Americana DECOR Chalky Finish Painted Bench in Everlasting
This Americana DECOR Chalky Finish Painted Bench in Everlasting is another fun and unexpected thrifted find.
Several years ago, my Mom and I were in our hometown treasure hunting.
To be perfectly honest, the town is TINY.
There is no mall or movie theater or Starbucks.
So, thrifting and antiquing can be hit or miss.
Still, I believe in second chances.
And just the thought of being able to find something special keeps us on the hunt year after year.
Embracing an Unusual Opportunity…
Despite the lack of good shopping, there’s one opportunity store we try to check out every time we go.
The proceeds help give second chances to boys that haven’t always made good choices and it’s worth supporting.
On this particular day, we weren’t finding much though.
But as we made our way to the very back of the store, we spotted an unusual bench.
Intrigued, we immediately went over to investigate, and with a little help, we were able to set the bench upright.
The bench seat was bright red covered in roughly textured fabric.
It had no legs and was approximately 84 inches long.
I freely admit, we were stumped at first.
But quickly realized this bench was no ordinary bench.
It was a kneeling bench from an old church that had probably been used a thousand times.
Faith is literally the glue that holds my family together.
So, right then and there we hatched a plan to use the kneeling bench as extra seating in the dining room.
And after paying the cashier $15 we all but floated out of the store!
Choosing a Paint Color: Americana Decor Chalky Finish Paint in Everlasting…
Early on, my Mom decided Loblolly should have a very tight color palette of French grays, creamy whites, camels, and European Oak.
So, we decided to use Americana DECOR Chalky Finish Paint in Everlasting on the bench.
It’s a pretty white we knew would pair well with the nubby drop cloth fabric my Mom chose for the bench seat.
We were so excited about the bench, I painted into the night.
And even after one coat of paint, we knew this bench would be special.
Adding Legs to the Bench…
Once the back of the bench had been painted, we had to figure out how to add the legs.
So, we enlisted the help of my bestie S.
The bench weighs over 100 pounds and it was all hands on deck!
With additional hardware, S was able to attach the legs to the bench using a cordless drill.
The legs are solid oak and have a slight curve.
We didn’t want anything that would compete with the spindles on the bench.
So, this subtle style was a perfect choice for us.
Once the legs were attached, I applied a coat of Annie Sloan’s Dark Furniture Paste Wax with a lint-free cloth.
It literally took just a few minutes to do but it brought such a warmth to the bench legs.
Covering the Americana Decor Chalky Finish Painted Bench in Everlasting…
I don’t know why we thought adding the legs to the bench was going to be the hardest part.
Because we wound up having to remove about 300 upholstery staples.
And let me tell you, they gave us a run for our money.
Thankfully, the foam was still in great shape.
You can see here how the bench looked after two coats of Americana DECOR Chalky Finish Paint in Everlasting and with all the legs attached.
We used a staple gun and upholstery staples to secure the drop cloth fabric to the kneeling bench.
While it’s a budget-friendly way to get the look of linen, make sure you buy a high-quality drop cloth if you decide to do a similar project.
It makes a huge difference!
Sanding and Distressing the Painted Bench in Everlasting…
Once the painted bench in Everlasting had been recovered, it looked a little too new for my Mom’s taste.
So, I simply distressed the spindles with 2202-grit sandpaper.
This part gets kind of messy though, so it’s best to do this step BEFORE you upholster.
That way you’re not using a small vacuum cleaner to get the dust off your fabric 😉
Despite fully understanding the vision for this piece before we ever hauled it out of the opportunity store, I still can’t believe the way this painted bench in Everlasting came together.
Here’s another peek at how the bench looked before…
and after…
Harrison Ford said, “We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a second chance.”
And that sentiment is one I think about often, in life and in decorating and in treasure hunting too.
Sometimes change can be scary.
Especially, when the outcome is unknown.
But if decorating our homes can teach us anything about change, it’s that you have to try it to see if you will like it.
And if treasure hunting can teach us anything about change, it’s that letting go can be a good thing.
Because in the middle of it all it’s likely you, your home, and your treasures have all been given second chances.
And at the end of the day. those second chances are what made your life even more beautiful.
Many blessings,
CoCo
OH Coco, you made me cry! 🙂 I keep thinking of all of the prayers prayed at that bench, and all of the second chances granted by God’s grace. It’s so beautiful. A winner for sure! And I’m so glad that our paths have brought us together. Hugs.
Kimm, your comment means so much to me, thank you! The entire time we were working on this bench we thought of all of the people that had used it for prayers of second chances, thanksgiving and heartfelt aches we’ll never know. I’m thankful we sat beside each other at dinner, the one chance meeting that made me a total cheerleader for you. Big hugs, CoCo
CoCo – this bench is beautiful! Y’all did a magnificent job of giving this prayer bench a “second chance”. How wonderful that this will now be used by your wonderful family, creating new memories to last a lifetime.
Thank you ladies! We were really excited it turned out as well in real life as we had envisioned in our heads 🙂 I can’t wait to see it with the farmhouse style dining room table my dad is building! Hugs, CoCo
It’s lovely CoCo! A winner for sure❤️
That’s so sweet of you to say, Liz, thank you so much! Hugs, CoCo
Wow CoCo! What a great transformation. I absolutely love the legs that you and your mom added as well as all the neutral colors!
