French Poem White Bench Makeover
So happy to be back today to share a fun new furniture makeover with you guys, this bench makeover
I LOVE furniture makeovers.
My friends do too and we get together every month to share a themed furniture makeover with you.
This month’s theme is “SHADES OF WHITE”.
To see previous month’s themes, click here –> Themed Furniture Makeovers.
Today I’m sharing a white bench makeover that a friend of mine gave to me.
It looks as if it were painted or something such as PolyShades was applied at some point.
I didn’t ask her because, well, it doesn’t really matter!! ;)
I’m painting it anyway.
This is just for “before” purposes only.
I gave a light sand to those chippy areas and got to painting.
I used Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan in the color Pure White.
I’m including affiliate links below for your convenience in finding the products I’ve used.
You can read my full disclosure here.
It took about 3 light coats of paint. (I didn’t want it “gloppy” so I applied thin coats)
In case you don’t remember, I highly dislike painting chairs.
All those spindles….and this was like painting 3! ;)
But I survived it.
Once it was good and dry I laid the stencil over the seat area.
This is the stencil I used, French Poem Allover Stencil – DIY wall decor stencils – By Cutting Edge Stencils.
It was gifted to me by a reader here who has become a dear, sweet friend of mine!
Thank you Karen. :)
You’ll want to use a stencil brush similar to these…. The Artist’s Club Papillon Stencil Brush Set.
I originally was going to do the stencil in black but decided I wanted it a bit softer than that.
I used Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan in the color Duck Egg Blue instead.
So much softer and prettier and goes better with that pretty French writing.
And shhh….but I messed up a bit!! haha…clearly I am not a stencil aficionado.
I totally forgot about the repeating pattern and just stenciled away! OOPSY!
See the “O” and the “et” on the first and second lines??? Yeah…repeating pattern…and about when I noticed.
And so my nice little stencil was not going to be centered because the last two lines had words that fell off the seat.
I just picked two smaller words that fit and stenciled those instead.
Thankfully no one here can read French but I apologize for messing this up for those out there that do!! ;)
Alright, now that I have revealed my error, let’s get on with the makeover.
I used a fine grit sandpaper and lightly sanded every edge.
And then also lightly sanded the French wording.
I wanted it to look like and old French bench, worn from age.
I originally thought I’d use this on my front porch but I quite like it right here.
Right in front of the window in my Study. (right where my flocked Christmas tree was at Christmas)
But it needed a little “cozy” so I added a throw and a pillow.
I added a throw and a sweater pillow from Target. The pillow is similar to this one…Cotton Knitted Cushion Cable Knitting Super Soft Square Pillow Cover.
Such a cozy sitting spot now!
I love it here in front of the window.
And I have to share the new pillow I just picked up from Michael’s last night.
40% off..yay!
Look at those colors?! They match the throw and curtain beside it perfectly.
Happy dance. I knew when I saw it, it would be perfect on the bench.
I think I will layer it with the off white sweater pillow for a bit of contrast though!
So there is my “Shades of White” themed makeover for this month.
Next month’s theme is “Inspired by Chocolate”! I have NO clue what I’m doing yet….stay tuned, should be a fun one!
Check out what my friends did with their white makeovers this month.
I can’t wait to go see them all! :)
Stay tuned for my latest makeover! (it got a RE makeover!)
UPDATE!!! See it now, here!!
xo
Just perfect, Nancy! So fresh and sweet. Pinning!
Thank you Larissa! :)
Nancy
I love the stencil on the white. What a great way to make it personal and artistic. Beautiful spot to enjoy the piece, too. Great job!
Thanks Susie!! I do love it here by the window! :)
Nancy
This is beautiful! Love the stencil in the Duck Egg Blue. I’m with you on painting spindles and details like those, it takes forever:( I’d do it with a glass of wine, but then I’d be afraid to see what the finished project would look like! You picked the perfect sun filled spot for your bench! Great job!
Thanks Wendi! :) Haha!! exactly! I have done that before ;)
xo
Nancy
The French poem is the perfect touch for this pretty bench. In front of your window is a great place to really enjoy it, too.
