Do you ever have something that just sits in your home for what seems like forever, just waiting for you to give it the love it needs? Well, I may have more than one item hanging around here like that because we are remodeling, and it’s taking f.o.r.e.v.e.r. I sweetly whisper to them, “Don’t worry, your time will come.” If you think I am now nuts, just hang with me. You see this little gem below? It’s waited too long, so I’m having a piano bench makeover today. woot!
Truth be told, it’s actually a bench from an organ we used to own. Once upon a time we were given a free organ and had a blast using it along with our antique upright grand piano you see above. The organ eventually broke, so I gave it away but kept the bench for my piano.
That gorgeous antique upright grand was also a freebie given to us by a lady who took care of elderly in her home. I was so moved at what she was doing with her life so that others could live their days in comfort. The piano is a reminder to me to try to see where I can help others in their daily battles.
DAYS GONE BY
As a child, I took four years of piano lessons and love to play, though I rarely do anymore. One day there will be a time where I can take time to tickle the ivories again. In the meantime, I teach my kids to play and that is a treasure in and of itself. Do you know how to play?
Okay, so my little piano bench makeover is about to happen. I’ve been not-so-patiently waiting to do our living room remodel to get this project done. Since that isn’t going to happen anytime soon, I figured it was time that awful orange upholstery is going to go. The light colored wood needs to jive with my upright grand as well so it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb. First order of business is to remove the top. I unhinge it and take off the support brace.
*post sponsored by HomeRight (see full disclosure)
DIY TIME
For the rest of the base, I gave it a good cleaning before starting. It’s going to be getting a new look using my favorite HomeRight Super Finish Max Paint Sprayer and my new Medium Spray Shelter. I showcased my new toy in this post a couple of weeks ago and I’m tellin’ ya it’s a keeper! As a point of reference, here are my spray shelters in size order.
The Small Spray Shelter is perfect for small home decor items, and the Large Spray Shelter works for most anything. You can see them both in action in these posts. However, you can see how it could be overkill for my piano bench. That’s why I’m super stoked HomeRight is on the ball and created this medium pop-up beauty. It folds right up for storage and sets up in seconds. {{happy dance!!}}
One thing I use in my Small Spray Shelter is a thrifted Lazy Susan so I can access all sides of my project at the same time. This was before they came out with their own awesome turntable. I figured it would be awesome to have a furniture Lazy Susan for my Medium and Large Spray Shelters too. So…I’m going to show you how I built one.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Materials:
- 1 – 4′ x 8′ ¾” plywood – either in cabinet grade or standard, you choose
- Lazy Susan Turntable
- self-tapping metal screws
Tools:
- circular saw
- jig saw
- drill / drill bits
- drill / drill bits or sanding block
- tape measure
- 40″ length of twine
- metal washer
- pencil
Step 1
Cut a 36″ square from your 4′ x 8′ panel of ¾” plywood. I had a large piece of scrap left of cabinet grade ply that was already just under 36″ wide, so I just needed to shorten it. BTW, I am making my cuts from the back side of my panel.
Step 2
Find center of your 36″ square at 18″ in from two sides and mark.
Step 3
Tie your 40″ length of twine onto your metal washer. Drill in a 1″ screw ½” deep through your washer with twine into your center mark.
Step 4
Tie the pencil onto the opposite end of your twine making sure the distance between the pencil and the screw is 18″. You could also make a strip of wood to serve the same purpose as the twine, but since this is a rustic build I went simple.
Step 5
Keep your twine taught and make a circle with the diameter of 36″. You can double-check your dimensions by take a few measurements around your circle. I chose to make my “sides” squared off so when I store it, it won’t roll.
Step 6
Once you have your circle drawn and ready, it’s time to cut. Using your jig saw, saw off the rounded corners, and then sand edges and surface smooth.
Step 7
Next, time to cut your base and assemble. I made my base a 20″ x 20″ square using the same methods to finish as outlined above. You can use any Lazy Susan hardware you want, but this one costs less than $5. It bears a load up to 400 lbs, so that will suffice nicely. Follow the instructions on the back to assemble.
