Turn an Old Coffee Table Into Stylish Bench Seating
Not that anyone in their right mind would want to cover up the top of this very iconic plank top coffee table, however, you just might have one on hand that has an irreparable deep gouge in the top, or the formica top is a turnoff. In these cases, upcycling a half-loveable old castoff is the RIGHT thing to do instead of trashing it. Need some inspiration?
The number of old tables I’ve converted into upholstered pieces would make your head spin. I demonstrated the most basic upholstery skills back in 2008 on a DIY website I used to write for, Curbly.com Here’s a peak at my beginner’s upholstery primer-How to Turn an Ugly Coffee Table into an Upholstered Bench. Wow! We’ve come a long way from those days.
Since then, I’ve turned low riding modern, as well as plain old traditional coffee tables into all sorts of stylish and sometimes trendy upholstered benches. I once created a big old coffee table into an upholstered ottoman for my Denver daughter out of a very tough blue and cream tribal print area rug. You can see parts of that project over on my HomeRoom You Tube Channel. I still need to add the very end of that project. (coming soon)
There are oodles of coffee tables out there at Goodwill, thrift stores, garage sales, or hand-me-downs that have such damaged or hideous tops, you’d never even consider letting it into your space. HOWEVER, if you love the legs and/or frame, you should think about converting it into a really smart and jazzy upholstered bench. It would then get admission into any room in your house and possibly get the pole position as dining room seating. Not everyone wants or can afford a built in banquette. Upcycling an old coffee table into bench seating is SO ON TREND. While looking around for an old coffee table can be frustrating. The best pieces I find are just a coincidence. Those first impressions can be deadly, but stay with a piece long enough to figure out if it can be transformed (flipped) into something spectacular. Cleverness, creativity, and a little know how go a long way.
But first, remember this–amateur looking upholstery will look just like amateur looking upholstery. Don’t settle for less than the best. There are upholstery techniques that, if done well, will up your game and have people dying to know where you found that vintage piece. You can watch YouTube videos, read books, or take a class. But whatever you do–DO IT WELL. A bench is the perfect piece for you to start your redesigning hobby or business.
Things to remember:
1. A good seating height ranges from 17″ to 19″, with 18″ being standard. When choosing a table height, take into account the thickness of your foam in order to estimate the finished height. Nobody likes to be sitting too low looking like you’re a child at the grown up table.
2. Think about how the legs or base will glide along the floor. A thick carpet might make it too difficult to slide the bench back and forth.
3. If you like long, luxurious, lingering meals, you’ll want to ensure that the seat is really comfy; not to hard, and not too soft.
Some Upcycling Techniques:
1. Sand and paint or sand and stain.
2. Create loose cushions for the top like a George Nelson style bench, scatter cushions on a flat surface. Modern and minimal!
3. Upholster a piece of wood with inside out leather (suede) and add an under-painted piece of plexiglass. This is an instant MCM Hi End Upcycle.
Unique textiles, or new fabrics by independent fabric designers can do wonders. Don’t be afraid to give it a try. You’ll feel so proud of yourself. And remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect. It really doesn’t.
4. The bench below was created from a handmade table from Goodwill, a leg switch, upholstered top with less than a yard of Starburst fabric from IKEA. Not too shabby. I believe this made it to Houzz.com or ApartmentTherapy.com.
Table possibilities, leg options, fabric/textile choices, paint colors-There are so many ways to take an old, rectangular coffee table and turn it into a fabulous upholstered free standing bench for table seating, or for any front entry, end of bed boudoir bench, or a cozy mudroom bench for the kids to use. Rather than buying something 45,000 other people have, design it yourself. YOU CAN DO IT. I’m here to help.
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