How can I upcycle this bench?

Emily Grace
by Emily Grace

I'd really like to give this bench a good upcycling, but I'm not entirely sure how to go about it. I'd like to trim down the sides since I think it looks a bit too similar to a crib, but I'd have to use a saw for that and I worry I'll ruin it! Does anyone have any ideas?

  12 answers
  • You can add a board to the back and a backrest and cover it in the same fabric.

  • Tom Stuart Tom Stuart on Feb 17, 2020

    I don’t know how the cross pieces are attached to the frame and the seat. If you can take it apart you might be able to raise the seat then you can can trim the legs to get the same effect.

  • Holly Lengner - Lost Mom Holly Lengner - Lost Mom on Feb 17, 2020

    You could change the fabric of the bench, but instead of shortening the side, you could add something to the back to change the look of it.

  • I like it the way it is....maybe a new paint color and recover the seat with new fabric.

  • Pamela Pamela on Feb 17, 2020

    Hi ! I like it the way it is, it doesn't look like a crib at all !!! I would paint it , or distress it a little , make a new coordinating colored cover for the seat and add a bunch of throw pillows. Or 2 long round pillows for the sides ..

  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Feb 17, 2020

    I think a "crisper" fabric with welting would look great. What about dipping the bottoms of the legs in a color or taping them off and spraying them metallic?

  • Jim Cox Jim Cox on Feb 17, 2020

    Clamp a piece of 2x4 horizontal to the side uprights to use as a guide. Use a fine tooth blade on a portable circular saw, and take your time. The 2x4 will insure a nice clean cutting line. I'd put a diff square/modern rail across the top afterwards : )

  • William William on Feb 17, 2020

    Cutting the sides and slats would pop off. If the seat is screwed to the sides then you can raise it and cut the legs. Add a back to it. Paint it. Replace the fabric and it will look good.

  • Janice Janice on Feb 19, 2020

    I'd paint it shiny black, add metallic at the bottom of the legs as someone else suggested and choose a fabric that works well with your home to recover the seat, then a couple of contrasting pillows at the back against the wall. No need for adding to it, unless you plan to have it somewhere other than against a wall. It's a nice project to redo, have fun with it!

  • Homeroad Homeroad on Feb 19, 2020

    I would just change the fabric on the bench. Remove the cushion and wrap it with a new fabric that goes with your room.


  • Dee Dee on Feb 20, 2020

    Paint the bench a different fun color. Make a new cushion for the bench to contrast what you paint. Put some throw pillows on it. Paint the frame gold.

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Apr 01, 2020

    I would change a fabric .. bench is beautiful