Here it is from the backside so you can get the idea of the finished product.
Now that you’ve got your Lazy Susan done, it’s time to paint the piano bench. yeehaw! I have had this seconds color sample in my stash also for a length similar to eternity waiting for this day.
There’s no stain going to get me close to that gorgeous patina on my piano, so my goal is to match it with layering as best I can. This deep, dark purple, plus a few touches of wax and such should do the trick {{fingers crossed!}}
I fill up my Super Finish Max Paint Sprayer using the blue tip for a fine finish, and give it a full coat in less than 10 minutes. Amazing! My DIY Lazy Susan made the job go quick and smooth. Isn’t that plum color pretty?
While my first coat is curing for a couple of hours, I tackle the bench top for this piano bench makeover. Instead of just recovering the old seat with new upholstery, I decided to change it up a bit. This mama to 6 kids knows that this bench will see much wear, so it’s time to change the game.
UPHOLSTERY
I removed the old upholstery and trim and replaced it with new using my stapler and cordless hot glue gun.
I chose a muted heavy cotton and matching gimping as my base fabric. However, I also planned to make a linen slipcover from remnant fabric from my channel back chair so that I could pull it off for easy cleaning. My serger and I had a great time together.
Plus, the slipcover gives me the option to make a different one if when our remodel is done the current one doesn’t match. Or maybe make seasonal ones just for fun. eep!
Once my sewing is done, I head back out to second coat the piano base bench with another layer of paint. That second coat also has to cure and then I add some waxes and layers to try to mimic the age in my antique piano. Since my piano had red tones, I did a wash of a custom mixed red and my paint brush to apply.
THE REVEAL
Here it is all reassembled and ready to take on more memories.
This was a simple, yet much needed piano bench makeover to create a cohesive look to my living space. I still have the storage function, but now a touch of style too.
Being the smart mama that I am, I also coated all the fabric with Scotchgard. hee hee hee. Will stains happen? Oh yes, indeed. But, I at least tried.
Now I can at least say that my living room is coming together, but will be happy as a lark when the floors, ceiling, and walls are done too. Soon!
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While you’re at it, here are more projects like my piano bench makeover:
The bench looks great. I really like the new cushion. Great job!
Thanks! My kids are happy the ugly orange is gone. haha.
The bench came out great. I love the idea of slipcovers. They make life easier.
Thanks! Yes, they sure do, don’t they. So many possibilities.
Hmmm, I have some dining chairs with boxy cushions like your piano bench. i didn’t want to reupholster them because they would require very precise sewing – which I’m allergic to. Perhaps slip covers (which I could get my mom to sew!) would work for me – washable too! We get a lot of wind where I live – the shelter would really help!
You can do it! It’s sew easy… haha. Really though. It’s doable and easy to care for. Makes life easier for me, anyway.
I love what you did with the bench, but even more love reading about your 6 kids and your plans for the piano! We had one almost identical to yours in a corner of our living room for more than 20 years while bringing up our 5. My husband even taught himself to play on that piano. So many memories remain, but we donated the piano to Habitat for Humanity ReStore a couple years ago because with all the children grown and gone and my husband no longer able to play because of arthritis in his hands, it was time for someone else to make musical memories with it.
Oh, I’d use the sprayer to paint the “new”desk with hutch that now sits where the piano used to be.
What fun memories we have and sounds like the same for you. I just love to play and miss getting lost in a tune.
I love the color that you chose for the bench….Perfect! The new cushion is beautiful….always thankful for Scotchguard.
It was fun to try to color match. I was excited to see it come out so well. My husband didn’t even notice…haha.
Wow Larissa I’m amazed at your talent… that bench matches so perfectly, and your idea for the lazy Susan is awesome. I use a little one and have always thought it would be great to have something larger. Thanks for the idea,!
Thanks! My kids are floored how close it looks to the real deal. Makes it fun!
I have some chairs I would like to paint.
I love the color and the piano is beautiful too!!
Thank you! I feel so blessed we were able to get it and it still works wonderfully.
