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Oct 14, 2013

Storage Bench Makeover

Ahhhh, sorry for not posting anything DIY/decor-ish last week. I took this vacation thing very seriously. While I worked on a project every day, I couldn't motivate myself to write about them. 

But now it's a new week and I guess it's time to report in.

Do you have one of these chest/benches? 

faux leather bench

I think almost everyone has one, or has a friend that has one. We bought it once upon a time to use as a coffee table. But things change, furniture arrangements change, tastes change. I wasn't in love with the faux leather material, and the top sagged because there wasn't any support in the lid. I was afraid someone would sit on it and fall right through.

It sat in a storage room for nearly a year, but this week I dragged it out and gave it a makeover.

storage bench makeover

First I removed the lid from the body, and then I removed the staples holding the mesh-type fabric to the bottom of the box and the lid. Every.Single.Staple.

storage bench makeover

As you can see below, there was just some webbing and padding in the lid. I measured and cut two pieces of 1x6 to provide support. The frame has a bit of a lip so I was able to slide the two pieces of wood in snugly underneath without having to use any screws. The top has plenty of support now and the sag is completely gone.

storage bench makeover

I bought some grey wool suiting fabric a long time ago, specifically for recovering a few of the benches and stools we have that came with less than stellar original coverings. I wrote about the one at the foot of our bed here. This wool fabric is so beautiful. It feels soft and expensive, and I just want to pet it all the time.

I started by recovering the bottom part first. I cut four pieces of material, one for each side, with a couple of extra inches at top and bottom - some to fold under the base to be stapled, and some to fold over the top and inside the box. I had originally planned to staple the material inside the box, but after putting in a few staples I realized that it looked just awful. Tom suggested I use velcro instead. I bought the kind that is sticky on the back even though I planned on sewing it on. The stickiness allowed it to stay in place on the material without having to pin it.

storage bench makeover

I sewed down both sides of the velcro just to make sure it was secure. For the inside of the box, I stuck it on and then added staples at each end and in the middle.

storage bench makeover

For the material on the top, I wanted to add some visual interest. Before I attached it to the lid, I sewed a tiny hem, almost like piping, in each direction across the top.

storage bench makeover

I stapled the material on to the lid and replaced the mesh. I then painted all of the visible staples with black paint to help them blend in. The final step was to replace the feet and the hardware, reattaching the top to the base.

storage bench makeover

storage bench makeover

It ended up being a two-day project, what with having to go out and get velcro, but I'm glad I took my time to do it properly. Before it was recovered, Tom wanted to get rid of it, but now he's thinking we just might be able to find a place for it.

storage bench makeover

storage bench makeover

storage bench makeover


12 comments:

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

looks great - very professional. You did an awesome save.

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

Thanks, Dianna!

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

I love makeover projects, the whole before-and-after deal, and this one looks great!! I've never bought those storage benches, strictly because they all do look the same, that ugly faux leather! This could be a great reason to finally get one! I'm so glad I found you at the Crafty Blog Stalker! :)

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

WOW! Your bench looks amazing! Looks like you bought it that way. My redo projects always look like I did them. I am very impressed.

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

Love the makeover and the new fabric. Great tutorial too. I would love for you to link up to my Inspire Me party that will be live this afternoon at 2:30 PT. www.astrollthrulife.net Hope to see you there. Hugs, Marty

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

Thank you! I did have to do the bottom twice because I didn't measure properly, but for once I took my time. :-)

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

Thanks! I did consider trying to sell it - I'm so glad I didn't!

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

This looks great! Love the fabric you used~ Thanks so much for linking up last week on Made in a Day!

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

Thank you!

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

I have a bench very similar to this, and the top sags so badly that you can feel the wooden framing. I've been hoping to recover it and address the sag because it is the PERFECT size and is still totally functional. Thank you for this post, I have never recovered a storage bench before and it was great to see the steps you followed!

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

Glad I could help! Good luck!

Bergen Furniture And Design said...

I realize this is a very late response, but I can't stop myself because the manufactured of storage bench is more beautiful and comfortable to sit.

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