Hi lovely friends! I told you the other day that I’ve been spending several days working outdoors and today I’m sharing a project that was very much overdue. I purchased this outdoor glider bench about six or seven years ago:
Isn’t it just pitiful? I covered the cushions once before about three years ago, and it was time to do it again! I’ve included affiliate links so you can find the products I used.
Here’s my new and improved outdoor glider bench now:
Doesn’t it look brand new??
I purchased this pretty fabric from Joann Fabrics last year, but never got around to recovering the cushions for this glider bench. Luckily they still have it this year, so I bought enough to cover my chairs out back as well.
The first thing I needed to do for this makeover however, was take care of that faded and rusted frame…
A little Oil Rubbed Bronze spray paint from Rustoleum to the rescue! (I did no prep.)
This also gave me a chance to try out my new spray tent from Homeright that I ordered from Amazon…
It’s huge and perfect for those windy days when I need to spray. The only downside is it doesn’t have a bottom to it, but a drop cloth works just fine.
Then I sewed new cushion covers using my SEW EASY Outdoor Cushion Cover Tutorial. Did you know that the biggest search item that leads people to my blog is outdoor cushion covers? This tutorial is good, y’all, and seriously simple!
No fancy piping or zipper inserts and just look at those pretty corners…
That tutorial is for rectangular or square cushions like the bottom cushion here, which most are.
The top cushions of this set actually have a little bit of a curve to them though…
Which makes them just a tiny bit harder to cover (but still pretty simple), and you can see how to do that HERE.
Much better!
I sewed new pillow covers as well…
This is just outside my front door. We have a bit of a courtyard area there.
The door is through that opening and to the left but it’s getting an update of its own at the moment. 🙂
Here is a peek at where I’ve spent the better part of the last week or so:
Remember my planter that I made from a curbside drawer front?
That was the only salvageable piece from what I believe was a buffet. The sides and back were cut from an old bed rail.
My hubby laid this beautiful circular stone tile pattern…
I love when I can bring a piece back to life, and this should be good to go for another three years now!
Our Get Your DIY On party theme this month is COLORFUL and this project came just in time and fits the theme perfectly! My GYDO co-hosts are also sharing colorful projects of their own today…
Vintage Pops of Blue in the Dining Room from House by Hoff
Tulip Spring Mantle from The Hankful House
Painted Piano Makeover from The Happy Housie
How To Make No Sew Curtains with Grommets from Artsy Chicks Rule
I might prefer a little more subdued palette on the inside of my home, but outside I love color!
The party fun starts this Sunday, May 1st, at 7:00pm EST.
Bloggers, come share your awesome COLORFUL DIY PROJECTS so we can inspire our readers!
I love when y’all visit…thanks so much for stopping by!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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Diane R. says
Hey Christy,
I totally love that swing…can it still be purchased somewhere or is it vintage? It’s a perfect size for my small deck. Question? When you sprayed the metal parts of the swing, did you take all the pieces apart first?
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Diane! Unfortunately it has been discontinued. Here it is on Home Depot’s website: http://m.homedepot.com/p/Martha-Stewart-Living-Mallorca-Double-Glider-Patio-Bench-DISCONTINUED-1-10-202-05E/203147290/ I will say that it doesn’t glide very well, and I would honestly prefer a swing next time. I did not take anything apart to spray it. I sprayed just like you see it set up in the photo. That spray paint has amazing coverage! XO
Sandra@lookingforpotential says
Hi Christy, what a difference looks great in your space. I think that spray tent is a great idea will have to check that out for sure. Thanks for sharing !
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Sandra! That tent is pretty awesome and once I figured out how to set it up, it goes up pretty quickly. 🙂
Louise says
Will probably order a spray shelter tent and wondered if you get any “points” if I use your link instead of going directly to amazon? I’m all for helping a friend whenever I can!
