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Trash To Treasure

Two end tables into a bench with storage

13 years ago

We took two unused end tables, DH attached them side by side and for added support, installed a shelf between the two. He then added a straight board around the top perimeter. I painted black to match our bedrooom furniture, then added a seat cushion and painted some wicker baskets a metallic bronze to use for storage in the cubbies under the bench. We're loving it at the foot of our bed!

{{!gwi}}

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Comments (14)

txcountrygal
Original Author
13 years ago
Forgot to add that the first thing we did was to shorten the tables by about 3" by cutting that amount off the bottom of them.
lady_alicia Zone 5/6 PA
13 years ago
I love what you did with the tables. So creative!!! It turned out great.

Alicia
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bestyears--> those hall tree storage benches make a lot of sense, but I have my doubts about how it would look in our small home. The spot I'm looking to fill is almost directly across from the font door and can be seen easily from the living room. I need something that is not bulky or imposing because it's a small wall (four feet wide) next to a built-in cabinet that houses an aquarium and supplies. Also we have 8 foot ceilings. I don't know that I like the idea of walking in and seeing people's coats, backpacks, purses or whatever hanging on it. I would see it because the front door/entry space is in the middle of the house and we walk through there all the time to go from bedrooms/bathrooms to common spaces, etc. I really want something that looks light yet substantial, but not imposing, and can store the living room blankets. Although I like the idea of a wooden bench for practical reasons, I'd rather provide something upholstered. What about this bench, in microfiber red? I like red b/c that's my living room accent color so it would tie in well. Here is a link that might be useful: red bench
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Thanks for all the responses. Wow-- I'm suprised on the seat depth recommendation. I was actually starting to worry that 18" was overkill (after later going back and measuring a few old chairs around the house to see that their seats are 16-17"). A three sided wasn't been my first choice, largely because of the getting in-out factor. But if we had done two sides (facing each other), there would have been little bowling alleys on either side. If we had done a corner booth, which WAS my first choice, It would have landed very awkwardly with respect to a window. Then we went to a restaurant and happened to be seated in a 3-sided booth and it was actually perfect. If only I could find a place to order the restaurant tables, I'd be all set. Sadly, I need ONE, not 10+! And yes-- all three sides will have storage; the long side will have a flip-up lid, and the shorter sides will have drawers.
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Oh my gosh My3dogs, you'd have this bench done in no time! For me it would be a source of agony! Your table/bench is beautiful!! Anglophilia- the duvet is a bit bright, more white than the creamy curtains, but I got it a couple years ago for $15 (king sized with the shams) and needed something. So despite that it's not perfect, it'll do for now! When I took the duvet out yesterday my dh thought I was going crazy. But it's a Smart Silk duvet. It's not hot. It's actually super cozy and cool. We have our AC set for 24 celcius at night (75 F). And it's been getting about 10 celcius (50 F) at night. Like fall already!
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It's crazy how one thing leads to another and then another and before you know it, this project gets totally out of hand and so confusing LOL!! Your place is beautiful! Love your couch and chairs. I agree with so many of the posts, except for Cpaul!! No need to be rude! A larger picture rather than a gallery above the couch would have more punch, IMO and maybe do the picture gallery over the sideboard. Coffee table you picked will also look great. I would also recommend trying to square off the chairs instead of having them at an angle as someone suggested. Curious to see how that would look, I would love to see some cushions on the couch to compliment the colour of the chairs. Also, I love your cabinet/sideboard but I would glam it up with crystal knobs and also add some glitz items on the top, such as a white vase, glass candle holders or some white/grey small pots with succulents, maybe in a tray. I also like the idea suggested of heavier/fuller curtains. If you're a sewer, you could line them to give them more weight. Of course, nothing is carved in stone. At the end of the day, it's your place and so long as you love it that's all that matters. Also, enjoy the process!! Looking forward to more pics.
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txcountrygal
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks, Alicia! It was quite fun - there's something so rewarding about taking something you don't use and making it into something new that's useful! :)
concretenprimroses
13 years ago
Wonderful idea! Well done.
Kathy
laurastheme
13 years ago
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
sunnyca_gw
13 years ago
Nice recycling job. Such a handy bench too. I can see you with load of towels headed for bathroom when phone rings,trying to put on your jeans & almost falling(not now you can sit down)mom always told me if you sit on edge of bed you will break it down,instead I hop around on 1 foot & end up leaning on the dresser,great place to sit & pull up boots or take off. Neat place to stash projects you are working on, some magazines you haven't gotten to yet, or extra blanket or fleece jacket to put on if you get cold reading in bed. I think you'll find it very handy. TFS Jan
angie83
13 years ago
Wow very nice idea love it .
Angie
marylee_2010
13 years ago
Great idea! I also love it. You have been so busy with your recycling that you make me feel very lazy. Love your pictures of the work in progress. Thank you for sharing. - Marylee
lady_alicia Zone 5/6 PA
13 years ago
I agree. It's so rewarding to make something into a treasure that was once sitting around collecting dust, or a something you found in the garbage, or at a thirft store......

I'm working on a bistro set. Have been for a year now. :) I'm hoping to finish it here soon and show a picture of it. Never seems to be enough time for the fun stuff!!!

Alicia
a.girl.named.max
13 years ago
Nice work! What a great idea.

TFS, Max
patty_cakes
13 years ago
Looks great, and the black is perfect with the bed! I did the same thing years ago w/2 nightstands. First I took out all the 'guts', including screws, drawers, etc. I screwed the two together to make sure they would be stationary, used a little wood putty here and there, painted, made a cushion for the top, and it was an instant window seat. I also added a couple of shelves to hold books. This was a freebie since the nightstands were left in the condo I had purchased. ;o)
luna_llena_feliz
13 years ago
Looks like something straight out of the Pottery Barn catalog without the incredible price tag! Great repurposing job!
sorie6 zone 6b
13 years ago
That is really pretty and useful. Great recycling. Give's us all some ideas!!tfs.
txcountrygal
Original Author
13 years ago
You all are so kind! Thanks so much! It's really come in handy - especially for getting dressed for work in the morning - so much easier to sit and put on my shoes, rather than hopping around on one leg doing so!

And, our pups (2 greyhounds) sleep on their beds on the floor in space in front of the bench at night, so we use the larger baskets for storing the throws that we cover them with at night. LOL!

I would like to find some taffeta fabric to match the comforter set a little better - I just used some upholstery fabric that I had on hand to cover it for now. Then, I added stick-on velcro on the underside of the cushion to keep from sliding around on the bench.

I mentioned this on another thread, but now is a great time to find bench cushions in the lawn and garden section of home improvement stores or even "wally world." If you can't find them in a fabric pattern that works for you, you can cover it with fabric of your choice by covering it as if you're wrapping a gift (no sewing involved). If you're lucky though, you may find a cushion in a fabric pattern that works for your decor. I ran across them in up to 4" thick. Just a thought! :)

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