Whew, you guys. I had a totally different project planned to share with you today (actually a dresser that I’ve been working on) but it’s been one of those weeks!
My project wasn’t cooperating, my sweet mom has been terribly sick all week with the flu (which means less work time for me since she hasn’t been able to watch my youngest son), and the awful forearm pain I’ve had for a while now has finally been diagnosed as tennis elbow. Ouch.
You have to know when to pause and admit when you’ve got too much going on.
I hated the thought of skipping Furniture Fixer Uppers day today, so my friends convinced me to share an older project that many of you haven’t seen or might not remember: this tufted upholstered bench makeover (purchased for only $10 at a thrift store).
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*The original tutorial for this makeover was split into two posts (Here and Here) because it was incredibly long. Below is a quick overview of all the steps.*
First, the legs were unscrewed and all of the hideous fabric was removed.
Thankfully the padding and everything underneath was in really good condition.
New French fabric was cut using the original piece as a guide.
The fabric was attached with a basic staple gun (now I use a more heavy duty staple gun and a compressor for big upholstery projects like this – it saves time and energy). Staple the two longer sides first, then the ends, and finally fold and staple the corners.
Next Guy in the Garage had to make a new frame since the new legs I bought didn’t fit where the old legs went. (oops)
He used a Kreg Jig system to make pocket holes to join the pieces together at an angle without any screws showing. It’s a really neat and useful tool for woodworking projects.
Remember to always wear safety glasses and follow all the safety precautions when using power tools. Here’s a look at how the frame went together:
I also painted the frame in Old Ochre Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan and dry brushed with Coco for a layered look.
One of the last steps was recovering the existing buttons with the new fabric. You can buy a button cover kit but I just cut a circle and gathered the edges with a needle and thread back and forth until it was tight.
Make a loop with wax thread and an upholstery needle and insert into the bench where the existing holes are.
Pull the thread very tight and firmly staple on the bottom of the seat, alternating directions for extra durability.
That’s the quick rundown of this tufted upholstered bench makeover (see the original Part 1 and Part 2 here) – and here’s how it turned out:
I couldn’t be any happier with the results, and the entire makeover only cost about $60 in materials.
This tufted upholstered bench makeover sold right away. And no one ever has to know how ugly it was to start with (except me and you of course)!
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go do some exercises for this throbbing arm pain (and eventually I’ll finish that dresser!)… But while I’m gone:
Today is Furniture Fixer Uppers day which means my creative friends also have makeovers to inspire you.
Below are their Before photos – visit the links underneath to see the amazing Afters and to learn how they did it:
1. Just the Woods
2. Confessions of a Serial DIYer
3. The Interior Frugalista
4. Prodigal Pieces
5. Petticoat Junktion
P.S. Have you heard? My first book, Amazing Furniture Makeovers: Easy DIY Projects to Transform Thrifted Finds into Beautiful Custom Pieces, is available for preorder at all major online retailers now! Learn more Here.
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
Hang in there, Jen! ? Your work on this bench is amazing. Love tufted anything.
Cecilia from Georgia says
I am sorry you are having trouble with your arm but you need to take care of it now so later it won’t continue to give you trouble. I am so glad you re-posted this bench because I missed it the first time! Take care of yourself and look forward to more amazing makeovers!
Marie says
This too shall pass, Jen and hope that the elbow is on the mend soon with rest. Wow, the bench turned out stunning and love the new frame Guy In The Garage made. Quite the difference between the before and after 🙂
Christy James says
I love this oldie but goodie! It’s a shame that we work so hard on these pieces and only get to share them once usually. Rest your arm…hope it gets better! XOXO
Cate says
OMGosh! When I first saw the original picture, I was really thrown because it had to be the ugliest upholstered thing! You did such a good job on the re-do and it looks marvelous! (thank heavens! 🙂 )
Lizzy Leff says
That is an amazing transformation. The original 80’s bench was horrible, and now it’s a beauty.
kandice kullmann says
the bench came out great! I hope things get back to normal for you soon xoxo
Paula says
The dreaded tennis elbow…I’ve also got a case of it but not from tennis. Massage has helped mine.
I like seeing old projects from bloggers. You did a great job on making this over.
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks Paula! Same here – I’m def not a tennis player but I think it started when I was doing a ton of ironing for a few weeks making my Thread and Cloth Studio dolls. :/
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks so much Kandice! xo
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Haha – it was awful, wasn’t it? Thanks Lizzy! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Hahaha! I don’t know who thought that fabric was a good idea (and even wrapping it on the legs)! Thanks Cate 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks so much sweet friend! xo
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you Marie! Hoping for a miracle soon, I hate not being able to paint like I used to!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you so much Cecilia! It is hard to take a break from painting, but I know I need to rest to get better.
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks Larissa! xo
Deborah Spencer says
Love the bench, as I do all your transformations! What stunned me though was the antique mall where you found it. That’s one of my favorite haunts too! Is your booth in that mall or somewhere near it? I’d love to be able to see your creations in person!
Feel better!
Rose Lefebvre says
Love its look! That material is great!!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you so much Rose! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Hi Deborah, thank you so much! I bought the bench in Chesterton but my booth is in Antiques on Main in Crown Point. 🙂