Nice update. Amazed at how you made it coordinate with piano!
Thanks! I have been aching to see it redone. Finally! 😀
That is an amazing makeover! I love the seat and the color matches perfectly. Great job.
Thanks! I am so happy with how it came out. Thank you!
That is amazing. I never would have guessed you could match that closely! And with a purple! Amazing! Your giant lazy susan is pretty fabulous too.
It was something I’ve been aching to do and knew that paint was going to get old soon with the years I’ve been waiting. So…finally got it done. Thanks so much!
The lazy susan idea is great! I would love to win a sprayer and shelter!! Thanks for the opportunity.
Thanks! I love it and share a video on social media how it works. So smooth!
That color match ia amazing! Slipcover is adorable on the bench.
Woot! I loved that deep plum color. I’m so glad you like it!
I honestly didn’t think this would work. Purple paint? But was I wrong! Matches perfectly. Fantastic job. I don’t play the piano but my husband does. It’s nice to listen to the music.
haha! Yes, I saw purple as the base in my piano with red. The black wax made it deep like the lacquer on my piano. I’m glad it worked.
I have a little cabinet that I would love to try the sprayer on.
Good eye for color – I never would have thought to base coat with purple, but darned if it didn’t do the trick ! I need to repaint our now black iron outdoor table and chairs, and NOT looking forward to the somewhat tedious project. Perhaps when cooler weather settles in E TX?!?
hee hee!! Happy dance! I don’t blame you on the iron. These tools will sure come in handy!
Lady, you never cease to amaze me! You were able to come very close to the piano coloring. Gos has blessed you with an eye for color ad an ability to design.
I love that Home Right has all 3 sizes now. Having the right tools makes jobs a little easier to work on.
Thanks! It was fun to try and I’m glad it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb anymore. 😉 The right size makes a huge difference to my work. So glad there are options.
Love the bench! Great job on the cushion.
Thank you! I love to see my home getting done…finally. 😀
Great job matching the color to the piano. Love the cover for the seat. I would love a booth for painting. Enjoy your blog.
Thanks! You will love these tools.
The piano bench turned out beautifully–I can’t believe how well it matches the piano and the room!
Thanks! This was a challenge I couldn’t wait any longer to try. The orange drove me crazy! hee hee.
The bench looks great!!! This sprayer and shelter would be great to use for the coffee table my son picked up that someone had out for trash.
Thanks! Sounds like some fun is about to happen! 😀
I have some nesting tables that need to be refreshed. Live the piano bench!!
Thank you, Sherry.
The bench color turned out nice.
Thank you.
Wow, I can’t believe how well the bench blends with the piano now. I don’t have your vision and would have never realized I needed to use dark purple!
I just couldn’t wait to give it a try any longer. I’m so glad you like it too!
Beautiful, as always. You always do quality work!
You’re so sweet to me, Shelly. Thank you!
The color match is amazing!
Thanks! I couldn’t believe how long I had that paint just waiting. 😀
I would paint my coffee table.
Larissa, What a great post, first I love that you shared how to make a large lazy susan, what a genius idea by the way! The colors you used on the piano bench really coordinate with your piano perfectly. Of course, you didn’t stop there, your new cushion and slip cover are downright beautiful! I love the sweet ruffles and the fact that you can remove it to through it in the wash is fantastic. Super, great project girl!!!
As for painting projects, I have several outdoor items that I need to refresh at my Mom’s home. There is a cute little metal bistro table with 2 folding chairs that desperately need a nice fresh coat of paint, metal lanterns and garden flag holders which would make Mom’s patio look much prettier.
Thank you for a great post and a great giveaway opportunityas well.
Had to do it right if I was going to do it…finally. haha. Thank you, Kaycee! You will definitely love these tools for all you have to do. Makes it super easy.
Looks lovely!!! I have many projects piling up, waiting for me to purchase the right paint sprayer, but the first I would tackle is the dining table and bench seating, or my backyard shed also needs some freshening up, not loving the ‘rust’ color ;P
Thank you. Sounds like your home looks like mine. tee hee.
