Earlier this spring, while my parents were out for a visit, my mom, the boys and I went for a walk. On our route home, I spotted a neglected bench behind an AA meeting place. I got closer and inspected the dated, dirty bench and realized it was an indoor couch left out over the winter. It smelled off and had tons of gross stuff stuck to it. But, it was sturdy and had clean, mid-century modern lines. Because it was left outside for the entire fall and winter, I figured no one really cared for it. I was able to find a phone number and called to ask if anyone wanted it. My mom thought I was crazy to call about it. I sort of thought so, too, but it’s worth a shot, right? The gal I talked to said she needed to ask about it. A few days later, I received a call from her. Surprisingly, she said they didn’t see a problem with me taking it. Within twenty minutes, Ben picked up the couch and had it in our garage. He asked where I was going to put it. I had the perfect solution. On our front porch, of course, because for the past three years, we’ve had two chairs we stole from our backyard dining set out front.
Now, I know he desperately needs love, including sanding, refinishing and new cushions, but for the price, I couldn’t pass him up. Yes, it is a he. All men need a little work, right? Haha. Oh, and this photo does not do justice to the cushions. in person, they look so much worse. However, you can see the worn, uneven finish.
To make it look more like an outdoor bench and less like a Jeff Foxworthy “You might be a redneck” joke, I’m going to leave the back cushions off.
A deep, walnut stain, left over from the bookshelf I refinished last year would look great. I have chosen a neutral geometric fabric for the cushions. To jazz things up, I’ll sew simple pillow covers to change out when I change my mind.
It’s like that palindrome, a man, a plan, a canal, Panama. Only, for me it’s a woman, a plan, a bench, pretty. Or a woman, some fabric, a bench, bad weather. Yeah, I couldn’t make it a palindrome, just like I can’t control the weather. We’ve had nothing but rain this May. Seriously, we’re usually at 2 1/2 inches for the entire month. So far, we’ve had 5 1/2 inches and we’re forecasted for rain the entire week. Once I find the time and we have decent weather, I’ll share more info on the update process and share after pics. I still have to do some final number crunching to determine my best plan of attack. Ben isn’t sold on it yet, but I’m 99% sure he’ll like it once it’s finished.
Until then, have you recently purchased or otherwise acquired outdoor furniture? Are you sprucing up your outdoor space? What is your must have outdoor piece this year? I’ve coveted a ceramic garden stool forever, but I refuse to spend more than 25 bucks on one. Call me a cheapo. Have I sold you on the new bench? Or do you lean toward Ben’s side?
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