Anyone who knows me well, knows I love making a great repurposed headboard bench. In fact, I know I'm addicted to making them, because just talking about them, makes me want to go make one... or three. I of course have the ones I'm partial to, but there is definitely one that stands out as my all time favorite.
Hi, there! I’m Gail, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
Oh my goodness, you know they are all amazing! But if made me choose, I especially love the spindles and curves of #27!
Cathy
Only three, you say? Decided the first place I would like to have a bench is my foyer so didn’t think of anywhere else. Deliberately didn’t check any of the tutorials so have no idea of what sizes you made any of them.
Size:
- single width but wide enough to fit my broad backside,
- height of the seat must be such it is easy to get out of as I have arthritis in my knees;
Storage:
- a place to put mitts, hats and scarves during winter,
- would consider using baskets but they would need lids as my apartment overlooks a very busy street and the grit is thick even up here on the 7th floor so any storage would need to be closed;
Arms:
- arms would help me lever out of the seat;
Colour:
- light colour - prefer cream to white or a colour density like numbers (a cross between) 14, 21 and 22,
- dark colour - prefer dark navy to black,
- for any colour love the two-toned look (seat stained and left natural).
Having said all that here are my three choices for a bench in my foyer, listed with the very best last:
17. Love the Jenny Lind look but with storage;
1. Love the over-all look and the knobs would help me get off the bench; and last and my favourite:
3. Love the storage under the seat. And there’s still room under the seat for the cat to do the dusting with his tail. And I would make a cushion.
Now if you ask me my preferences for any other room, that is a whole ‘nother story.
Susan
The kid's bench was cute and useful; curves were graceful and you managed to minimize other design details so as to emphasize curves; I just love spindles.
Susan
I like #9! But #25 is great too!
DI B
There isn't one thing that you have created that I didn't like. I have my favorites: #4 love the color and style, #11 is so inviting. I would love to have a covered porch and put it there for all to see. #23 Simple clean lines but I would have to change the color to a white or light tourquoise to go with the interior color scheme.
LOVE LOVE LOVE these benches and it was hard to choose one against the other. I still have two sets of beds to make benches out of. Need the time to consentrate on making them though.
Paula B
I picked:
#3.... for a couple reasons - because of new safety laws, no one can sell the older cribs anymore (which both my kids used with no problems!).... it's great to see them put to a new use and just the perfect size for a child's bench... plus added bonus of toy storage!... LOVE it!
#4.... I love the storage underneath... perfect for baskets!
#8.... the kids corner banquet bench.... just because it's so adorable and can be used as a place for more than just eating 🙂
Joan
That was extremely hard. I felt like I was taking a test. In the end I narrowed it down to 1,12 and 17 but I also loved 27 and 2. The detailing of the spools and the pineapple spoke to me but I also liked the size of the twin beds. If I had more space I would probably have chosen a larger bed. Now I have to go and find a headboard.
Julie @ follow your heart woodworking
Too hard to pick just one. They are all great! Here are some favourites: #4 because of the storage and it's just a cute shaped back and I like how you did the front piece. #27 because of the spools. #25 because it looks like a really pretty bench and I like the white
Debbie
Gail. my favorite is 4.8.and 11. I love the one made with a cabinet the best. They all are great. The kids corner table is so cute. I love all of your work. Debbie
Debbie Warner
It was tough to choose because I love when any old furniture is salvaged and made new again! Your designs are all super and so creative! And all of these beds are thrilled to be given new life! That being said, the shape and proportions that appeal the most to me, overall, are those with sides that are shorter than the back as well as those whose sides have a somewhat open feel to them and not all boxed in. Of course, if I were looking for a bench for a specific purpose, such as in a corner or to use at the table, I would have voted differently......so 'location' and 'need' are big deciding factors! And sometimes you just have to go with what the original shape of the bed is leading you towards! Keep up the awesome work! 😀
Jennifer
They were very hard to choose from, but I think #4 is my fav, I love the back design as well as the base for storage. #9 is very warming and #28 is just so darn cute! Very nice job on all! 😉
Rhonda
#9 is my all time favorite with #11 a very, very close second! I love the style of both of these as well as the mix of paint & stained wood. #4 is my third pick because I love that you used a kitchen cabinet as the base & the look of the baskets really adds to it. 🙂
Lynn
I love them all, but #11 is my absolute FAVORITE! The lettering and stained boards just seem to make it "pop"! #3 is such a great idea for creating a keepsake. I love the architecture on #4! Such creativity and inspiration... I'll probably never pass up another rummage sale or curb-side headboard again!
Pam
Gail are serious? LOL...they are all amazing but if I had to go with the first that jumped out at me when I went through them just now it would have to be #4 - Kitchen Cabinet one....Love the shape of the back board and the storage under it. Great job. Then I go straight to #10!