Coffee Table Turned Window Seat
I’m totally excited about this little window seat I just finished for our craft & game room. I had started on it before Christmas, then it got put on hold during the holidays & I finally pulled it out of the garage & finished it this week. I love everything about it! And the fact that it’s the perfect size makes it look like it was custom built for this space. Here it is, y’all:And here’s the breakdown from beginning to end:I started with this unbelievable $5 coffee table that I came across a couple of months ago at Half-off Day at Goodwill. (I had already removed the glass inserts when I took this pic.)I knew right away it was the perfect candidate for a future as a bench, especially because of the shelf underneath. There was so much potential I could hardly stand it.So, I brought it home, sanded it, & gave it a couple of coats of Anjou Pear from Sherwin Williams. In case you missed it the last time I gave this tip, I’ll share it again: for certain projects I save money & buy the color sample quart at Sherwin Williams, which is around $4. I know this is frowned upon by most paint experts, but I’ve done this on several projects & my local Sherwin Williams guy is the one who first suggested it to me. I usually only use the sample paint on projects where I know the painted finish won’t get a lot of contact or abuse. Another option is to add a clear coat or finishing paste over the paint to give it more protection. For this table, I did a light glaze just like I did on my TV console here.For the fabric for the cushion, I used a trusty canvas drop cloth from Lowes. The 4’x5′ size was plenty of fabric & only cost $5. Then I measured out the size that I needed to cover my 3 inch foam, plus an extra allowance for stapling underneath.To get the stripes on the canvas, I ironed it smooth, then measured out & taped off the stripes with painter’s tape, using the same painting method I used for my painted canvas rug I posted about last spring. To create the bench top, we used a thin piece of particle board that we already had as the base. Plywood would probably be more ideal and more sturdy, but since we already had this on hand, we just used it. And since our coffee table had the holes where the glass had been, my husband also made some braces for reinforcement. (Isn’t he cute?)After that, I just wrapped the fabric around the foam & board & stapled it. Then, we screwed the bench top to the coffee table top & it was done!Hope y’all like it. Throw pillows are coming soon! And I’m still dreaming of all the possibilities for underneath. And I think I have finally made up my mind about curtains for this room as well. Lots more fun coming up!Thanks for stopping by– I’m linking this up with a few of these parties.
Red Door Home
January 24, 2011 @ 2:00 am
Your new bench is terrific. It really is a very clever idea and looks great in your game room.
Meg and Mum's
January 24, 2011 @ 2:11 am
Brilliant! I really want to try my hand at one of these. You've inspired me.
Megs 🙂
Ashly@Moon Walk
January 24, 2011 @ 2:17 am
The bench looks great. Five dollars is a steal.
M.O.T.B
January 24, 2011 @ 2:19 am
Wow! What a great idea and it looks adorable. I would have passed right by that end table!
Sharon
January 24, 2011 @ 2:41 am
Great job. I have been thinking of using something like this for under my backpack hooks to make a "mud room" type area. When I have ran accross the glass top tables I have never thought of just adding the support. Again very cute!!
Blessed Mommy of 2
January 24, 2011 @ 2:49 am
Wow, what a great idea! Fab find and even better make over :o)
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions
January 24, 2011 @ 3:13 am
Well, someone already looks comfortable on that bench, Julie! : ) Great idea; I love the idea of coffee tables made over into benches.
Stephanie
January 24, 2011 @ 3:32 am
You are right! It looks custom made forvthat window. I love it! The price to make it is amazing
Jackie
January 24, 2011 @ 3:47 am
I love it! I have a table that i must do that to! Great idea.
Tyla
January 24, 2011 @ 3:49 am
How clever! I would have never thought to use the table as a bench!
JBarone
January 24, 2011 @ 3:54 am
it is lovely! I love the colors
The Crafty Gals
January 24, 2011 @ 4:18 am
Love it so much! Great idea about using a drop cloth as the fabric.
~Mary
http://www.thecraftygals.blogspot.com
Glacier Dreaming
January 24, 2011 @ 5:16 am
Ok, I am so impressed with this. Thanks for the inspiration.
Michelle
January 24, 2011 @ 6:05 am
Very creative! I can't believe you just painted the cover! I would never have thought of that. You should link up at DIY Thrifty Thursday @ http://www.thrifty101.blogspot.com
Nice Job! 🙂
Dominique @ Craft Couture
January 24, 2011 @ 6:29 am
Great idea! I love window seats! You should link this up to my party :)…
http://dominiquescraftcouture.blogspot.com/2011/01/craft-couture-mondays-1.html
mapleandmagnolia.com
January 24, 2011 @ 2:59 pm
FANTASTIC! Love it.
Chrissy
January 24, 2011 @ 5:22 pm
What a brilliant idea Julie. I would have never thought of that for a window seat. I am definitely getting inspired to try my hand a paintint furniture.
