Shabby-to-Chic Outdoor Bench
I have been so excited to finally tackle a project that has been on my to-do list for quite a long time. We inherited an outdoor bench when we bought our house. It was in dire need of some TLC then, and a few years later, it was looking even more desperate.
Yes, I let that sad, chippy piece of furniture sit in front of my house. I had every intention of doing something about it, but there always seemed to be a project that was more pressing. Then came spray paint week, and I knew it was time. No more excuses, no more putting it off– I was finally going to do something about this ugly bench!
Because I wasn’t about to stand out in the cold Pittsburgh air, I brought it inside so I could get to work {during the Steelers game, much to my hubby’s dismay ;)}. When I got it inside, it looked even worse.
Jealous? I know you want one just like it. 😉 I spent most of the game cleaning it up, scraping away at the chipped paint, and sanding it down until it was smooth. {And also killing all of the spiders that were crawling around on it. Ick.} The next day (when it was warmer), I took it outside and gave it a few coats of spray primer.
It was looking better already! It was time to choose a color. I thought about going with a bright mustard or teal. I had pinned some beautiful brightly colored benches that I loved {like this one and this one}, but I just couldn’t get the idea of a super-chic glossy black bench out of my head. I decided to go for it, and after several light coats of spray paint, I had the classy bench of my dreams.
When I went to set the pillows on the bench to take some pictures, hubby said, “Wait! It’s still wet!” But it wasn’t. It was just so shiny and glossy that it looked wet, and I can’t get enough of it! Love!
It may not be a bright and bold color, but it is classic and timeless and will easily coordinate with any changes we would decide to make in our outdoor decor. AND it is definitely, definitely better than what we had before. Check out this before and after:
So much better! I love spray paint because it’s quick and simple, but it can still pack a big punch!
Have you done any spray paint projects lately? Did you go bold or classic?
Wow. That looks really good and not too difficult to do. Possibly something I could do 🙂
It really was so simple! The prep was a little time-consuming, but the actual painting was super easy. You could totally do it! Hope you’re having a great day, Kristi!
~Abby =)
Abby- what a transformation!! It’s amazing what a little paint can do to a project. It gave your bench it’s life back. Loving your pillows that you added as well. They add a nice cozy feel 🙂
Thanks, friend! I was a little nervous because hubby said, “Spray painting something black is a project?” and I said, “When it looks this bad before it certainly is!” 😉 Hope you’re having a wonderful week, Miss Mandy!
~Abby =)
Turned out great, Abby! Love the easy update! 🙂
Thanks, April! Easy is the best kind! 😉 Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
Love how your bench turned out..and I have to tell you that I have one that looks very much like your “before” picture sitting out front in my garden…it might even be worse because some of the wood is rotted and I’ve got a pot of flowers sitting on that part of it…I guess I need to get that next in line on the project list…Your’s turned out great!
Thank you, Cheryl! I highly recommend the spray paint– it was seriously so easy! Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
It looks great!! Love the pillows too!!
Thank you so much, Crystal! Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
Abby, Looking good! Black is definitely a classic. BTW, your mobile site is looking good! Still love your new theme. Yay!
Hugs!
Bethany
Thank you so much, my friend! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend! Lots of wedding planning happening? I’m so excited for you guys!
~Abby =)
you did a great job Abby, your outdoor bench looks very nice now! 🙂 & I love spray paint too; you get quick results and it transforms almost everything into something pretty! 😉
Thank you, Ingrid! I agree– LOVE spray paint! Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend, friend!
~Abby =)
Wow, what a transformation. The bench looks fantastic in the after photos. I am always super nervous spraypainting large items like furniture but yours looks great.
I hope you will consider sharing this at the Pinworthy Projects Party today.
Thanks so much for the invite, Shannah! Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
What a beautiful addition to your front porch! I must come back and link up a spray paint project!
Thank you, Lisa! We’d love to see you tonight at 7 (EST) to link up your spray paint project! Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
Spray paint is my BEST FRIEND!! 😉 It’s like gold in my house!! PS Love your bench – it turned out gorgeous!!
Would love it if you linked up: https://theculturedcavewoman.com/2013/09/27/simplified-saturdays-1/
Have a great weekend! 🙂
Thanks so much for the invite! Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
You are so right it’s classic, will outlast any trends or changes. The black glossy is perfect, will look great any place you might put it. Pillows will add color. Happy weekend.
Thank you, JaneEllen! I agree! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
Amazing transformation Abby!! Looks like new again:) Gotta love the spray paint… can’t wait to see your chalkboard project!!
Thank you, friend! I think spray paint is my new bff! 😉 I love how you used it on your spell books too! I’m excited for chalkboard week!
~Abby =)
Ooh I love it! My parents have an old bench like this that needs some updating; maybe I’ll paint it next time I’m out there! Pinning, and thanks for sharing at my link party!
Thank you so much, Jessi! Have fun with your parents’ bench– I love a simple project that packs a big punch! Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
I have to say, I much prefer YOUR bench to the ones you pinned! I’m a huge fan of colour, so I get the desire to go with one that’s a little less conventional, but your bench turned out beautifully, and I think the colour is perfect!
Aw, thank you so much, Renee! You’re so sweet! I really loved the brightly colored ones, but for some reason the black just felt “right.” 🙂 Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Very crafty! This is a piece of furniture that can be an enhancement to your yard or garden. The plus side of it is that it’s not only a furniture; it also serves as a decoration. You had the great idea of painting it black, now you have a classic piece that can serve you as long as you need it to. And those pillows just compliment it with their bright color.
Thanks, Tom! We’re loving it! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Love this!! and will be featuring it Serenity Saturday link party tomorrow
Natasha @ Serenityyou
Natasha! Thank you so much! You just made my day! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
Fantastic transformation Abby, the before and after picture of the bench is stunning. Great work!