A few weeks back, my mom and I took the baby out on a Goodwill shopping spree. (We have to teach him young, right?) 🙂
We hit a couple stores – the first one was a bust but I scored big at the second one! I brought home this lovely once-glamorous vintage vanity bench for only $6 (and also a china cabinet which I got for a steal).
I bet this vanity bench was part of a gorgeous set a few decades ago – but now time-worn and looking rather sad.
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First up for this vanity bench makeover, the seat had to come off. It was easy because there were only four little screws and brackets holding it in place. I just ripped the black paper off and threw it away.
Next, the tassel trim was removed and then I started on the fabric. Typically I use a small flat head screwdriver to get the staples out, while pulling on the fabric. You can use a staple remover if you have one. Either way, be careful gathering all the staples so one doesn’t end up on the floor and get stepped on. (Which almost happened to me!)
The padding inside was falling apart. So many decades of use had really taken its toll. Also, the wood seat was sturdy but there were splinters everywhere – something else to watch out for! (Ask me how I know. Ouch)
Next I cut new 2-inch foam padding for a soft cushy seat, and some soft cotton batting for the next layer. Batting gives it a little extra cushion support and helps protect the fabric so the wood corners don’t poke through it.
I stapled the batting over the wood/padding with a heavy duty stapler, and then stapled new fabric over the batting. The fabric was a clearance remnant (yeay for cheap). The padding, batting, and fabric were all from Hobby Lobby. You can visit this chair makeover post to learn even more details about recovering a seat.
The black paper underneath was a good idea from the initial design, to hide the wonky staples, fabric edges, and splintery wood – so I cut some poster board and stapled it on before screwing the seat back on. It looks so pretty now even from the bottom. 🙂
The frame was painted in Picket Fence by Fusion Mineral Paint. Fusion has a good, thick coverage and doesn’t require a topcoat which is pretty cool.
And here’s the vintage vanity bench makeover now:
The fabric remnant was just the right size, with a little leftover. So perfect for this sweet seat!
Here’s the before and after again:
I wish I had a vanity to use it with! I know it would look gorgeous as part of a set.
*Sit tight, friends – it’s time for Trash to Treasure Tuesday with my blogging girlfriends, where we share thrifted and yard sale items transformed. Our goal is to teach and inspire you!
Below are the Before photos – click the links underneath to see the After photos and to learn how they did it:
1. Prodigal Pieces
2. Bless’er House
3. Confessions of a Serial DIYer
4. Artsy Chicks Rule
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
Not only was that a sweet find, but you gave it a fabulous new life. So pretty!
Debra Wise says
Gorgeous makeover! Did you have to prime the metal frame before painting?
Marcie Lovett says
You definitely brought the glamour back, Jen. Beautiful little bench could be used in a dressing room, bathroom or entry. What a great find!
Christy@Confessions of Serial Do-it-Yourselfer says
What a great find and an even better price! Beautiful job! XO
ROSE LEFEBVRE says
MUCH improved!
kristin howard says
Fabulous re-do, Dah-link! (shade of Zsa Zsa and Eva)
Susan says
I guess I have no taste because I liked the fringe…
Sandy says
This is EXACTLY like the vanity bench I had years ago. Wish I had been so inspired to repurpose it. Is it for sale? I’m in the Cincinnati area.
girlfromwva says
i like the fringe, too. ?
Tammy says
I absolutely love it! You did an amazing job!
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
What a difference Jen!! I Love what you did with it! xoxo
MaryJean says
Just popped over from Christy’s site and I’m amazed at the transformation of this sweet little seat! I can see why you would want to keep it. It looks great!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Hi Susan, I have nothing against fringe. 🙂 New fringe might’ve looked pretty if I had chosen a different fabric for the seat. Maybe a solid color so it wouldn’t look too busy. Thanks for visiting and leaving me a comment!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Haha! Thanks so much Kristin! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks my friend! xo
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you so much, Marcie! I hope someone will love it again like it deserves to be loved. <3
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks Debra! Since this is a small piece, I started painting without primer. I figured I’d take a chance and I could go back and prime if I had problems. I used about three coats of Fusion Mineral Paint and didn’t have any issues. If you’re doing a bigger piece you may want to use Fusion’s Ultra Grip product (which I haven’t tried yet) over metal first. Normally I use Zinsser BIN shellac primer on wood, I’m not sure how it would work on metal though. Hope that helps!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks Larissa! It was a special bonus to that china cabinet I found – can’t wait to finish that one and share it 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you so much Rose!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Oh wow, how neat! This will be for sale, I’m planning to bring it to my next market which is in May (details above in the blog post). I’m in northwest Indiana, not too far but still a good distance from Cincinnati.
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks so much, Tammy! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks sweet friend!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks so much, MaryJean! I appreciate the kind words and thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Mary says
Love what you did with this bench. Beautifully staged, too! Thanks for sharing.
Marie says
It’s so pretty and feminine in white and the fabric is gorgeous! I’m sure it’ll be gone lickety-split at the market.
Leslie says
Hi a newbie here! I cannot for the life of me figure out how to pin the cute bench makeover – where is the Pinterest link on your website? Thanks!
Leslie says
Nevermind – rookie error – found the P button at the top – I was looking w/in each pic… :-}