Wow, Larissa! The bench & piano look like they were meant for each other now. BEAUTIFUL❣ You, yourself, are pretty amazing! Macgyver’s got nothing on you!
What fun it was to finally pair them up. Thank you, Staci! I just had to laugh…Macgyver…hahaha!
Love your creative talents. So-o-o jealous!!
Aww…thank you for the smile, Barbara. Made my day! 😀
Wow! When I saw the purple I was like yuck! But this was amazing! Lol. I learned a lot.
I’m typically a yuck when I see purple too, but I do appreciate it and all it can add to a piece. So fun to try! 😀
I can’t believe the instructions for a lazy susan!! Thank you! Love the way the bench looks. Thanks for all your sharing!
Wahoo! I hope you give it a try. 😉
Larissa! Your time management is SUPER HUMAN! Just another one of life’s mysteries! (-:
Too funny! I am a crazy organizes lady, but have fun too. Thanks for the giggle!
Wow! First, I thought ‘purple…say what???’ It turned out beautiful! And I love the cushion for it. Just fabulous! I could use the sprayer as I have a table and chairs, and chest of drawers that I need to paint. My hands are not what they used to be so I can only manually paint so much before having to stop. Would love, love to have a paint sprayer. Thanks for the giveaway (and forgive me for doubting you with the purple).
haha…right?! It’s all about layering and depth, so purple it was. woot! Tables and chairs REQUIRE a sprayer for me to even consider them anymore. Much work made easy. You will love it!
I really like this project, but I’m really drooling over the high chair 🙂 That might be my first project for my new granddaughter
That sounds like fun!
I am always amazed by your construction/sewing talents…as well as your ingenious eye to to see such fabulous possibilities!!! As always, thanks so much for sharing and inspiring!
You’ve just made my day, Fran. Thank you!
So much talent!
What a blessing you are, Maryann. Thank you!
Great job, looks amazing! Thanks for the chance!
My absolute pleasure.
That Homeright stuff is the bees’s knees… the plum color is nice too 🙂
You ain’t kiddin’. Gotta get you some!
What a wonderful makeover on the piano bench! The ruffle adds just the right amount of cuteness. I would love one of the Home Right sprayers and shelters for some projects I’ve been waiting to do.
Thank you, Tammie. Had to soften it a bit since the piano is so GRAND. haha. You will love these tools for sure.
Yes, I love your piano bench. I can’t believe how close the colour is to the piano. They look great together.
If I won the Home Right Sprayer I would use it to paint my bedroom dressers.
Thanks so much for the chance to win.
I’m delighted to hear it, Kelly. Thank you!
Great job!
If I had that tent and sprayer I’d work on my project pile. First up would probably be a curvy-legged small table we inherited. Details like that would be much easier with this setup!
Thanks! Sounds like fun.
I never thought about making my own lazy susan. !hank you for the inspiration and instructions. My first project, if I were to win these Homeright products, would be to paint the frame of an old chair I look at everyday and think, “one of these days”!
You will love it! Makes it so handy. I know what you mean, girrrrllll. 😉
Bought alot of vintage metal chairs, gliders, end tables & plant stands & the sprayer & shelter would be make painting these so much easier. Thank You for the give away!!!
You bet!
I love to do crafts and redo small furniture pieces. It would really be helpful to have a nice paint booth.
WOW……what a big difference, very nice. I sure could use the shelter and sprayer.
Thanks! Finally got it done. 🙂
I always like your projects – new and old. I have a large double-decker printer stand I’d like to refinish.
Glad to hear it, Cheryl. Thank you!
I look forward to all your projects, such great ideas.
Thank you, Dianne.
I am Excited to learn that Home Right now has a medium shelter. It will be a great size for the Singer treadle marine and cabinet that I need to get painted. Have had it prepped for a while. Belonged to my great grandmother and then my mother.
Me too! I couldn’t wait to give a test run. It pops up in a snap and does the job, then folds down so nicely.
I love the piano and the bench. Old, upright pianos have so much more character than newer ones. I have an old dresser and 8 kitchen chairs that I have been putting off painting so a sprayer would be perfect – especially the chairs.