Christy K. James says
I do earn a small commission so that would be greatly appreciated, Louise! It took me a minute figure out how to set it up the first time, but now it’s simple…and it is huge! 🙂
Tonia L. Conner says
This is a great overhaul. You got me inspired to clean mine and and try to make cushions. Thanks.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Tonia! Yes they are so easy…have fun! 🙂
Heather Christian Iglesias says
Christy, beautiful makeover! The outdoor upholstered cushions look amazing and professionally done. I’m glad to hear that fabric is still available at JoAnnes. I’m looking for curtains in that medallion style with those colors, with no luck. Maybe I’ll get up enough courage to make my own. Love the bench!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Heather! I too was excited to see they still had that fabric! They had several pretty outdoor fabrics with medallions in blue. Good luck with your search! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
Beautiful glider in a beautiful setting – like being on vacation in your own yard! Love the spray tent, so much better than the pitiful cardboard box I use in the basement. Going to peek at your cushion cover tutorial and if it’s really that simple, I’m on my way to a backyard makeover, too!
Christy K. James says
Thank you, Marcie! I use cardboard boxes too and I’m pretty sure my neighbors love that. This is nice because I can put the back of the tent to the street and they can’t see what I’m up to. 🙂
Sue says
Perfect!!!! What a gorgeous courtyard!!!xoxo
Christy K. James says
Thank you, Sue!! It needs pressure washed every Spring, but it comes up pretty. 🙂
Cecilia says
Christy, it turned out beautifully! I’m in the process of freshening up my patio set. I just need some sunny days to finish it up! Love your pretty patio and flowers. What a peaceful spot!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Cecilia! Doesn’t it feels so good to be outside again? Ready again for the warm weather to stay now! 🙂
Melva says
Well, let me just say that is one gorgeous makeover! The colors you chose look great! Enjoy your beautiful space.
Christy K. James says
Thank you so much, Melva! XO
Sharon Davidson says
Oh I have to check into the spray tent from Homeright! I have their sprayer and love it but the tent would be great bc I paint under my pole barn and I do get a breeze from time to time until the dead heat hits us which is around the corner then too hot to be outside painting LOL. I just love the colors you used in the glider and pillows, it’s so springy and def summer calling out 🙂
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Sharon! That tent is huge too! You could easily fit a dresser in there. And yes, I am all set for Summer now…bring it on! 🙂
Lisa Johnson says
Very Nice! Love your choice of fabrics, too!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Lisa! XO
Celia says
Hi Christy ! Looks great, wish I had such a lovely courtyard! You just gave me a great idea! I started cleaning out shed & we have multiple beach cabana’s from when the kids were babies. Cabana = spray tent yay! The zippers on bags all wonky & not sure I trust cabana’s to filter sun out anymore. You know us diy’ers hate to throw things away! My neighbors will probably appreciate my new “spray tent” instead of cardboard, drop cloths etc allover yard. They already think I’m a crazy lady. haha Cabana may also help keep dog out of spray line as well!
Cushions look awesome. thanks for tutorial.
Christy K. James says
Oh yes a cabana would work great!! I’m sure my neighbors love my cardboard set up too lol! We gotta do what we gotta do! XO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Yes, it was a tiny but pitiful before….but not anymore!;) It’s like brand new and gorgeous. 🙂
Love your entire little courtyard area!!
xo
Nancy
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Nancy! I was almost ready to just replace it, but I’m so glad now I decided to redo it. My yards are all ready for you now…I’ll let you look out back next time you come this way ha ha! XOXO
Jennie Eilerts says
Great makeover! Love the vibrant colors! I’m going to have to do this with our patio furniture — the NM sun it was exposed to literally ate the fabric. Thanks for the great tutorial! BTW, I seriously covet your bistro set. I haven’t ever seen one with magnolias or gardenias like that — really pretty!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Jennie!! I can’t believe the sun ate your fabric! You definitely need new ones lol. That bistro set was my parents and when they were moving, they were just going to leave it behind. I said oh no and grabbed it up. It started out green, but I love the oil rubbed bronze so I touch it up with that each year. 🙂
Jennie Eilerts says
