One of the things I like to focus on in my home is function over form. However, it is blissful when they can be melded together. Take for instance this vintage piano bench. Yes, it’s original purpose is for sitting in front of a piano and storing music. Yet, I see a new use in home decor.
The bonus features of this piano bench is that it’s in great condition with the tapered legs, and hinged lid top. Have you seen my other piano bench makeovers? Check them out in these past posts.
There is wear to it, but nothing I can’t handle. Plus, that faux leather top has to go. I’m liking the nail-head trim too, but not sure I’ll bring that back. We’ll see.
DIY TIME
First order of business is to remove all those stubbornly stuck nail heads. ugh. Then, once those are out, my hands get the pure bliss of removing all those staples too. Oh the joy! {{sarcasm to the hilt}}
It’s at this point I choose not to reuse them. Why? Mainly because four broke in my removal process and finding a match to this design is nearly impossible. Besides, I have something a little more dressy in mind.
NEXT STEPS
Next, it’s time to bring on the funky fun. The overall design of this vintage piano bench is kinda boring. In order to dress it up a bit I want to add a few features. One of the easiest ways to do this is using these amazing molds. You can see how I’ve used them in the past HERE.
I’ve used these molds for the paper clay, hot glue, and you can even use them for food too. Simply press in your medium, remove and let cure. Then, apply with an adhesive. I’m using wood glue and my nail gun to add a few small tacks to keep them from sliding down while glue is still wet.
See my demo in my video tutorial below.
However, Before I head to the next step of fun, I paint the accents in a paint similar in color to the stain.
MORE FUN
This is the point where I get giddy.
First, I start the fun with a custom color I mixed for this project. I have the first coat on in 10 minutes. Then, I add a second coat soon after.
Before I call this project finish, I want to add dimension. In order to do that, I use my old(er) to wax the bench.
Last, but not least, I add new linen upholstery to recover the top. I can’t get enough of this fabric I used on this antique desk set HERE.
For the final touch, I add some gimping with my hot glue gun. Are you ready for the reveal?
THE REVEAL
Finally, here’s this vintage charm made new with paint, upholstery, and bit of fun. Would you know it’s the same piece I brought home?
Notice I didn’t set it in front of my piano. It works perfectly as an accent bench in an entry or at the end of a bed as I’ve staged it here.
NEW LOOK
Isn’t that a fun new look? The best part is that it even has storage to tuck away nightgowns, or books, or…you get the idea. Likewise, I couldn’t resist adding a little whimsy to the inside.
If you’d like to make this bench your own, you can find it and much more available in my online shop. (SOLD) In addition, don’t forget to make use of your discount if you’re signed up for my free newsletter.
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
Additionally, do pin and share my vintage piano bench makeover to inspire others to see past the obvious when creating their home story.
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Also, more DIY projects like my vintage piano bench makeover:
I love the piano bench redo!
Yay! Thank you, Janie. 🙂
Really like what you had done to the piano bench. I have an organ bench to make over so guess that will be my next project to deal with. Son-in-law was going to throw out his mom’s old organ but told him that I would take it, bench and all. All the scrap metal we gave to a friend for him to take to the recycling place as he gets so much a pound for all the scrap metal he brings in, so it’s a win, win situation and nothing goes to the landfill. The stand that holds up the sheet music, I made a nice plaque with Christian saying on it to give to our son-in-law for him as a memory keep sake that came from his mothers organ. Both his mother & father where ministers in the church years ago.
Goosebumps! That’s a funtastic idea, Colleen. I’m so glad you salvaged it. 😀
send me an email and I will email you a picture of the wall plaque that I had done if you would like to see.
I got it! So beautifully done, Colleen.
Your piano bench is so pretty and doesn’t even look like a piano bench anymore. I saw one in a dumpster of someone moving. Oh, I should grab it! I do need brushes to finish up some projects! I have never tried this brand. Thanks for all your give aways.
Go for it, Susie! haha. You will be smitten with Zibra, I have no doubt.
Beautiful make over! I have a thing for piano benches but have yet to find one to redo.
Best, Kim
You are a kindred spirit for sure, Kim. Thanks!
Hi Larissa,
I hope you’re feeling well and getting your medical issues sorted out. It’s so hard sometimes to know things aren’t right with our health, but having medical professionals tell us what they think it is but not totally certain.
