You may have seen the before-and-after bench photos in our recent column for R. Home magazine. Here’s a clear, step-by-step look at how we transformed a cheap, wobbly thrift-store bench into a fresh, polished piece using paint, fabric and a little elbow grease.
We found this bench at Love of Jesus Thrift for just $7. Though the finish was tired and the upholstery dated, the simple lines and removable cushion made it an ideal candidate for a makeover. First we removed the seat and tightened the interior bolts, which immediately stopped the rocking and made the piece feel solid. Then we sanded the wood gently with 100-grit sandpaper until we reached bare wood—a quick process on older furniture.
Sanding preps the surface for paint, but to ensure a flawless finish we applied a thin coat of white oil-based primer. Since we planned to use a light celery green, the primer prevented old stains or sap marks from showing through.
Next came two thin coats of semi-gloss latex in Lunar Tide (Valspar), brushed on for a smooth, bubble-free finish. For furniture, especially pieces with thin legs or spindles, a good brush will often give a cleaner result than a roller. Two thin coats beat one thick, drippy coat every time—avoid visible brush strokes by keeping layers light and even.
While the paint cured for at least 24 hours, we reupholstered the cushion. We used half a yard of green-and-cream lattice fabric and kept the cost low—about $12. Lay your patterned fabric out and center the design before you start stapling so lines won’t end up crooked. We left a few extra inches around the edges to allow for adjustments and visual checks from the front before fastening.
To secure the fabric, pull it taut and staple at the 12-, 3-, 6- and 9-o’clock positions first. This keeps the material centered and prevents it from rotating as you staple. Because the cushion underneath was still in good shape, we layered the new fabric over the old rather than removing the original, protecting the plush batting beneath.
Once the fabric is anchored at the midpoints of each side, work your way around the perimeter adding staples every inch or so. The process is fast and leaves a clean back. If a staple placement looks off, you can always remove it and re-staple—this makes achieving a neat result quick and forgiving.
For the corners, fold the fabric much like wrapping a present, aiming for a smooth front appearance. Corners often require two small darts and a couple of staples—take your time and work in small steps. If necessary, pull out and redo staples until the corner looks seamless.
After reassembling the bench, the transformation was complete. The painted frame and fresh upholstery give it a renewed, upscale feel—hard to believe it started as a $7 thrift find.
A top view shows how we centered the pattern both horizontally and vertically before stapling. Notice the center line running down the bench and the matching stripes roughly a half-inch from each edge. These small details create a polished, professional look that belies the modest budget and quick afternoon timeline.
If you can paint a wall and wrap a present, you already have the skills needed to refinish a bench. The process is straightforward and highly rewarding. Every compliment from visitors becomes part of the fun when you can casually mention you found the piece at a thrift store for just $7. Total cost for this makeover—bench, fabric and paint—was about $30.
Go find a bench and give it new life—and let us know how your project turns out!
Looking for more tutorials? Check a how-to gallery for projects ranging from cabinet painting to headboard making.