For this month’s Thrift Store Décor project, I’m redoing a coffee table bench that I originally did years ago. It’s time for an update to this upholstered bench!
I bought this $4 topless table in July 2010!
Upholstered bench made from a coffee table
I showed how to make an end of bed bench out of a thrift store coffee table in my post Coffee Table Into Bench. My little guy Louie used this bench for years to help him get on and off the bed. I recently painted my bedroom because I took up the carpet and got some new rugs at IKEA. Isn’t that how it goes, you do one thing, then another—a domino effect sort of thing.
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Mix homemade primer with Plaster of Paris
So, with the new rugs, I felt it was time to finally paint the base of the end of bed bench. I mixed up some diy chalky paint primer and did a few quick coats with a cheap chip brush.
Light coats of paint work best
Sometimes I feel like I just want to paint, and then I wonder “why” am I doing this? I should be using my Finish Max Extra. On this particular day, I didn’t want to deal with the little Lulu Mae. I have to take her next door and stake her out on her dumb bell in order to keep her away from the painting area.
Paint sprayer gives flawless paint job
After a couple of days, I had another project that needed painting, so I drug out the drop cloth. Did you know that after years and years of paint build-up a drop cloth weighs a ton? I seriously need to swap out this drop cloth for a new one—it’s such a hassle to deal with.
Look at that beautiful finish I got with the Homeright Finish Max Extra! I did two light coats and called it a day.
Upholster coffee table top
While the paint was drying I worked on the upholstered seat. I was just going to replace the buttons, but upon closer examination I saw that the drop cloth fabric had seen better days. I ironed a piece of drop cloth that had been washed and cut it to size.
After removing the original burgandy buttons, I used a staple gun to tack the drop cloth fabric in place. That handy Stanley toolbox holds all my staples and staple guns.
Easy button tufting upholstery with screws
I had some drop cloth buttons made up, and I didn’t want to use a needle and thread, I opted for the screw in method you can see in my post Button Tufting 101.
I snapped a quick picture of the new bench with the buttons laying in place. The buttons were hot glued in place.
Upholstered bench for end of bed
My little Lulu Mae is growing up so fast, but she’ll never be big enough to jump on and off the bed without assistance. She’s shaggy—it’s time for a haircut in just a few days.
I wish I had painted it years ago. I love how it looks in the bedroom now.
See over 100 Awesome Thrift Store Projects Here
It’s time for you to hop over and see what my friends have done with their thrift store finds . . .
End of Bed Bench Redo My Repurposed Life
Spray Paint Brass Refresh Restyle
Simple Crate Makeover Our Southern Home
Fancy Faux Succulents Centerpiece Petticoat Junktion
$1 Thrift Store Table Domestically Speaking
Doghouse Makeover My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Jody
I am fairly new to your posts and enjoying your many fun projects. I like your simplified way to button tuft! I really love your little Lulu Mae. She is darling! May I ask what breed of dog she is? I lost my precious dog last year, miss her terribly and am thinking of getting another.
Gail Wilson
Jody,
So happy to have you hanging out here and checking out my projects!
Lulu is now 4 years old and the love of my life. She goes camping with me and brings me so much joy. She is a schnoodle. Her mom is a miniature schnauzer and her dad is a miniature poodle.
I was just asking her today where she gets those killer eyelashes from, her momma Abby, or her daddy Chili.
Between me and my friends we have 7 dogs, and I just can't say enough wonderful things about them. It took me 3 years to get a pup after I lost my sweet Louie, so I understand your loss. You'll know when the time is right--just remember a puppy is a lot like having a baby!
gail
LIZA M ANDERSON
LOVE this idea! I was just looking for an end of bed bench. I was wondering, would any reinforcing need to be done?
Coffee tables aren't usually sat on. Can't wait to go thrifting!
Gail Wilson
I usually deal with "topless" coffee tables. But if you find one with a top, I'd say no reinforcing needs to be done. Just sit on it prior to covering it to get a feel for how sturdy it is. 🙂
good luck! Have fun!
gail
Offrs
A stunning piece! You rocked it! I think it is a winner.
MARTHAIA
Nice job....Lula Mae is so precious & beautiful....
Bonnie Hipps
What a beautiful redo and you have a cutie sitting on it. Hope you are doing well and staying busy...
Gail Wilson
Thank you Bonnie for your nice comment. That Lulu Mae is definitely spoiled. I am doing well, and not too busy. It's just too hot here for working outdoors.
gail
Kathy Owen
ah. that photo with Lulu Mae is so cute. Great job on the bench. My first thought would have been to make a new table top. I like your idea better 🙂
Gail Wilson
Thanks Kathy! I love that girl so much. She's so much company for me. I miss her terribly when I travel, but she stays with her brother Charlie and barely misses me. 🙂
gail
Sandi Allen
Love how the bench turned out!
What a sweet Pup you have, how adorable!
Gail Wilson
Thanks Sandi! She gets a much needed haircut today! I'll try to update the post with new pics. 🙂
gail
kristin salazar
It turned out great, what a beautiful piece you have now!
Dee
I love this new "old" bench. LuLu looks fantastic, I hope she is doing well.
Gail Wilson
Dee,
Thanks so much! Lulu is doing so much better. I appreciate you mentioning it. 🙂 She gets a haircut tomorrow. She's getting a little shaggy.
gail
Maryann
Such a beautiful update!
GirlfromWva
Love your update on the bench! The puppy has grown so much.