I couldn’t agree more. The artistry in them in stunning.
You did a great job matching the color and patina of your piano. I always look forward to seeing your next project! You are so talented and creative!
It is truly such a treat to read your words. Thank you, Kathy!
Thanks for sharing with us. You’re so talented. I could use a sprayer and shelter to paint some of my grandmas furniture. Thanks for the giveaway.
My pleasure to share. Thank you, Brandi.
Love this project, and can’t wait to make a furniture lazy Susan for my painting projects, great idea!
Sweet to hear! Thank you, Teresa.
Larissa, your work is always exquisite. With all the extra time you have, (joke!) you should hold classes. I’d love to learn how to properly use a sprayer!
Thank you for that precious compliment, Denise. I would love to hold classes and keep bugging my husband to jump into my dream with me to make it real. One day!
It turned out beautiful. I would love to learn how to use the little paint sprayer. That would make life easy. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Jeanie. You will definitely love it and it’s easier than you think. 😉
I would use this on a few small side tables I have. It would be so helpful. I love your project.
Thank you!
The bench is a perfect match with your piano…great job!!! I have a small curio cabinet in my dining room just waiting to be refinished.
I’m so stoked with the outcome. Thank you!
Very inspiring! I love seeing you bring new life to tired pieces, especially ones that were put out for trash! Thanks for the opportunity to win such nice things too.
That’s the fun part. Woot! Thank you, Nancy. 😀
Love your piano bench! If I win I would start on my little night stand that’s been waiting for a make over for a couple of years now. It’s a small project that I can practice on!
Sounds like fun!
Great job!
I have a few items I would tackle. I have a small chest of drawers I’d like to upcycle.
Oh a lazy Susan and a paint spray shelter would make repainting furniture a whole lot easier. Love seeing all of your redos. If we move I will have to drop all of my project pieces off at your place and watch in amazement what you will do to upcycle and beautify them all. If I had a sister I would want someone like you! ;o)
You will love it, Lucy. You are so cute! I can always use another sister…haha!
I think it is amazing how your created such a similar color to your stained piano wood with paint. They look great together now!
I’m so glad it came out as I’d hoped. Thank you for the vote of confidence, Kristina. 🙂
Larissa,
The bench is awesome..
Thank you, Nancy!
Great job matching up the color.
Thank you, Chris. Fun to try.
I have an old nightstand that I would love to bring new life to.
I would tackle my kitchen wine rack with this. Thanks for the chance.
You bet.
The bench looks amazing!!! The sprayer would be great to use on a new dresser I just got to refinish!
Thanks! You will love it. 😀
Never did learn how to play the piano but we always had one growing up. I have had 2 of them myself hoping someone would take an interest but they never did so we got rid of them over the years. I am retired now and sure wish I had one again because now I would go for lessons and learn to play. How much fun that would be! I love the turntable/lazy Susan and it was definitely needed! Bench looks gorgeous too!
I have project after project waiting to be finished but the weather has just not been cooperative over the summer and with the rains from Florence, I’m not able to get it done… but if I had one of these HomeRight sprayer tents I would be seeking every spare moment to get things done!
That’s how I felt about violin. Hoped my kids would try and I’d love to learn too. Maybe one day we both will! 😀
With my HomeRight Super Finish Max Paint Sprayer and Spray Shelte, I would tackle the garage dresser.
I need a furniture lazy Susan and you make it seem simple to make. I really have a lot of projects that I would like to get done before the cold sets in.
I am in love with mine for sure. You gotta make one! 😀
wow..what a great color match! I would love to redo an old stool with a back that was my little brothers desk chair a long long time ago
Thank you, Debb. 😀
Can you give more detailed instructions on attaching the lazy susan hardware to both pieces. Mainly, the 20” piece after it’s attached to the 36” piece. Mine did not have any directions with it.
Thank you!
Sandy, I’m not sure which hardware you purchased so that I can help. Each one has a little different setup. Have you checked online with the manufacturer?