Hall Tree Bench
This hall tree bench is an antique and about 15 years
ago my sister in law gave it to me because she was moving.
I vaguely remember her saying not to do anything to it
(or something like that) and well I didn't...
until now.
Come on, really... it's been a long time.
I've kept my promise all these years and frankly, today, it was either paint it or move it in the basement.
It's a nice piece for the entry way but I just wasn't loving it anymore.
So today.... I did it.
Agghhhh! Committed!
I painted it with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in French Linen
(the same color I painted my lower kitchen cabinets)
so I knew I loved the color.
When the paint dried I distressed all the edges and let the beautiful wood color shine through.
I gave the piece a couple coats of clear wax and put the hooks back in place.
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I still have trouble photographing mirrors! The bench seat is where I keep mittens and scarves. |
This feather pillow was the perfect fit for the seat and the
writing on the pillow went perfectly with the black hooks.
I painted the hooks black a while ago as a baby step toward painting the whole darn piece.
I have to say that I really hope one of my "favorite" sister in laws sees now that this really needed to be painted...
because it looks flippin' awesome and now I love it!
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It turned out so lovely and sophisticated. It's the My Fair Lady of benches - started off plain and ended up polished and sophisticated.
ReplyDeleteMy husband would Die or kill me if I did something like that!!! It is quartersawn oak, which they do not do today, and if they do it is really expensive! It is cut at a different angle or something. Since I have alot of it in our home, it would not be my choice to paint. But, in your home I can see how it fits perfectly! I really like the pillow you added and the touch of a tote, as if your just getting back from the French Market. Hopefully your favorite sister in law sees it as you do! Your very brave!
ReplyDeleteYikes Lisa... I think I'm in more trouble than I thought... I probably just should have sold it :0
DeleteIt turned out beautiful Susan!! I have one of those hall trees too but I'm not allowed to touch mine. Yours looks perfect and I like the little cushion on it too.
ReplyDeleteLooks great!! Perfect in your home. Hope you don't get in too much trouble ;)
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw the first picture I said to myself "I hope she doesn't paint that" but I have to admit that it looks so much better painted! You took a risk and it paid off. The piece makes you happy now and that is definitely what matters when it comes to our homes.
ReplyDeleteJane
You are so brave. I don't think I could have done it but I know I wouldn't have liked it that way, either. It looks great and must be perfect for you. Glad you are happy with it. The pillow is just adorable with it.
ReplyDeleteIt looks awesome. I am a firm believer once you give something away, you no longer have claim to it! Way to go Susan. Love the hooks black too!
ReplyDeleteWell, I wouldn't want it in my house in it's former state. To each his own for sure. I understand that some people don't like everything painted... but I just don't like that finish. Maybe if it were stained dark it wouldn't need to be painted... but personally I love it painted!
ReplyDeletegail
You can blame painting it on me! I'm with Feral Turtle...when you give something to someone all strings attached are cut. Especially, if you've "stored" it for over six months. Did you apply wax over the paint? I think it looks so much better and the pillow is just perfect.
ReplyDeleteI really like the new look to the piece and the beauty of this makeover is the piece can always be stripped and brought back, this isn't a lifelong commitment. Eventually all this furniture we are painting will have a dated look and we will change it again! This way you are keeping it, using and loving it and can always change it down the road. You did the right thing.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you, I might have not given this hall tree a second glance, until you turned it into this beauty! Love the soft chalk paint, it really accents the details. Isn't it wonderful to put "new life" into an old, outdated piece of furniture.
ReplyDeleteGreat job!
Nettie from Spanish Fork, UT
There definitely should be a statute of limitations on any "no paint" request! love the new look.
ReplyDeleteIt does look nice. Report back, I want to know what she said.
ReplyDelete