Hi Christy! It’s crazy just how intense the sun is there. High elevation and 310 days of sun just disintegrates stuff like crazy! We live and work in Denver, which isn’t much better, but it does seem somewhat more humid and temperate. We try to spend weekends when we can back in New Mexico. I think I have a roll of indoor/outdoor mod 60s-inspired fabric in the basement that I bought for super-cheap a few years ago — guess what it’s going to become? 😉 I can’t believe your parents wanted to leave that behind! I’m glad you yoinked it! I really like it in the ORB paint. That’s one of my favorite colors. I have been searching high and low for a nice bistro set. I found a pair of iron chairs today at a church rummage sale, so I’m part-way there now. 😉 I love all of your courtyard stonework. You have a lovely home! (I’ve been a lurker for a few months now — I actually found you via your patio furniture recovering tutorial)
Christy K. James says
Sounds like you have a weekend project in the works now! Yes I couldn’t believe my parents were going to leave that set behind either, but they were moving into their motorhome to travel for a few months before buying again, so they had no room for it…lucky me though! And thank you! I’m glad you found me. XOXO
Becky says
Wow, that looks FABULOUS! I covered my cushions last year, but your “new” frame has me ready to repaint mine too. I’m willing to bet that your furniture looks better now than it did new! : )
Your landscape work is well worth it too. That is beautiful!!! …I just checked, and amazingly, both your cushion cover and landscape posts are in my FIRST 10 pins! Love ’em both! THANK YOU!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Becky! I can’t believe how well the frame turned out and you are right, it looks better than when I bought it. You have been hanging with me a long time and I SO appreciate you!! XOXO
Kristie says
Stunning!!! I have been looking for bench for our new porch. Gorgeous pictures and great colors. Thanks for sharing!!!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Kristie!! XO
Rose L. says
It definitely made a difference. I am going to have to try that on my glider bench.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Rose! I was almost ready to replace it, but I’m so glad I took the more work/much cheaper/most rewarding way out. 🙂
Jennifer G says
Absolutely adorable! I used the exact same Rustoleum spray paint on a wrought iron bench we purchased at an online yard sale for $40! Love love love those cushions though. Ours came without any cushions, so I am still on the hunt!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Jennifer! That spray paint is magic for sure! Good luck on your cushion search. If you have an At Home store (formerly Garden Ridge), they have about 10 aisles dedicated to cushions alone. 🙂
andi says
Holy poo it looks amazing! And I have major yard envy. We’ve just begun working on landscaping and such, so it’s going to be quite a while before it looks good. Well, I’m off to go sit on your new glider now. 😉
xoxo
-andi
Christy K. James says
Aww how I wish you could come over and hang out with me on my brand new sparkly glider!
Don’t work too hard this weekend! XOXO
April Hoff says
Your entire outdoor space is so pretty, and I LOVE the glider’s new look!!! 🙂
Christy K. James says
Thanks, April!! That fabric really updated it! 🙂
Joanne Taggart says
Wonderful! Love the glider and how easy that you could skip extra work on the rusty pieces by using Rustoleum spray paint. And your hubby did a super job on the stone work. A beautiful outdoor spot. Thanks so much for showing it to us. And I’m going to visit your site with the tutorial on covering cushions. I’ve got some that are definitely in need of help.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Joanne! Our outdoor entry space looks so much better now! XOXO
Joanne Taggart says
Here I am back again! Just read your directions on covering cushions and you’re right. It’s very simple. I can’t wait to try it!! Thanks!
Christy K. James says
Yep…super easy! 🙂
Kristen says
Your sewing outdoor cushions tutorial is how I found you!! Our outdoor furniture was looking really rough and needed refinished. I picked up a sewing machine for $5 a few years back at a flea market. It’s been collecting dust in our attic but I didn’t want to purchase new cushions so I figured let’s learn how to use it. After watching a few youtube videos on how to work a sewing machine and following your sewing tutorial, I’m happy to say that the finished results turned out so nice!! Thank you for posting. My husband was shocked by how nice they turned out. My uncle is an upholsterer and was so impressed. So, this was a definite win! Love your patio set!! It’s just beautiful.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Kristen!! And oh how awesome!! The number one searched item that brings people to my blog is that cushion cover tutorial. It’s just how I’ve always done it and thought others might find it helpful also. So glad I shared it now, and that you found it to be helpful! Thanks for continuing to follow along with me…it is so appreciated! XO
Sharon says
I just love to see all your redos on your yard sale finds. Your glider is so colorful and welcoming, I could see you out there sipping some sweet tea. You are brilliant with all the ideas you come up with and such energy for d-i-ying. Take a few moments to just sit and enjoy, you deserve it! ;-D.
Christy K. James says
Thank you, Sharon! That glider looks SO much better now…and I have been enjoying sitting out there now that it’s all cleaned up for Spring! XOXO