Sunday, July 15, 2012

$1 Garage Sale Bench Revamp

I like to call this project my $1 garage sale bench revamp. Yup, I got a small wood bench for $1 at a garage sale the first summer we lived in our house. Score!

There was a reason she was only $1.  (Yes, this bench is a she. Something about the legs to me says "classy lady.")


Imagine hideous disintegrating green boucle fabric, wood that was stained a horrible shade of cherry and, even better, turquoise paint splatters.  Basically she was a DIYers dream:  lots of potential and a dirt cheap price.  Am I right?

Of course, you will notice I said you would need to "imagine" her in all the bad fabric, ugly stain and paint splattered glory because, after almost 3 years, I can't find any before photos.  I was totally convinced I knew where those photos were on my computer but, after almost an hour of searching, and muttering things like "Oh, I know where it must be" and "what was I thinking, it must be in this folder" out loud to myself, I was totally wrong.

Hopefully the after will make up for it!

Here she is in her new and improved - never to be stuck in the basement for three years again - glory!


First, she got good sanding and then a restain using the same espresso stain I used for my CL couch table revamp

A couple coats of poly and a new seat base and I was ready for the next step.


Next up, new foam and batting.


Finally, I covered her with new and fabulous fabric.

And I was done.


Doesn't she look lovely?


I love that I can use it as either extra seating or, if used with a tray, as a coffee table.  Don't you love things that can be dual purpose? Me too.

Of course now I need to do a tray makeover to coordinate with the fabric.  Of course, I am so upset that I have another project! :-) 

Slowly but surely the living room is starting to come together.  The marble coffee table got a repaint, the DIY chalk paint table is done and now the bench/table is complete. At this rate, it will only be another 3 years until the living room is done!

Total cost of the project:
$ 1.00 Bench
$ 0.00 Stain - already had
$ 0.00 batting - already had
$ 8.00 2" foam - purchased at Joann's with a coupon
$ 7.00 fabric  - purchased at Joann's from the remnant section (The entire piece was about $15.00 but I used less than half)
$16.00 Total - Not too shabby!

Check out the places I party.

12 comments:

  1. I love the little stool! The fabric you chose goes really well with the chair. You know, I have an identical tray to yours. I started a makeover but didn't like where it was going so now it just sits in a box. That ever happen to you? lol
    I hope you'll be over to join the Frugal Treasures party this week.
    Barbe

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    1. Oh, I have several half finished, badly started or just plain waiting for me projects in my basement as I type. I am still trying to figure out what to do on the tray so it is currently just sitting...waiting. I will be heading over later tonight.

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  2. Darling! You can't beat $1! You did a great job refinishing it. I am your newest follower! I would love for you to check out my blog too!

    -Peggy

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    1. Thanks! When the lady said $1 I almost fell over! I am headed over to your blog now.

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  3. Very nice. Great bones that made a great new bench!

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  4. Nicely done and for a buck?! can't beat that! Please come hang out and link up to our link party "Home is Where the Heart is" Please feel free to link up any posts you might want to share! :)
    http://www.homesteadsimple.com/home-is-where-the-heart-is-link-it-up-wednesdays-3/

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  5. You make it look so easy! And hello??! $1??!! Amazing find! Great job! New follower, stopping by from the Blackberry Vine linky!
    Barbara @ Chase the Star

    http://chase-thestar.blogspot.com/

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  6. Awesome find!

    Mrs. Delightful
    www.ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com

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  7. Great job! How do people find things like this for $1?!?! I'm still looking for finds like that! :)

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