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.


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?


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…

No?  You don’t see it?  Okay look closer.

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…

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.

I love my staple remover, this is a must have for re-upholstering.

I took the screws out of each corner brace.

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.

Want to see what I found?

Can you believe it?  This beautiful black and white Toile fabric!!  Of course my instincts were correct.  There were some minor imperfections…

But with a little stain stick and some warm water later… I have a beautiful bench with no additional cost!


Yep this was the part where the angels came down and rejoiced.  Happy dance!!!


~Sommer