04 January 2011

Bench Makeover Surprise

While delivering furniture to a client last summer I was downtown with the hubby heading home when I saw something out of the corner of my eye.  On a lawn on the side of the road, there was a white and blue something that looked like it was worth a second look. 
So naturally I shouted at Mr. Garden to “TURN AROUND!” and he laughs and says, “Gee, did you want me to turn around?”. 
I found a beautiful three legged antique bench seat.   Two men were having a yard sale which I found a bit on the odd side for the types of items they were selling, maybe they were a couple.   I asked how much for the bench.  He tells me they started the price at $240 that morning but after spending all day in the hot yard and having a few beers already he’d be happy with $50.  I told him I’d give him half, cash and carry on the spot.  $30 later I walked away with this beauty.
IMG_5741
IMG_5743
So I knew at some point when I found the perfect fabric for the perfect price I would change it out.  It sat at the end of my bed for a while and has served it’s place in front of my sofa until I find the perfect coffee table for the perfect price =)
Fast forward to present day…. We had the carpets cleaned the other day.  First time since we moved in last spring.  Don’t you love fresh cleaned carpets?
IMG_5739
IMG_5740
All the furniture was stacked up in the entry and the kitchen while the carpets were getting their bath.  And that’s when I saw it…
IMG_5745
No?  You don’t see it?  Okay look closer.
IMG_5746
One of the tension straps popped out.  So while I fiddled with it to see if I would have to tear the bench apart to fix it I noticed this…
IMG_5749
What in the world is that fantastic fabric under the blue stuff?  Oh my, it was exciting just thinking about it as my main color pallet in my home is black and white.  So…. naturally I started tearing it apart.  The next day of course because the carpets were soaking wet.  Do you know how long that day seemed?  FOREVER!
I pulled out my big girl toys.  I didn’t need anything fancy for this.
IMG_5750
I love my staple remover, this is a must have for re-upholstering.
IMG_5751
I took the screws out of each corner brace.
IMG_5754
Popped the cushion off and took out all the staples.  My heart started beating a little fast.  I couldn’t wait to see it.  But oh, would it be torn?  Stained perhaps?  I hoped someone just changed their decor and the fabric underneath would be perfect.
IMG_5756
Want to see what I found?
IMG_5757
Can you believe it?  This beautiful black and white Toile fabric!!  Of course my instincts were correct.  There were some minor imperfections…
IMG_5758
But with a little stain stick and some warm water later… I have a beautiful bench with no additional cost!
IMG_5760
IMG_5761
Yep this was the part where the angels came down and rejoiced.  Happy dance!!!
IMG_5762
IMG_5763
~Sommer

27 comments:

Tammy @ Type A said...

so awesome!!! love that is was under there, great find.

Amanda said...

very cute idea! You have such an amazing blog we are giving you a stylish blog award:]
visit our page to accept...and thanks for sharing just talent with us!
-Amanda @
thepaisleycupcake[dot]blogspot[dot]com

KV Creative Designs said...

Your word for this year should be "Serendipity"! How perfect!

Thanks for sharing it with us. I will be doing a bench re-do soon on my blog. I got the bench free from Freecycle. LOVE IT!

Artful Blessings,
Kathryn

P.S. I am having a Blogiversary Giveaway on my blog if you and your readers would like to join in the fun!

Megan Gunyan said...

WOW! What a great find! How lucky are you? I love the toile and the bench is beee-you-ti-ful. Yeah for good bargains!

foreverdecorating said...

I love toile and I love this bench. Isn't it neat that it has six legs. Thanks for sharing. Terry

Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence said...

Score! What a fun surprise, thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Oh this is a real CUTIE.. And to think you were waiting to find the perfect fabric. And it found you! So precious!

Robert said...

Wow, completely hilarious! That must have been so exciting! Couldn't be much easier and cheaper then that, could it?

http://downonsanford.blogspot.com/

Christine @ sugarandtrash.com said...

wow, how lucky are you!! what a great bench

Kimmy said...

Amazing!!! I cannot believe the deal that you got on this gorgeous piece and to top it all off the lovely toile that was hidden underneath, be still my heart!! It's so beautiful!

Blessed Mommy of 2 said...

Looks great! Fab bargain =)

Holly Austin said...

I LOVE this bench! Those turned legs are just fabulous, and so hard to find, especially at that price!

Unknown said...

I am inlove with this bench! thanks for sharing, Sommer!

Mrs. Bukovan and Miss Rossi said...

Love the toile!!! Beautiful!!

[Mrs.Palla] said...

What a lucky find! Go you! =) Why did anyone ever cover that up? It's beautiful! Love it!

Katherine said...

Wow! Talk about hidden treasure! So glad you were able to get that stain out! Would love for you to show this off at my link party Gettin' Krafty With It on Tuesday!

Unknown said...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that bench!!! What a great job!!!

Denise C said...

I am a sucker for black and cream toile! You were really lucky. And that bench - wow! How pretty. I've never seen one with legs like that.
If you have time, I would love for you to link this post to my blog party at http://firstadream.blogspot.com/

Restoration House said...

So pretty! You've done a great job!
Kim:)

Decorating the Ville said...

Gorgeous bench! It would be perfect in the guest room I am working on. I love all things toile.

Liz

Lynda said...

Wow you scored big time!! I have fabric just like it that was given to me and I have a bench so think I'll just put those two together!!

Rebecca @ My Girlish Whims said...

what a cute little bench! and you got it for a steal! nice find :)

. said...

Wow Sommer!! You got SO lucky with that fabric under there! It's gorgeous! :)

Unknown said...

Woo hoo!!! How fun is that?? So beautiful, too!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! Love those kind of surprises :-) I linked over from Just A Girl!

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

Ya did good, girl! That's one gorgeous bench. My hubby says I've almost given him a heart attack a few times doing the same, "turn around" number. ;)

Thanks for linking your creative talent to my party each week.

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Hi Sommer. You did it again! You were featured in last week's link-up party. I cant wait to see what you have for this week!

http://tosewwithlove.blogspot.com/2011/01/crafty-saturday-link-up-party-no-3.html

You might also like

Related Posts with Thumbnails