A while back I blogged about a project fail, a double chair bench. It started with these two chairs.
These orphan chairs are perfect to make a double chair bench!
Double Chair Bench | Headboard Back
I took the chairs apart and made a box and added planks. You can see that stuff in the post 2 chairs + 1 bench = failure.
Make a Back for the Bench
I picked up a few more 1x4’s and cut them with my jigsaw. I clamped each board to the back of the double chair bench and drew a line to match the curve.
Attach Back Boards with Nail Gun
I used my nail gun to attach the back, and then drilled pilot holes and screwed them in place. Without pilot holes, the screws would split the boards due to being so near the edge.
I think I love the curve of her back. 
Paint Double Chair Bench with Paint Sprayer
It’s been warm, so I was able to use my Homeright Finish Max to spray a base coat of turquoise over the existing black.
Add a Glaze or a Dark Wash
After the turquoise dried, I used some black paint watered down to do a dark “glaze” over the turquoise.
Calling this little lady done.
It took extra work, but at least I like it now. Do you?
Thanks so much for all the great comments on the original post. It had never occurred to me that this could be a bench for plants. I wonder what her new owner will do with her. She’s currently residing in my newly revamped booth.
gail
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Donna
That came out great! I love it!!
Dawn Johnson
For the 2 chair bench, why do you not keep the chair as is and put boards on top of seats and across to the other chair? Would this work or not? Thank you.
Gail Wilson
Dawn,
I've seen people do that, using chair as is. I just liked the way it looked using just the backs of the chairs. That's the fun of DIY, YOU get to choose to do whatever you feel comfortable with--or whatever you like the look of!
have fun!
gail
David
Love your bench. I like the quote from Thomas Edison he said he does not make a mistake he just finds a way not to do it. Keep up the good work
Gail Wilson
Thanks David!
I like that . . finding a way NOT to do it!
gail
Christine Leahy
Ooooh I loooovee!
I'm Busy Procrastinating
The new bench looks great. Glad you were able to come up with a solution! I like the mix of turquoise and black, too.
Two Dollars
she's cute š
wen
I LOOOOOOVE this bench!! I really, really do. I would buy it from your booth, today, if I lived anywhere remotely close to you! I like that the back is the same height as the sides. It has beautiful lines and symmetry and is just so visually pleasing to look at. I hope I'm making sense š
Randi~Dukes and Duchesses
I absolutely love the lines of that bench. You have such a creative mind!
Revi
i LOOOOOOVE it!!! I am SO impressed with your creativity AND your saw skills. This is a great looking piece I'd love to own, and I am following you.
-Revi
http://www.revisionarylife.blogspot.com
Tiaras & Bow Ties - Think Smink
Love how you took the chairs and turned them to the side! Turned out so beautifully and very unique. Wish i were closer, that pretty girl would be mine!
Corn in my Coffee-Pot
Wow!
this is absolutely fabulous.
What a great bench. I like the way you put things together. You have such an eye for it!
Love the curves...the color is great too.
~Pat
Sandy A
Better!--first Bench OK, this time it is Fabulous...
Layn @ reignalayn.blogspot.com
OMG!!! I love it! I thought I liked the first go too, but after seeing the second go I'm totally loving it. It looks complete now. Great job!
Full Circle Creations
It looks great! I told you it wasn't a failure before and now it's really fabulous!
Holly
myomyohi
You always do a great job, and I love this one too.
Janet
Beautifully done! I love the new color!
Toqua's Crafts
She's beeuteeful!
Kathy
Hi gail! Thanks for commenting on my post last week! It's been a very LONG time since I blogged. Things have been crazy at home and at work!
Love the lines and color on this bench! You did an amazing job, as usual.
laxsupermom
Love the new back and the new color! I'm sure that will be snapped up quickly. Great job! Thanks for sharing.
Suzanne@Meridian Road
I absolutely LOVE it, Gail! I love the back, and I love the little shelve under the bench. I think I have another favorite!
Mimi@blueroofcabin
Great save! I think it turned out fabulous and color is perfect. I need to find me some chairs!
Oklahomaredhead
Love it! Great come back. This is just perfect will fit into any decor!
Scarlett Ibis
I have to agree with the comments. The first one looked okay to me, but you took it from cutsy to elegant. I love it now and it will fit in so much better with all kinds of decor. Congratulations.
Love Of Quilts
What a nice looking bench. I liked it before but this is better.
Julie @ followyourheartwoodworking
I did like the first makeover but this is better because the back matches the chairs more. Great job!
Midwest Cottage and Finds!
love the color!! when you painted the black did you hand brush or use your sprayer? It looks awesome! I see it dressed up like this---
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/darby-long-entryway-bench/?pkey=e%7Cbench%7C44%7Cbest%7C0%7Cviewall%7C24%7C%7C10&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-Benches-_-
Korrie@RedHenHome
Way to go! It looks great now.
Kay Butler
She is adorable with the changes! Definitely worth the extra work.
Lisa
Oh yeah, you got it right!
Terri
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! That curved back makes the whole bench...you rocked this one, girl! The color is awesome too...bet this one sells fast~
Debilou ~ Mississippi Mama
I looooove what you decided to do with it,,I like the nice little curve too and the color is awesome.
Have a great week!
Paige @ Little Nostalgia
Yep, I like this version a lot more. Not that the other one was bad, but this one has a nicer flow. š
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
i LOVE it! and i love that it just looks like a bench- it doesn't look like it was once chairs!
Karen Bates
Lovely bench...love the use of the chairs for arms! Great job.
Anne
I cannot believe how much difference a change in paint colour made! It looks fantastic!! and that new back is much better than the first. I love this piece.
xox
Diane
That extra work paid off! This is the best bench yet. Hope it brings lots of mooo-la.
substitutionqueen
Way to go, Gail! I hate redoing things but it really paid off here!
Sylvia
I love it! The original was nice but this version is fabulous.
Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic
Ooh! I like! š
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
Beautiful update Gail! I love those curves!
Teri
Fantastic! I love it.
Peggy
Oh Gail, she is simply stunning! The lines and gentle curves, exquisite!
I was thinking of you the other day when I passed a house with old headboards and chairs out front! I promised Chris no more supplies in until I finish up the projects I've been working on.... which is why I took a blogging hiatus as well. Life has been filled with non-bloggy events which are my priority right now. š Not bad stuff, just stuff I am not compelled to write about or have been asked not to write about.
Have a wonderful day! And enjoy the lovely weather!! š
schiperose
I liked your original design, but the new finished bench is exquisite! Love it!!
Susan @ homeroad.net
Great bench Gail! I love the color especially... the curved back was genius! Good save!
Susan
Homeroad
Barbe @ Beez Rental Designs
Gail! What a great comeback! I loved where the previous bench was going, but this is soooo lovely! I've had failures, in my eyes, and went back later and could see just what I wanted to change. As a matter of fact, I just went through that with my recent bed makeover. You can see it on Frugal Treasures party #4, it took a lot of work to get it like I want it and still thinking of adding some little tweaks. lol Hope you have a great week.
niartist
Gail, I love it! All the extra work was totally worth it- and I love that wash of turquoise! So chic. I'm trying to be better about commenting - but wanted to let you know I'm a follower and visit daily! xoxo, Artie
http://niagaranovice.blogspot.com
Stop by sometime!