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Mid Century Modern Bench Seat with Updated Look

One thing’s for sure, I definitely have a soft spot for the broken and damaged. When I was in the thrift store just looking around, I found 3 “tables” that decidedly jump in my car begging for a makeover. What’s funny is that this little guy is actually a Mid Century modern bench seat. Part 2 of my trio of makeovers is for today.

Thrifted Mid Century Modern Bench Seat Before | prodigalpieces.com

Trio Set of Thrifted Tables | prodigalpieces.com

You can see Part 1 in this post last week (it’s a fun one!) and then Part 3 in this post. For today, I’m working on the little bench on top. Yes, it’s in rough shape, especially once you start taking a closer look.

Mid Century Modern Bench Top Before | prodigalpieces.com

DIY TIME

At first glance, you can see it has paint and stains, but also the top is starting to split from being so parched. However, there are also several joints where the dowel pins are broken making it unsafe. It comes apart easily and I’m better able to see what I need to do.

Damaged Mid Century Modern Bench Legs & Skirt | prodigalpieces.com

Also, I sand down the seat top to see what I’m up against there too. The wear is enough that I set it up with glue and figure it will be getting a paint job.

Gluing Mid Century Modern Bench Top | prodigalpieces.com

Then, the legs and skirt also get a sanding along with new dowel pins. After that I glue and assemble it too.

Replacement Wood Dowel Plug for Mid Century Modern Bench | prodigalpieces.com

THE REVEAL

Finally, after stain and paint and a bit of patience, my Mid Century modern bench is now ready for many more years. I’d say it looks much better than the before, don’t you?

Vintage Mid Century Modern Bench Seat with Updated Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #vintage #midcentury #modern

White & Stain Mid Century Modern Bench Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #furniture #vintage #midcentury

I have no doubt that it originally came from a lovely desk or dressing table set, which I’d love to see. However, for now it’s looking good even if I do say so myself. I will always have a sweet spot for Mid Century modern furniture. The lines are crisp and clean with a sleek appeal. In addition, you can see my past furniture makeovers of that era in these past posts HERE.

Vintage Mid Century Modern Bench Seat Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #midcentury #furniture #home #diy

DIY Mid Century Modern Bench Seat by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #midcentury #modern #diy

Mid Century Modern Bench Seat Makeover with Paint by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #vintage #midcentury #modern #boho

As with most of the makeovers that I would love to keep, this one is also available in my online shop.

  • Magic Linen Beige Waffle Blanket available at Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #bedding
    Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130

In addition, do pin and share this mini makeover to inspire others to see past the paint, damage, and brokenness. There is always something waiting for revival!

From damaged to delightful, this Mid Century modern bench seat now has style. See the tutorial at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #midcentury #modern #boho #diy #furniture

UP NEXT

Up next, I’m sharing how to deal with buyer’s remorse…ahem. See the three new projects HERE.

Damaged Bar Stool Before Upcycle | prodigalpieces.com

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!

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Also, similar bench makeovers like my Mid Century modern bench:

How fun! A dilapidated antique empire chest of drawers is repurposed into an upholstered bench by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | See the DIY at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #furniture #homedecor #handmade #upholsteryA curbside piano bench and music rest become a DIY Folding Lap Desk with Storage created by Larissa at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Rebecca - NC says

    How sweet!! It looks so good next to your entryway that I would be hard pressed to want to part with it! ?

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! My barn beam bench usually resides there or else I would. 😉 Have a great day!

  2. Rose Cocchiarella says

    Loving this sweet bench! Can you explain how you used glue in the top? Im having a similar issue in a dresser. It’s got a slight split on the top but the split doesn’t go all the way through. It’s a surface split. How did you repair yours?

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Rose. My splits were such that I could pry it apart an get my glue in (a syringe helps). Then, I just clamped together and sanded smooth. Hope that helps!

  3. Rebecca - NC says

    You too!! ☀️

  4. Carroll Xavier says

    Cannot believe that is the same bench! TLC sure goes a long way 🙂 Thanks for sharing.

  5. Michele M. says

    Larrisa you did a fab job with that next bench – it is a perfect sturdy beautiful little bench. Well done.

    • Larissa says

      MIchele, you are so sweet to say so. Thank you for that.

    • Larissa says

      I’ve always thought it would be fun to reconnect pieces with their last owners. Thanks, girl!

  6. Mary says

    Oh wow! She is a stately again!.Wonderful transformation Larissa! I didn’t know one could fix the dowels or the split; so appreciated that you shared that. Thank you for saving another gorgeous, real wood furniture piece from the landfill 🙂

    • Larissa says

      How fun to hear, Mary. Thank you! Yes, I use a forstner bit to drill out the broken nubs and then just replace the pins. It’s one of those things I like to have on hand just in case.

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