Anyway, love the bench and how you jazzed it up. It’s beautiful. If I were to win the brushes, I would paint my console table. I’ve painted it once and it needs a makeover! Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks! Me too. An answer is waiting for me. Thanks for the love on my work. You will love Zibra brushes! 😀
Love this bench! I have a 4 car garage full of projects that the brush set would surely help me finish!
Good gravy, girl! haha. That’s awesome.
Hi Larissa, Blessings to you and hope you are feeling better soon. I need a bench like that for the end of my bed! Thanks for the great idea. xo~Alicia
You are most welcome, Alicia. Thank YOU. 😀
I like how you added the molded pieces to the corners! I have one of those molds but I always forget that it’s around. Now I’ve got some inspiration! I love those paint brushes. Can’t wait to see who wins!
Isn’t that how it always works? haha. I have much fun with these. I’m so glad you like it.
Larissa, I can’t wait each week to receive your post! It is so great to see what you all have been up to and what amazing creation you have working on. I sure hope I win those brushes!
Linda, you just made my day! Thank you so much. I hope you do too.
LOVE this Larissa! I enjoy the fabric coordinating theme inside and out. Great job!!
This was fun, Cate, and I’m glad you enjoyed it too. Thank you!
Wow! You always make things look easy…I try something and am reminded how hard it is for me and then wait a long time to try again (long enough to forget how hard it is ?). I’m a Grammy and I would put surprises for grandkids in the storage of a beautiful bench like this-new books to read together, fun crafts/activities, notes to tell them how great they are, etc. ❤️ PS I think I need to try Zibra brushes…maybe that would be the magic I need ?
Aww…thank you so much. This was fun to take it to a new level. I love that you do that because I do the same. You will love the Zibra brushes for sure. 🙂
great job! my favorite added touch is the little bird painting under the lid. so adorable.
Thanks for getting it, Tracy. We love birds here. 🙂
It looks beautiful!! It’s so nice that it has some storage too. I would paint a curio cabinet I have.
Thanks! That’s my favorite part, the storage. You will have such fun!
Pretty!
Thanks!
I’d like to paint a vintage storage cabinet with these brushes to make it as easy as possible!
Awesome job! I love the inside
Thank you, Lori. Those little details make it fun for me.
Hi Larissa, Oh did you have fun with this little beauty! I love all the “extras” you added to sweeten up this piece, it is so very pretty now.
Thank you. It just needed some dressing up.
I love the piano bench. Gives me more ideas. Thanks.
I’m so happy to hear it, Lori. Thank you bunches.
So pretty now!!
Thank you so much, Iris. This was fun! 😀
Your work is great. Continue the great effort!!
Thank you.
I love getting your emails , you give me so much inspiration. You make everything look so easy and fun. Now I look for wooden stuff at thrift stores and garage sales to see what I can do with them. I would use the brushes on all my projects. Keep the emails coming I look for them every week. Your home looks beautiful. I love the older look of things . Thank you
Joann, you just made my day…really. Such encouraging words for me to hear. Thank you for that. Sending you hugs!
This is gorgeous…you have inspired me to try new approaches in my DIY. Have a wonderful day!
That’s the spirit, Brinley! 😀 Thank you so much.
I have a dresser that I would paint. Thanks for the chance to win!
Love your work. So talented! If I win, will my painting be as good as yours? LOL
Hi Larissa! What a great upgrade for the bench. I have a piano bench that has been staring at me for a while now waiting for some love. I’m not sure how you added the pillow top? Of is it just fabric glued to the bench? Thank you for another great inspirational piece and the chance to win some pretty cool brushes!
Thanks so much, Cheryl. Sounds like we are on the same vibe. I just added a bit of batting under the upholstery to replace the old that was matted down.
How beautiful! I think this is one of my favorite make-overs you have done. I’m definitely going to be on the look out for a bench now. But I will have to have my artistic daughter do the inside painting! Also, I love the spread on the bed behind the bench. Is it vintage or a wonderful reproduction?
You are so sweet to compliment me so, Michele. Thank you. The bedding was from a company that closed a few years ago. It’s one of my favorites.
Such a fantastic makeover…….I am in love with the molds…they are so much fun to use. The stenciling inside the bench is a nice touch!?
Thank you for the love, Dale.
Love how your work turned out…Great job!
I would do my dresser I had as a child. It is over 50 years old and hope it turns out well.
Thank you, Donna. Sounds like fun! 😀
Thank you, Donna.
love painting furniture, love the finish piano bench
The cabinet in the hallway.
I’d love to paint a table with the brushes~ God Bless