You spy this upholstered bench up for sale…what do you do? Me…grab it and get my DIY on! It’s Furniture Fixer Uppers day today and my blogger friends and I have some thrifty makeovers to inspire you. Now, this bench is in great structural shape, however it looks like someone tried to pep it up at some point.
The legs had been painted in a glossy black that wasn’t too bad. However, brush strokes and a few drips were evident. Also, the top had been reupholstered in this fabric that is…meh.
I debated on stripping the paint, but decided to check my fabric supply and work with what I had on hand. That led me to grab use a soft white and my paint brush. No prep needed, even for the glossy paint. Woot!
DIY TIME
While the first coat cured, my littlest used my staple puller to take out the upholstery staples. Literally, this tool is the best $6 I’ve spent in a long time. It totally saves my hands oodles.
Then, under that newer fabric is the original tapestry. I thought it was so pretty. Unfortunately, it had snags and runs all over. So, off it comes too.
Finally, the fabric I found in my stash was the same one I used on this curbside settee I rebuilt and upholstered. It’s a must see transformation! (see here) I’ve also used it on a footstool and has been requested by my custom clients after seeing it in use. Sweet!
UPHOLSTERY
For this bench, I update the foam, the batting, and then add the new top. Last, I added a dust layer on the bottom. While I normally would use my favorite AirStrike stapler, I didn’t have the right depth staples on hand. Instead, I went for my standby. However, it just goes to show that you don’t have to have pricey tools to DIY. PLUS, if you’ve ever wanted to give upholstery a try, start with something like this bench or a footstool. I have a full tutorial for you in this post here.
Finally, my upholstered bench is done. So fun to do!
I have convinced myself that I need to do a piece for myself with this fabric…it’s so pretty. That soft aqua blue/green and those creamy details are classic and fit with most any decor.
THE REVEAL
Thankfully, I was able to make a pillow from the remnant fabric using scrap embellishments. I love it!
Although this upholstered bench set looks wonderful in my room, I just don’t have the space for it. You can find it available in my shop (SOLD) along with many other goodies.
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
What fun it was to give this sweet piece new life – really! My goal is to inspire you to DIY and make your house your home. It doesn’t have to take a big budget, just a bit of know-how. That’s where I come in.
In addition, pin and share to inspire others too. Thank you!
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Check out all these wonderful projects by my blogger buddies:
Also, more projects like my upholstered bench:
Benches at the foot of the bed are so stylish and handy to have. This one turned out so nice. I love the fabric, it really makes the bench shine.
They truly are and I wish I had room for one. The fabric is certainly one of my favorites. Thanks, Debra!
The bench looks great. I love the fabric!
Thanks! It was fun to have the right helper. 😉
Larissa I knew you were going to do a great job, but that pretty fabric really makes it special. It is simple yet not boring at all!
You’re the best, Mary! Thank you. Hugs!!
I love the fresh new look. its so light and airy – perfect!
Love the words you chose, Kandice. Thanks!
Oh this is so pretty, I love the material you used, gorgeous re-do once again Larissa, and good luch in the draw, fingers crossed for you, from a very cold Blackpool, UK..x
Your words mean much, Janette! I think I’m right there with you in the chilly part. 😉
Just like everything you do, I love the bench – the shape, the fabric, the color. Keep those projects coming – I’m trying to retrain my brain to see the possibilities . . .
You can do it, Donna! 😀 Thank you for the love.
Oh I love this fabric too Larissa! It looks just perfect on this bench. I enjoyed seeing your little girl helping out too, she’s the sweetest!
Gotta have a helper to make the job more fun! Thanks, Kaycee.
Such a beautiful transformation, Larissa! Love your little helper! XOXO
Thanks! She is there with me all the time. I love it!
So pretty, love the new look! The fabric is beautiful. Benches are one of my favorites to redo!
They are so simple and easy to do. Quick fixes rule! Thanks, Jen. 🙂
This is beautiful Larissa! The fabric is perfect and such a pretty shade of blue
It seriously makes me sigh every time I pull it out. Thanks!
You really put the “fab” in fabric! I love everything about that bench. And how crafty to whip up a cute little pillow with the leftovers (and the thoughtful gift of embellishments go so well–I do hope you keep that for yourself).
Thanks so much, Paula! We had fun giving this a new look and glad to hear you like it.
It’s so soft and feminine now, Larissa! I have no doubt it won’t last long in your shop along with the beautiful pillow. Pinned and voted 🙂
Love! The paint and fabric compliment each other perfectly! Would be perfect in my bedroom!
Thanks so much! It’s available in my shop if you are interested. 😉
Nice change! Looks like it was creative and fun at the same time!
It sure was and felt good to get it done. Thanks!