Thanks for sharing.
poindextr
January 24, 2011 @ 5:49 pm
very sweet – looks great in that spot. Awesome job 🙂
lauren@WESTFURNITUREREVIVAL
January 24, 2011 @ 9:46 pm
this turned out so nice love the cover and the stripes. beautiful
Holly Austin
January 25, 2011 @ 12:37 am
Love it. That yellow color is gorgeous, and at first glance I thought you had used an old grain sack to recover the cushion. Don't you just love what paint can do??
NanaDiana
January 25, 2011 @ 1:48 am
That turned out great! I love it…and I always buy those sample quarts too. They are perfect for projects! You did a wonderful job on this bench..you'd never know it was a coffee table…and I bet you will find a use for the glass too! Hugs- Diana
The Inspired Nest
January 25, 2011 @ 2:58 am
OMG! I love it! And what a great find!
Lacy
Custom Comforts
January 25, 2011 @ 10:56 am
Great redo! Looks so natural in that spot. Our GW never has good prices on furniture and never a half off day. You're a lucky girl.
Cindy
Shelia
January 25, 2011 @ 1:53 pm
Hi Julie! Oh, you did good! I love what you've done with the coffee table. The color is beautiful and it's just perfect!
be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Woodard Gang
January 25, 2011 @ 2:09 pm
Love it! Might have to try that idea 🙂 Maybe drop cloth curtains??
Jami
January 25, 2011 @ 7:37 pm
Wow, that looks amazing. So creative!
Jennifer
January 26, 2011 @ 12:25 am
Incredible and beautiful!!! I have two windows I'd like to do this for.
Lauren
January 26, 2011 @ 1:03 am
What a fantastic transformation! For only $5!! Wow! 🙂 I love the colors you chose as well. I'm a brand new follower.
http://www.theelephantstrunk42.blogspot.com
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
January 26, 2011 @ 2:07 am
julie that is awesome! i love the colors and the just plain brilliance of it! what a fabulous idea!
Linda@Coastal Charm
January 26, 2011 @ 4:12 am
This $5 table sure does look good these days…love the seat you added. I’m having a GIVEAWAY going on…hop on over and enter. My weekly NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAYS PARTY is going on…would love to have you join in on the fun.
Blessings,
Linda
billiemonster
January 27, 2011 @ 3:20 am
Hi Julie! The bench looks great! Great job for seeing the potential is the sad coffee table – I don't think I would have but I will from now on! :O)
~ http://www.billiemonster.com ~
Courtney ~ French Country Cottage
January 27, 2011 @ 3:39 am
Hi there~ Absolutely LOVE it!!! Love it!! I am not going to look at a coffee table the same again! lol! Stopping by from TT~ following you along ~ stop by and say hello sometime! 🙂
Jaime
January 27, 2011 @ 10:39 am
Best use of a coffee table ever and it's nice a deep. Love me a drop cloth project any day.
Cindy at Some Really Neat Stuff
January 28, 2011 @ 1:32 am
Love it! I have a place in my house for one of these so will save this idea.
Jennifer
January 29, 2011 @ 12:51 am
I really love this – such a great idea!! Aren't those drop cloths the best?? Can't wait to see how the rest of the room comes out!
Minnesota
January 31, 2011 @ 8:26 pm
You are just killing me with all your great ideas! They will sure come in handy as we renovate our new home. Thank you!
Michelle
February 3, 2011 @ 3:23 am
Just dropped by to let you know your project was featured this week on DIY Thrifty Thursday! Stop by and grab an "I was featured" button. 🙂 Thanks for linking up! Hope to see you again this week.
Pam
February 8, 2011 @ 3:11 am
Great job! I love what you did with your GW find! Nice work!
I found your blog through Thrifty Decor Chick's party.
Have a great day.
Pam @ Our Adventures in Home Improvement
Tatum @ Many Moments Of Me
February 8, 2011 @ 3:59 am
What a great use of a coffee table! I don't think I would have thought to turn a table into a window seat.
I love window seats! You give me hope lol.
Have a great evening!
N
February 8, 2011 @ 10:09 pm
Love it, thank yo so much for the money saving tips. I love those drop cloths at Lowe's! I have one I use as a tablecloth, but what a great idea to paint it!
Nana Moon Shop
March 5, 2011 @ 6:36 am
This is adorable! I love the color and the paint sample idea is a great one. Looks like your little one loves it too!
~Danylle
Lizzy @My Mind..My Life
November 18, 2011 @ 3:41 pm
Oh how exciting! I have been looking for instructions on how to do this to my glass top coffee table! Thanks so much!
erica
February 9, 2012 @ 8:04 am
oh how funny – i have this exact coffee table (handed down from my parents; i remember it in their living room in the 80s) and recently decided to turn it into a bench. the supports are a great idea, and i love the final product!
-e