Free to Chic Bench

This project has been waiting on the balcony for a long time now. I found this entertainment center (I think that is what this was) outside while driving and couldn’t help but take it home. Some people bring rocks home, stray animals while some like me take furniture.

My mom’s face wasn’t too impressed however when I told her the idea for it, it softened. I originally wanted it to be shelving to hold our recycling bins. After months of it being on the balcony and me completely giving my apartment a makeover. I did not see the need for a recycle bin holder. What we really needed was a bench.

Let me set the scene for you. Six people getting ready to go somewhere, we all have our shoes and jackets on and suddenly someone has to use the bathroom or forgot to put on socks or needs to find socks… the list can go on which leaves the people who are ready with their shoes on in need of a place to sit and sometimes find themselves way over on the couch waiting. Sounds familiar? Well, not anymore. With this new bench, wait time is just a bench away.

Here is how I created it.

I bought a used Black & Decker MS600B Mouse Sander Polisher with Zone Touch at Amazon for $25.38. I have to say for something used, it definitely works as if it is brand new and saves me so much time from having to use my hands to do it. I used mine to quickly and smoothly sand this bench.

After a wipe down, it was time to stain it. I reused the can of Minwax 22718 1/2 Pint Wood Finish Interior Wood Stain, Ebony that I bought for the dining room table a while back. This time I made sure to follow the instructions closely.

Now it was time to put the gloss coat. Thank goodness I also had a leftover can of Minwax 23000 Fast Drying Polyurethane Gloss, 1/2-Pint. With a soft bristle paint brush, I applied the clear coat on and allowed it to dry overnight because I was getting late.

The next day, it was all dry and ready to come inside. I love the way it turned out. It is dark, glossy and it has this almost aged looked to it yet it still can blend nicely with my modern furniture.

Here is what the area looked like currently without the bench. We had just donated one of the tables so we have junk exposed and a random Ikea Lack red side table. It is just an unorganized mess. Also, I was organizing the bookshelf and making piles for what we are keeping.

Here is what is looks like after.

In my head, I imagine the top of the bench with seat pillows but it didn’t look very nice. I rearraged the pillows in a way that will give back support, have a nice pop of color and have two levels. I bought these pillows and pillowcases from Dollarama for $2.00. I made sure to keep the navy blue themes with the two blue patterned pillowcases. The pillowcases was was bigger than the pillow so I folded any extra fabric behind.

Related: Recycled Plastic Bag Decor Pillow

Storage is a huge need in our living room. Toys find its way in the living room and doesn’t ever seem to want to leave. Having large cloth storage bins help hide those toys and keeps the place looks clean and organised.