I found an amazing treasure at Salvation Army a while back. (At this point it was about a year ago and I just recently got around to taking the “after” photos…I’m the worst, I know.) It’s a 1960’s faux bamboo window bench! It’s in perfect condition, has gorgeous fretwork, and it was a steal! If you remember, I have a huge obsession with anything faux bamboo, so this was such an exciting find. I’ve seen the same one for well over $1,000 on many different websites, so I’d call this a definite success. The bench cushion (that isn’t even attached) was this yucky orange and green striped pattern, and I have a feeling that that’s why someone got rid of it.
You can never go wrong with Chinese Chippendale detailing!
Isn’t the fretwork pretty?
I thought about painting it white or gold, but after much internal debate I decided to keep it natural. There is something to be said for natural wood sometimes, so even though it doesn’t have as much of a “pop,” I knew it would look amazing as long as I chose the perfect cushion fabric.
At first I bought some colorful Aurora Ikat fabric, but eventually I decided that it wasn’t sturdy enough and may be a little too bold.
Aurora Ikat Multi.
Don’t worry though, this fabric will go to great use somewhere else in my home. Probably as pillows.
Remember how I decided against the palm leaf fabric for my highback chairs? (I blogged about it here.) Well, I decided that this bench would be the perfect way to incorporate that fabric in my home. It’s made by Tommy Bahama and is called Waverly Swaying Palms. I went ahead and paid to get the cushion made because I was not about to attempt it myself…I can handle a slip seat but I haven’t quite gotten the confidence to try anything more difficult. The upholsterer ended up just creating a new cushion for me because the foam inside the original cushion had turned to dust. I also had them use some white linen for the piping for a little added contrast.
I’ve always wanted to have a bench in my entryway, and now I finally do! Even though it’s a little cramped I love how it looks. Plus now that I’m super pregnant it’s nice having a spot to sit down so that I can put on my shoes without having to forfeit breathing.
I hung the vintage faux bamboo mirror I found a while ago over the bench. I still may paint it (one day), but for now the distressed gold finish is working just fine. Now if only I could move the awkwardly placed thermostat…
Such a transformation, right? Gosh I love thrifting. It’s addicting when you keep finding good pieces like this for such a bargain! Have any of you had good thrifting luck recently? I’d love to hear about it!
it turned out perfectly. love the print in that space…just the right amount of pattern.
Thank you very much, Emily!