Who else loves making over benches? I bought this upholstered bench during a thrift store’s 50% off sale, so I only paid $10. Awesome deal, right? Well it was pretty ugly…
By the way, someone is selling an almost-identical “Post Modern” bench on ebay for $305 or best offer! Hahaha
This post contains some affiliate links so you can easily find the products I use and recommend. Discover all my favorite brands and tools for doing DIY makeovers here.
I had a lot of work to do. The first step of this DIY reupholstered bench makeover was to remove the old legs, wood frame, and all that awful fabric.
Honestly, the staples were a pain to get out. Removing staples from upholstery is possibly the most tedious job ever – but this tool helps a lot!
When all the fabric was finally off and the buttons were removed, thankfully the padding was in perfect condition. Not even a stain.
I laid out the old fabric as a pattern to cut the gorgeous new French script fabric.
The seat was reupholstered with a “heavy duty” stapler from Hobby Lobby. Here is a similar one with great reviews. (Note: It works fine for basic upholstery projects, but for bigger projects I ended up getting a pneumatic staple gun with a compressor.)
When you’re stapling new fabric, always fold the edge under a bit to keep it from fraying. Plus it just looks nicer if anyone were to take a peek down there. I fold and hold with my left hand while my right hand staples. With this staple gun I had issues with some of my staples not going in all the way, so I had to hammer them in.
I also recovered the fabric buttons, retufted (is that a word?) the bench, and painted the new legs and frame that Mr. GITG built for me. To keep this post from being way too long though, I’ll share the details of those tutorials in another blog post: DIY Bench Makeover, Part 2: Tufting and New Frame/Legs.
Here is my finished pretty bench:
Here’s the tutorial for how I made the La Beauce pillow on the bench.
Oh my gosh you guys, this fabric is SO gorgeous. It is textured and has such a luxurious feel and look to it.
Here’s a closer look at the fabric and paint (Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old Ochre dry-brushed with Coco):
What really gets me here is the Before and After. Do they really look like the same bench? That’s the power of paint, fabric, and a little DIY help from my hubs.
But wait, there are more makeovers below! Click any of the pics below to see my friends’ budget-friendly knockoffs.
Wendi@H2OBungalow says
Wow, what a difference! I would not have guessed you could change a bench so dramatically!LOVE the fabric! I’m not sure I’ll look at another fabric covered bench again without thinking of it’s potential! Good job!
Susie@TheChelseaProject says
You do such great upholstery work. Love this to the moon and back. Good luck at your market days. May you have great weather and lots of customers! Susie from The Chelsea Project
Lindsay Eidahl says
WOW! This turned out beautifully!
Amy | Canary Street says
I never would have guessed it was the same bench! It’s gorgeous now. Love what you did with it!
Christy@ Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer says
Wow…you definitely win the award for the ugliest before…I never would have imagined it would turn out so stunning!! That is my favorite fabric ever…I used to get it from Hancock Fabrics but they went out of business. 🙁 This will surely sell quickly! XO
Paula@SweetPea says
Your bench looks wonderful, Jen! I love the fabric that you used and the base that your husband built is perfect. I know that this will sell quickly at your sale.
Kim @Hunt & Host says
wow! buy some ugly furniture, but this one is a beauty! Nice makeover, I think the new legs and fabric are amazing, great cost savings too!!! sharing!
Stacy @ Anastasia Vintage says
What a dramatic difference! This is absolutely gorgeous! May I ask where you purchased the fabric?
Cherie says
Beautiful !! Love this bench…………………
Tami @ Curb Alert! says
I bet that bench was a keeper back in the 80s, I can imagine it sitting at the end of the bed with matching floral balloon valance curtains. So glad you chose that amazing fabric, it really does give it that Ballard feel for a steal of a deal!
~Tami
Girl in the Garage says
Yes, this is exactly the same fabric! I ordered it a long time ago after I saw it on your blog. <3 I heard about them going out of business, but I also thought I heard that Michaels was going to take over their fabric line? Fingers crossed!
Maureen says
Upholstery is one thing I would love to learn! You did a fantastic job. It looks nothing like the before and just as gorgeous as your inspiration bench!
Marie, The Interior Frugalista says
From dated to oh so tres chic! I had valances in that same fabric in the day and I also have a bolt of the new fabric in my stash waiting for the perfect fabric. Love the bench makeover and pinned to share.
Kathy Owen says
Great job on the bench. Looks like a lot of work….but worth it. You’re right, that thing was ugly before.
Jen says
Thank you, Maureen! I’ve only done a few upholstery projects but I’m getting more comfortable with it. 🙂
Wanderer says
That is fabulous. I just found a chair and have some serious plans to reupholster it – or at least steal its legs and use them somewhere else 🙂
Jen says
Awesome! I’d love to see it when you’re finished.