Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Shabby Church Pew


After spotting an old church pew in my newly acquired book "Shabby Chic Interiors," by Rachel Ashwell I had it in my head that I had to find one. But I wasn't willing to fork out lots of money for an actual antique church pew. So... I had to make one myself.


This is what I came up with.

This is what the bench looked like when I found it. I bought it off of KSL from someone who had kept it in their laundry room. The seat actually lifts up for storage.


Before painting it, I wanted to add some character without adding a ton of money. I found a table leg the exact length I needed and had a very nice neighbor cut it in half for me. I also added the circle doodad wood piece (I have no idea what this is called but I have always loved these) for added detail.


I then painted it turqoise, sanded it and antiqued it with wood stain.

This adds a huge punch of color into my living room, where it currently sits until I can decide where to put it permanently. I just love that it turned out exactly how I envisioned it!

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46 comments:

  1. Very cute! I love that aqua hue! (visiting from Frugal Friday)

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  2. That is an amazing transformation! I love the circle doodad and the aqua color. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. I love those old church pews too. Never would've thought to use a breakfast nook bench instead- brilliant!!!

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  4. Love it and especially the aqua!!!

    Rondell

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  5. great idea by putting the added wood!

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  6. This turned out beautiful. I love how you added the legs and the color is awesome!

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  7. That is lovely! I hope you find the perfect spot for it.

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  8. What a great idea! Love the color, it really makes the bench!

    Hannah
    http://youngancrafty.blogspot.com/

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  9. that turned out amazing!! what a great idea. very lovely! so glad you included it on our lovely list. have a happy day!

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  10. Bravo! this turned out wonderful. I love it...visiting from Heather's Making It Lovely Monday :)

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  11. Looks great! I see these all the time on CL and if I had the space I would by one and copy you:)

    livvyloowho.blogspot.com

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  12. Love the bench. And love the color. Great job. Thanks for sharing.

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  13. this is gorgeous, michele! i love the color- thanks so much for linking to my first party!

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  14. Beautiful!!!! My favorite color! I love how you added the extra piece, it gives it such character!

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  15. Oh I love the color! Very pretty!

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  16. Love the color. Very striking! (and I love the name of your blog)

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  17. wow! you did a great job. I love the color and the added detail. That circle doodad is a "bullseye".
    love your bench!
    gail

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  18. Michele. Oh my goodness... this bench is beautiful! I. LOVE. IT. Im your newest follower, over from Cassie's blog...

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  19. Great job! This looks fantastic! I'm gonna have to invest in some paint this color!

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  20. Love the table leg addition.That really makes your bench!

    Thanks for sharing.

    Brittany
    http://www.prettyhandygirl.com

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  21. That's really beautiful ... I love the way you added the details and your paint color is gorgeous!

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  22. Wow!! LOVE the color. What exactly did you use? : ) Great transormation!

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  23. Way to go! A wonderful transformation. You did a great job transforming this piece into something really special. You ought to feel really proud!

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  24. Hi Michelle..so glad to meet you!
    I love your blog, and this turquoise bench you created is fabulous!
    You did such a beautiful job on it and well..you had me at "turquoise"! lol
    Soooooooooooooooooooo pretty!
    Im your newest follower..come and visit!
    Im in the photo (hunnybee)

    Deborah :)

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  25. What a beautiful makeover and soooo NIFTY THRIFTY!!!

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  26. Necessity is the mother of invention! You came up with a way better/more original piece than if you simply threw money at something. And the color is great!
    Susanne.

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  27. It's wonderful! I love that you created it yourself. I love that pillow too. Very pretty. :)

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  28. O my goodness... this is absolutely perfect!!! What an amazing piece for your living room! And I LOVE the embellishments that you added- it could not be more fabulous :]

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  29. wow, this is so cute! I love what you did with the table legs, it wouldn't have been near as cute without it, and so great that it has storage. I think I'll be on the hunt for one of these now. Saw you over at CSI, good luck!

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  30. Beautiful!! I love that shade of aqua. WTG!!

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  31. I love this! My mom has an old church pew that was my great grandfather's....I wonder if I could talk her into painting it this color!

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  32. Cool - wouldn't it be fun if church pews actually looked like this?!?

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  33. Absolutely lovely!! I really like the character you added with the table leg. Pretty pillow too. :) Stopping by as this week's CSI Judge. :)

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  34. I LOVE it! It is so beautiful and I love the pillow too! Great job!!!

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  35. What an amazing transformation. I've seen these kitchen nook benches before and never gave them a second glance. I see them in a whole new light, now. You're so creative! Two thumbs up!

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  36. What a great piece... love the detail and color you added to it!

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  37. I love your bench1 I thought for sure that it was vintage! The color is awesome, and your addition of the legs and "doo-dads" are perfection!!

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  38. That turned out darling! I love the color and I love the addition of the decorative legs. Brilliant.

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  39. Beautiful!! The tone and glazing is top notch. What a lovely addition to a home!

    Donna

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  40. This is beautiful! The color and the details you added are fabulous! And that is the perfect accent pillow for it. Your blog is awesome.

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