Tuesday, September 11, 2012

The Versatile Bench

I had wanted to add some extra seating to the dining room to be used when we have guests.  The most natural place to add in a seat was with the secretary that I refinished here.  However, because I plan on mostly keeping the secretary open, I didn't want to go with a traditional chair.
 


Rather, I chose to repurpose a thrift store bench that had already gotten a couple of makeovers in the past, but never really fit anywhere in our home.

I started by painting the base of the bench a light gray, followed by a deep aquamarine/turquoise color that played beautifully with our dining room curtains.  (You can check out those here). 



The distressing and wax gave it a wonderful, beachy, worn-in sort of look, so I wanted to mimic that for the upholstery.

 
 
I started out by recovering the cushion in gray canvas (durable and also matches the gray in our curtains very well). And then, to add in the relaxed/worn look I was going for, I used this technique to add on decorative fabric.  



It was super easy! All I did was use some scrap fabric I had leftover from another project, roughly cut it out near the boarder of the print and washed and dried. It was simple to attach with fabric glue.



I love how it can be easily moved around to wherever we need an extra seat in the house and, because I used variations of grays and blues, it looks fine in the living room, too.  And that's where I normally find it. My youngest has claimed it as his own for TV watching. (He has vision problems and can't see the TV from the couch).


 

 
And when we're done, the bench fits perfectly underneath the secretary.




If you've missed any of my other posts relating to my dining room makeover you can catch up with my progress here, here, here, here and here.

To get more upholstering inspiration be sure to follow my Reupholstery, Slipcovers, Pillows DIY board on Pinterest.


Thanks so much for stopping by!
Angela




Linking to:southern hospitalitymop it up mondaysDIY Show Off UndertheTableandDreamingI Gotta Try That Mod Vintage Life Primitive and Proper My Uncommon Slice of SuburbiaHouse on the Way 52 Mantels Beyond The Picket Fence Photobucket A Delightsome Life Rooted In Thymevif187 Liz Marie Bloghttp://www.jenniferrizzo.com/ Funky Junk's Sat Nite Special

A Delightsome Life

16 comments:

  1. Your bench looks great. I love how you added the decorative fabric. It gives it a 3 dimensional look, in addition to the worn look you were going for. Really well done.

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  2. The bench and the desk are great together. Nice job with the fabric!

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  3. The bench is great I love the fabric.

    Cynthia

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  4. Love what you did with the fabric on this bench. It's adorable!

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  5. This is such a pretty color bench, Angela--I love the turquoise paint shade, and what a neat way to attach the patterned fabric--cool! You are right--benches are very versatile!

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  6. The bench is really cute. I love how you did the fabric! Your secretary desk is sweet too. I'm visiting from A Delightsome Life. Pamela

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  7. You chose the right paint and fabric for this project. Especially that lovely fabric!

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  8. Angela, Your bench looks great. I love to have extra seating tucked in around my house. It is always so handy to have the extra seat! I love how you added the decorative fabric. I am going to have to check out that technique! Life to the full, Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle

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  9. Hi Angela- I have a similar one waiting in the wings, but it needs quite a bit of wood putty and sanding prior to sanding. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  10. Hi Angela, it's a pleasure to meet you. Love your fabric! Great job. I am your newest follower. Stop by sometime. Linda

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  11. LOVE this! So glad I saw it at the Feathered Nest! Great colors, great fabric...just all around great! I would be thrilled if you'd share this at Shine on Fridays:
    http://www.oneartsymama.com/2012/09/shine-on-fridays-45-and-giveaway.html

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  12. I love this bench!! Great fabric. Stopping by from The Brambleberry Cottage linky party and your newest follower.

    Here is what I shared this week: http://craftybrooklynarmywife.blogspot.ca/2012/09/another-fur-baby-coat.html

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  13. I always appreciate the inspiration you share at Potpourri Friday!

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  14. Angela, Thanks so much for sharing on Simple & Sweet Fridays. The bench is awesome!

    Jody

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  15. Oh yeah Angela! That bench is a cutie!
    Thanks for linking up this week!
    Stacey of Embracing Change

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  16. Awesome benches with great art done on it, i think these are just perfect to give the home a stylish look through it.
    Green Worx

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Thank you so much for stopping by Number Fifty-Three! I look forward to your comments.