Hi, sweet friends! I’m back today with a makeover that I really enjoyed as it is just my style! I’m sharing how to easily update an upholstered bench with wood rather than reupholstering. It can totally change the look!
I found this bench for $20 at the thrift store just as they were bringing it to the floor:
Benches are so functional, so I usually buy them when I find one I like.
I quite liked the bottom of this bench, but I wasn’t a fan of the top. It actually had the texture of a woven rug.
I started this makeover by removing the padded top. I did that using a tool to pry it off of the base since no screws or nails were noticeable on the underside:
Once I had it removed I could better assess whether my plan would work or not:
I had hoped that the wooden base of the padded top would be thick enough that I could cut it into planks and use it for the top. However, it was too thin. I would have to find another solution.
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Clean
Before that though, I gave the bench base a good prep cleaning using White Lightning:
White Lightning comes in both a powder form and a premixed, ready-to-use version, but the granules go further, so that is what I use, mixing one Tbsp into a half gallon of warm water. Be sure to use gloves for this step. Then, I replaced my dirty water for fresh water and gave everything another wipe down to remove any remaining residue.
Now we are prepped for paint, but first, I needed to address the seat issue.
Creating a new seat for the bench
I dug through my stash and found these three support pieces from a bed that I thought might work:
Unfortunately, this was not enough for what I needed, and that meant a trip to Home Depot…more money boo!
I found a 1 X 4 X 16′ piece of primed lumber that would be enough for what I needed:
It added $20 to my cost for this project. I was also very tempted to buy a snickers bar, but I resisted lol. One year at tax time several years ago, I was going through my receipts, and almost every Home Depot purchase included a snickers bar ha ha. I try to be better these days, but all that work must make me hungry!
When I got home, I got right to measuring and cutting the new planks for the seat:
I cut them with the help of my 12″ Sliding Ryobi Miter Saw. I was thrilled that these were already primed, but I did sand the edges of each piece smooth with 220 grit sandpaper where I had cut.
Paint
For the base, I welcomed the help of my HomeRight Finish Max sprayer that I recently picked up again after a many year hiatus. While I already had it out for one of the mirrors I shared HERE on Tuesday, I went ahead and gave this one a spray too:
So fast! Purchasing this new tent just for spraying has allowed me to spray again!
That color was Cotton, but I only used it as a base coat.
I was going for a coastal look and wanted some white to peek through my next coat.
Paint color #2
The next color to go on was one of my favorites, Vintage Duck Egg Blue that I lightened 50/50 with Cotton. I love to get lighter versions of many colors this way. I brushed that coat on by hand using my mini angle brush:
This would have been so much easier with the sprayer, but it was early the next day, and I just enjoyed the quiet process of hand painting.
The planks for the new seat also got painted in the same color:
Sand
After just one coat, I sanded lightly all over with 220 grit sandpaper to smooth and reveal some of the white here and there.
Seal
Once I vacuumed up any sanding dust and wiped everything down with a clean cloth, I sealed with two Coats of Clear Coat in satin using the Blue Sponge Applicator to apply it:
Attach the new seat planks
I dry fit everything first before applying a bit of wood glue to each plank to hold it in place…
Then I went back with my Ryobi cordless nail gun to secure each piece in place further:
And that was another makeover complete!
Update an Upholstered Bench with Wood, the Reveal
Here is how this once upholstered bench looks now:
Per usual, Miss Lyla waltzed right on in and made herself comfortable in my photo…
But she quickly got distracted by a fly.
Replacing the upholstered bench top with planks totally changed the style of this bench!
I was inspired by the sides…
They reminded me of a lifeguard stand, and I had to go coastal!
I replaced the original pulls with these distressed white ones…
The drawers
Y’all know I love to get sweet on the drawers, and these are actually functional, but I kept them as is…
The original bench was in great condition and would probably appeal to many, but I love it so much more now!
Which version do you prefer??
Check out another upholstered bench I redid, this one my MIL passed along to me:
See how it got a total transformation HERE.
One more down, only 38 to go!!
