedroom as well as more step by step pictures.


For another completely different bench makeover, you may like my rescued piano bench. You can find that bench here.


http://scavengerchic.com/2015/06/22/rescued-piano-bench/


And if you don't have a preexisting bench to work with, you can make one by scratch using free pallet wood. You can find those plans here.


http://scavengerchic.com/2014/11/03/rustic-bench-coffee-table-diy/
ScavengerChic
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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