I appreciate that Shayla, thank you! The cottage is really coming together with lots of neutrals and fun textures so we’re excited about it. Hope your day is a happy one, Coco
So I had to break out the tissues a little bit after reading this. I am a total sap I know! I do believe in second…third… and fourth chances with the power of prayer. Someone should never stop searching or learning until they find their true passion in life. I love how you could feel the heart that you ladies put into this project through your writing voice. Thank you for sharing!
Aww, Angeline, your comment is really sweet, thank you for your kind words. I’m with you – there are times when I need a second, third and fourth chance and praying through it all is the only thing that keeps me on track 🙂 Sending you big hugs for a happy day, CoCo
Coco that is absolutely beautiful! I makes my heart happy when a piece has such a touching history and you can keep that alive by bringing it back to life. Just thinking about all who have kneeled there and sent up their requests and thanksgiving amazes me.
Oh, Lisa, you make my heart happy! Thank you so much for your kind words. I think this is my favorite transformation to date. I can’t wait to see how everything comes together. I hope your day is totally fantastic, CoCo
I can’t wait to hear the prayers of little people as they sit to eat Sunday supper on that beautiful bench. You guys did an incredible job transforming a beautiful thing into another beautiful thing. Well done. Best transformation yet.
Thanks, sis, you’re the best! I can’t wait to see this bench with Dad’s table in the dining room. It’s gonna ROCK! Love you, Coco
What a great way to repurpose this bench! I love that it will be used and appreciated again — and all the more because you know that this bench has a history of second chances.
Thank you so much, Jamie! We were really excited to be able to find the kneeling bench and give it some love. I can’t wait to see how it’s all going to come together in the dining room. Hope your day is a happy one, CoCo
Coco –
This is absolutely stunning. I can’t even think of anything else to say, except, wow! What a beautiful beautiful repurpose! I hope you win Coco! If there is someplace we need to go to vote just say the word!
Cat
Cat, you’re so sweet to offer thank you! From what I understand DecoArt chooses the winners from a panel of judges. There are three prizes so I am hopeful. I hope your day is an exciting one, lots of hugs, Coco
Such a unique idea! The kneeling bench was something most people would have walked past but you found a way to make something really special and one of a kind.
Such sweet words, Jamie, thank you! It took us a hot minute to relay our vision because that red fabric was so distracting. We’re super excited with the way it all came out and I can’t wait to see it in the dining room now. Hope your day is happy one, Coco
Coco, I love this prayer bench and just knowing it’s a place that so many people have knelt and prayed would give me comfort having it in my home and a place to sit and think and ponder at times. It turned out so beautiful. hugs to you xo Lisa
I appreciate that, Lisa, thank you. It’s definitely going to be an honor to have it as part of my childhood home. I can’t wait to see how it looks in the dining room. Have an awesome day, Coco
Wow…..love how this bench turned out. It is wonderful that you and your mother saw the potential of what this prayer bench could be. Lovely!
Thank you so much, bonbon, we are so excited about the way everything is coming together! I hope your day is a fun one, CoCo
How beautiful! I would never have “seen” a dining room bench from a kneeler. I love your creativity!
I appreciate it, Jamie, thank you so much! Hope your day is awesome, CoCo
The bench is beautiful, CoCo. I love your vision and that you were able to take such a special piece and give it new life. How do we vote for you in the second chances contest?
You’re so sweet, Amy, thank you! From what I understand the winner is chosen by a panel of judges. I appreciate your support, it means so much. Hugs, CoCo
WHAT A GREAT UP-CYCLED PROJECT. LOVE HOW IT TURNED OUT AND NOW SUCH A USEFUL PIECE OF FURNITURE.
Oh, Mary, this is such a sweet compliment from you thank you so much! I love your work, you’ve made my day! Hugs, Coco
This bench was CLEVER! I love what you did with it. Thank you for linking up with Friday’s Furniture Fix last week! I hope that you’ll join us again really soon!- Carrie
I appreciate that so much, Carrie, thank you! Hope your weekend has been a fun one, CoCo
Another amazing transformation! It is beautiful!
This is just gorgeous!! Gosh you are so talented, especially when it comes to re-doing old furniture pieces!! The bench is so pretty and those little legs are just spectacular! Amazing job, friend!!
Absolutely gorgeous, my friend. Happy summer.
Y’all never cease to amaze me! The bench is awesome and I adore those feet! Seriously so cute.
I love this story! And the idea that so many people have knelt and prayed on it through the years. Very, very special. And so cute!
Hey CoCo! Your creativity is over the top! I would have never thought to make a bench out of a kneeler! It looks amazing and is perfect with the dining room table!
Coco this is beautiful! You did an amazing job!
First – can I say how its darn near impossible to find ANYTHING that is 84 inches long??? Seriously. Let alone for $15!!🤯. This project turned out amazing. I am still reeling from all the information – like it was more than 100 pounds??? How did you get it into the car? Thank you for sharing this link with the Home Imagined Link Party!
Oh my CoCo, the bench turned out beautifully! Isn’t it interesting when we give items and people second chances in life? Sometimes we are surprised with the outcome, and sometimes things turn out just how we think it will. Thank you for sharing.
Hi CoCo, I will featuring your bench tomorrow for Whimsy Home Wednesday! Thank you for sharing your inspiration with us!
This is such a fun way to breath some fresh life into an older piece of furniture. I absolutely love the transformation of this bench, the risk you took certainly paid off!