See what’s been completed so far below:
Two HUGE Mirror Makeovers
Update a Mirror with Paint and Transfers
Painted Drop Leaf Side Table
Painting the Smalls Yard Sale Edition
Vintage Cane Chair Makeover
Dated Coastal Lamps
Home Interiors Shelf Makeover
How to Change the Bottom of a Dresser
$3 Yard Sale Wall Shelf Makeover
Plant Stand Makeover
Freebie French Chair
I’ll be back here on Tuesday with my Trashy Treasures Friends sharing what I did with this needy little Lingerie chest:
Have a lovely weekend, and for those of you here in the U.S., have a fun and safe Independence Day!! ❤️????????????????
UPDATE: We survived the 4th of July, AND this gorgeous (it sure is now!) lingerie chest is ready for its beg reveal HERE!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
EMAIL * INSTAGRAM * FACEBOOK * PINTEREST
Get FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $50. No code needed at checkout! Orders under $50 always enjoy $8 flat rate shipping! Most orders ship same or next business day!
Mary Kaiser says
Oh so BEAUTIFUL!! I did not like it the was it was when you bought it, but I LOVE it now! When you put that in your booth it will sell right away!! Snickers is my favorite candy bar also!! If you are a coffee drinker, and make coffee at home, buy some of the Coffee mate Snickers creamer in the refrigerated section on your grocery store! That is what I drink in my coffee every morning, and it is AMAZING, just like you!!! Have a great 4th of July!!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, my friend!! I did not like the original either lol. And yes, I love a Snickers! I didn’t even know that Snickers creamer was a thing. I’m sure it is delicious! Happy 4th!! XOXO
Jackie c says
The bench is adorable. I love it. And miss Lila is such a sweetie. I love it when she photo bombs your images.
Christy says
Thank you, Jackie! She does almost every time, but she was sitting so perfectly in the photo this time that I had to get a photo lol! XOXO
Janice Redden says
Christy, love the bench redo; a different look than the “mountain cabin chic” and more suited to your coastal vibe!
Happy 4th. Have a great weekend!
Christy says
Ha ha yes! That is a perfect way to describe it in its before state! Thank you, my friend, you too! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
I don’t know about that bench appealing to lots of people before, Christy, but now it will! I think it would be a great coffee table, too, so you’ve expanded the market looking for it. And, sure, the drawers are in great condition but how did you restrain yourself from doing at least a little something in there? ????
Christy says
Ha ha thank you, Marcie! Yes, it could absolutely be a coffee table too! I didn’t even consider that. It is hard, girl, it is hard! XOXO
Mother Deer says
Wow Christy! I really love this new version. You have such a good eye for the upcycle potential on your items 🙂
Christy says
Thank you so much, Mother Deer!! XOXO
Susan Ross Hill says
LOVE your vision! And Lyla and Snickers- ha
Christy says
Ha ha thank you, Susan!! All my favorite things in one post lol! XOXO
Debbie Pokerwinski says
Hello! I love how you turned this tired little bench into a cute coastal-themed beauty. You’re imagination and vision for your projects always amazes me!
Christy says
I appreciate that so much, Debbie, thank you! I’m so tickled at how this one turned out! XOXO
susan says
What a great makeover! A much better look ☺️ Love it!
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! Definitely more my style! XOXO
Terri says
I love the coastal bench–very pretty! Layla posing for us was a plus!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Terri! She just loves to be the star ha ha! XOXO
Sue says
Such an awesome transition, you have such an eye for design. I love the
coastal beachy vibe it invokes!
Christy says
I appreciate that so much, Sue, thank you!! XOXO
Laurie says
Ohmygosh, between the Snickers bar and cat comments slipped in to your commentary
(I’m still laughing) and the fun casual result of your re-do, this has been one of my favorites of your posts! Also, I appreciate that you always include full instructions for the basics (like cleaning wood furniture) no matter how many times you’ve said it before – thank you for that!
Christy says
Aww I love that so much, Laurie! I’m so glad you enjoyed this one, thank you! And I always imagine each post might the first one a reader comes across of mine, so I try to be thorough each time…I’m so glad that is helpful!! XOXO
Cecilia says
Oh my goodness! What a difference. Can’t say I liked the before version but I love your makeover. You can actually see the shape of the bench instead of the cushion overwhelming it. You nailed it again!
Happy 4th!
Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! It didn’t seem like the padded top really fit the style, and I’m glad you agree lol. Happy 4th to you too, my friend! XOXO
ZOYA K RAUSCH says
Absolutely wonderful. Totally much better then with the upholstery on it.
love it!! love that cute kitty too and the humor about the snickers bars. I bet our Home Depot receipts would find peanut M&Ms on all of them!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Zoya! Ha ha…hey we need sustenance while doing all the DIY projects!! XOXO
Linda says
Glad you could nab that one just arriving on sales floor! Now you can actually see the shape of it. Great idea on the seat, I might’ve gotten stuck thinking I had to reupholster!! Smart!!! Always love a bench…..or two….!
