Have I ever told you how much I adore empire style furniture? The lines are enough to draw me in every time no matter the state it’s in. You can see my past empire furniture posts HERE. This particular antique empire lady was offered to me by a friend.
Could I pass it up? NOPE, nada, not a chance. I will be honest, that after I picked it up, I had a little talk with myself…like..what.are.you.thinking??? My mind instantly flashes back to my Dumpster Diva, BEEP, this upholstered broken settee, and so much more.
DIY TIME
First, let’s take a look at the bad.
Whenever you see contact paper, that’s a red flag. You can see what I found with this antique coffee table. So, I pull it off and see what’s underneath. BINGO.
While I’m not afraid of damaged veneer, I do not feel this one is a good candidate. Here’s why, aside from the top, the drawers are all broken (2 are missing), more missing veneer, and it can be moved side-to-side at least an inch. Apparently, the owners were donating the chest and when going down the highway they lost two top drawers. oops.
Instead of trying to rebuild this antique empire chest, I’m going to un-build it….hopefully. The positive part is that it is good wood that still has oodles of potential.
NEXT STEPS
Next, I start to sketch out what I want the end result to look like. Basically, I plan to cut the top off and create a bench. Yep, I never go little. Are ya with me? In order to do that, I measure to make sure the spots I’m cutting will be level. After that, I cut with my circular saw.
Then, I bust out the drawer rails and guides to make space for the seat. However, instead of pitching them I use them to make a reinforced seat. I have to use one rail at the back to make a ledge for the rails to attach to. Also, using my pocket hole jig make this assembly go super quick. Here it is in a dry fit stage with missing parts and pieces.
After building up the seat, I then need to rebuild the back to make it stable and add a top cap ledge. That’s where my stash comes in. I can’t say enough how wonderful it is to have a stash of not only bits and baubles, but wood, fabric, and so much more. I love to create! Thankfully, I was able to get this build done in one day working 7am to 4pm with only stopping for lunch. {{huge sigh}}
BUILDING UP
However, before I can add my finishing touches, I need to make everything uniform. First, I apply a reactive stain to make everything cohesive as a base coat. A reactive stain work with the natural tannins in the wood to create an aged appeal without the blucky chemicals.
Then, while that is curing, I begin my sewing adventure. I just happened to have two cushions, fabric, and batting to make a tufted French mattress cushion suited for this fun antique empire chest upcycle. Who doesn’t love a little sewing therapy? Additionally, you can see my past sewing fun in my project gallery HERE.
Last, but not least, it’s time for paint. My focus was to not spend outside of my stash for any of this, so I wanted to make use of this gorgeous blue/gray paint I enjoy using on my hutch makeover for our living room.
THE REVEAL
Here is my antique empire chest turned upholstered bench.
Would you guess it used to be a broken-down chest of drawers? This was so fun! And my favorite parts are the curves, the drawer for storage, and the mattress. I’ve only sewn three of these cushions and they’re pretty simple to do. See the massive one I first did here with this upcycled headboard bench.
Also, what made this such fun is that I used everything I already had on hand. I really try to challenge myself in that respect to encourage you that you don’t need a big budget to create your own home story.
So, tell me…are you inspired yet? I sure hope so! With that in mind, if you’d like to make this a part of your home, you can find it and more available in my online shop.
SHARE
In addition, do pin and share my antique empire chest bench upcycle. I’m sure there are more broken-down pieces that just need a new life.
Up next, the misfit top and drawers are getting new life. Any guesses?? See Part 2 HERE and Part 3 HERE.
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Also, more furniture upcycles like this antique empire chest:
What an Awesome bench. Just the right color for that bench.
Thanks, Colleen! This was such a fun project for me. Now for the rest! 😀
I love this so much Larissa! I agree, the curves are lovely, and I think the size is so sweet. Love everything about this piece!!
I couldn’t wait to work on it and hopeful it would turn out as I saw it in my head. Thanks, Kim!
Love, love, LOVE!!!! My favorite so far!! ❤️?
Wahoo!! Happy dance over here! Thank you, Rebecca. 😀
Would never have dreamed the beautiful changes you made in this old chest of drawers. Wonderful save! Be Blessed, Sharon
I can’t say enough how fun it is for me to get to do what I do. Blessed, indeed! Thank you, Sharon.
Wow, That bench turned out awesome! I really love the color. It’s great how you fixed it up with everything you had on hand.
This kind of challenge keeps me busy and from getting cabin fever. woot! Thank you, Dawn.
Larissa that was such an unexpected surprise upcycle. I love what you did with this sweet chest which definitely deserved a new life.
I’m delighted it came out as I’d hopes and rather quickly too. No major problems which is not the norm for me. yahoo!! Thank you, Mary.
I think most people would have passed on it with all it’s issues. I’m always impressed with your creativity and this one is absolutely Amazing!
You should have seen my face when the drawers were out and I leaned on it…whoa!!! haha. I was caught off guard and then was like…game on.
The finished paint color is beautiful!!! But I have a question. Did you apply a stain or dark wax over the blue/gray paint you used? The picture you show painting is much lighter than the finished product. The paint in the picture is a pretty color but very one dimensional. Your finished product has depth, dimension, and a beautiful almost patina to it. What did you use??
Thanks, Maggie! Paint does dry darker and I was taking the pic in a skylight lighting, so the paint is darker than you would think, but also I did do a bit of brown wax on certain edges, etc. The paint was an eggshell, so that allows durability, but also a nice play in the finish.
Wow, I did not see that coming! What clever repurpose and gorgeous bench.
I was cold, but I had such fun! Thank you, Marie. Now I need to figure out the rest. tee hee!
LOVE this project Larissa! I so admire your “lets do this” attitude and this is one of my faves of your creations 🙂 Thank you SO much for sharing! Love that you left the drawer too! perfect place for reading materials or small games or knitting or…. Such a yummy piece!
It’s kind of a plague. haha. Thanks so much!
I love it!! What a transformation!
Yay! That makes my day, Cheryl! 😀 Thank you.
What a beauty! Only you could come up with something this unique and beautiful.
Tammy, you sure know how to flatter a gal. Thank you for the smile. 😀
Yep knocked it outta the park with this! ??
tee hee! Thank you for making my day, Meg. 😉
Love your work and ideas Larissa, super job well done.
I’m happy to hear it, Susan. Thank you!
I love this transformation so much! No one would guess that it started out as a dresser.
Awesome!! That’s what I was after. Thank you, Sue!
Wow, Larissa! That is absolutely remarkable!
What a GREAT bench for taking one’s boots/shoes off and the drawer for hats, gloves and scarves.
I really love it – and the fact you rescued what would’ve def been on its way to a landfill.
Well done!
I’m just so happy it came together as I’d hoped and I get to share it with you. Thanks!!
Larissa,
You are one creative woman, it always amazes me what your find turn out to become,
The bench is adorable.
Nancy
I hope you can tell how much fun I had recreating this beauty. Thank you for the heart-warming hug, Nancy.
I’m constantly amazed by your creative mind! Great job!
I’m so glad you don’t think I’m crazy! haha! Thank you, Jennifer.
This turned out so cute!
But may I ask why you stained it if you were planning to paint over the top?
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! Our base coats or colors are as important as the top. I wanted the paint to look like it’s been there, so I needed to stain the new parts. Also, I planned to distress, so I want that color peeking through.
Oh my goodness, I wasn’t expecting this when I clicked through from FB! Magnificent Larissa! XOXO
You’re so sweet, Denise. Thank you!