Christy says
Thank you, Linda! I was so excited to see this one being put out…and so glad the idea I had for it worked out! XOXO
Lizzy says
That turned out great! What an improvement!
Christy says
Thank so much, my friend! XOXO
p says
Quite a personality change for that bench. Mt chic to coastal is a perfect comparison. The plank top totally fits the side design.
Your carpentry skills make me Smile. You go girl !
It’s beach house ready now 🙂
Christy says
It sure is! All I could see was coastal looking at those sides, so that top had to go! Thank you, P!! XOXO
Cyndi says
Wow! So pretty! Great idea to use the wood strips for the top like that. Love the color with the white peeking through. I can’t see this hanging around your booth for long!
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! This is so my style…if only I had a spot for it! I always welcome a quick sale! XOXO
Caye says
Ohh, it looks so much better now! I love that you made the slats fit just right. I’d probably get one too many or not enough! I do have to try to get more handy, for sure. Anyway, great job as usual. Have a happy 4th! XXOO
Christy says
Thanks so much, Caye! I did have to do math for this project…not my favorite ha ha! Hope you had a fun 4th! XOXO
Liz Shivel says
Hi Christy, great bench! I really like it & what a great idea to keep in mind when looking for furniture. Are the shutters in the photo from your shop, have you done anything to them? I have 2 pair of narrow shutters I stand in a corner to give a French look with my furniture. I was thinking I should take them outside, wash them down, which might make them look older, more distressed, which I’d like, but not going to paint them.
Christy says
Thank you, Liz! The shutters are actually a room divider I found on Amazon just like that, to use as a backdrop for photos. They have legs, but I flipped them upside down and cropped them out of the photos. I like to use them when I have a wider project to photograph. I do love what shutters add to a space! XOXO
Debbie in TX says
Oh wow, this is so pretty, and it’s such a useful piece. I truly expected you to add a transfer to the top, but honestly I love it plain and simple just the way it is. Good to see Lyla is supervising as usual : )
Christy says
Thanks so much, Debbie! I would add a transfer to everything if I could, but sometimes I have to restrain myself lol. Lyla is always there to make sure I’m doing my job correctly! 😀 XOXO
Heather Taylor says
Way better, it looks like a completely different piece of furniture!
Cheers!
Christy says
I’m so glad you like it, Heather, thank you! XOXO
Geri Davis says
Oh my goodness, love that look! I pass up the padded benches sometimes as I hate to upholster anything but that is an awesome idea! Love your cat photo bombing, my Yorkie, Luci does the same thing.
Happy 4th????
Christy says
Thank you, Geri! The upholstery on this one just didn’t seem to fit the style of this one, so I ditched ha ha, and yes, that meant no upholstering which is a bonus! Our babies just want to be where the action is, I guess! Hope you had a fun 4th! XOXO
Tia Trevallion says
I was wondering why you stopped spraying? The tent is a fantastic idea.
BTW, That drawer would be perfect for a stash of Snicker’s bars! Have you ever put them in the freezer? ????????
Christy says
Spraying is so much quicker, but the wind kicks up here out of nowhere, moreso in the winter when the trees are bare, so I couldn’t rely on being able to spray after we moved here. The tent will be so much help with that! And yes, ha ha…nobody would ever suspect that as a chocolate stash drawer! I bet they are amazing from the freezer!! XOXO
Nette says
Beautiful makeover. Question: the original appears to have vertical legs, whereas the updated version looks like it has splayed legs. Did you do something to them (and the drawers,) or is that a function of the photographic angle?
Christy says
Thank you, Nette! I didn’t change them at all, so it is likely just the angle! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
I LOVE THE NEW LOOK, THE NEW COLOR, THE WONDERFUL USE OF IT! I ALWAYS LIKE BENCHES!
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! I love benches too! XOXO
Michele M. says
Oh my word, I love that now so so so much,. Christy!!!! What a fabulous color, too. You nailed it. It’s SO cute!!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Michele! You know this is my favorite color and I would paint everything in it if I could get away with it lol! XOXO