Thank you Paula! :)
I’m loving it in this spot so far!
xo
Nancy
What a perfect spot for the bench. And a white makeover is EXACTLY what it needed!
Thanks Amy!! :)
Nancy
Wow, Nancy, what a beautiful bench! I KNEW you would do something fabulous with that stencil! And you did not disappoint! It really looks great with the beautiful blue throw and sweater pillow, too!
Nice job! xo
Thanks Karen!! And thank you again for the stencil! :)
It was perfect for this bench. I still think I may use it along the front of a dresser at some point too!
xo
Nancy
You are so very welcome, Nancy. xo
This is gorgeous, Nancy!! I have a very similar stencil, if not the same one that I have yet to use. It is perfect on this bench! So pretty! XOXO
Thanks Christy!!
They are so easy to use to create wording on things! I should use them more often!! ;)
xo
Nancy
Nancy, I would have never noticed that error in the stencil had you not pointed it out. The bench looks gorgeous and perfect in front of that nice big window in your study. Being a Canadian Prairie girl who is knee deep in snow right now, I couldn’t help but notice the fern hanging outside the window…in January!!!
Thank you Marie!! :) Yes, I probably shouldn’t have them out!! I usually don’t leave them up in the very cold days/nights! ;)
We do have a bit of snow on the ground, a few inches! Not typical for us though.
I am enjoying it while it’s here!!
xo
Nancy
Spindles are the worst! But you rocked this. Such a light and bright makeover :)
Yes, they really are!! lol
Thanks!! :)
Nancy
Really nice job Nancy! I know what you mean about the spindles – man is that a pain! You did a beautiful job and I love the blue pillow – really nice! Hugs
Thanks so much Jayne! :) They are…I should really just pull out the sprayer! But it’s hard when it’s in the 20’s outside. Brr!
So hand painting it is! ;)
xo
Nancy
This is so pretty, Nancy! The French love poem is such a sweet addition. I love to work on benches but rarely find one for a good price. :)
Thanks Jen! :) Free is an even better price!
xo
Nancy
My oh My , Nancy . . . this is such a beautiful bench. That french poem stencil makes it so darn sweet!
I love everything about this bench.
pinning!
gail
Thank you Gail! :) I am really enjoying it by the window! Thanks for the pin too!
xo
Nancy
The stencil is perfectly subtle in pale blue. Great stencil and color choices! I would love a bench like this in my home! ;o)
Thank you Lucy!! :)
Nancy
That pretty script caught my eye right away – I love it! And the colors that you chose: perfect! You have such a good eye for these things – so pretty!
Aw thanks so much Jeanie!! :)
xo
Nancy
Such a pretty makeover! I actually have that same stencil and I never noticed the repeating letters! I’m so glad you mentioned it :).
Thanks Amy!! And OH, good!!! So glad that you won’t make the same mistake and I did! :)
xo
Nancy
What a lovely spot and great makeover!
Thanks so much Kathy! :)
Nancy
This turned out so pretty Nancy! I love the french script and I would have never known about the oops! You know I love the blue that you chose!
Thanks Shanna! :) Yes, blue love all the way!
xo
Nancy
Beautiful Bench! You did a great job and thanks for sharing,
Helen Holley
Thanks so much Helen! :)
xo
Nancy
One of my favorite projects that you’ve done. You know I love my French decor! I have so got to pick up that stencil. It is just perfect on this bench!
Thanks so much Christy! :)
xo
Nancy
So super cute!! You did an amazing job on it!! Love it :)
Hi Crystal,
Thanks! I really love it and am enjoying it by the window! :) Such a nice place to sit and enjoy the sun coming in!
xo
Nancy
Can you use a sprayer with chalk paint?
Hi Marty!
Yep, you sure can and I have! (just thin it down a bit) :) That is the best way to paint chairs and benches actually. :) (not my favorite to paint unless I’m using a sprayer)
Nancy
Oh this is so sweet Nancy! I love the stencil in a soft color. Both pillows look great. Love the throw as well. Very cozy and perfect there. Love it!
Thanks so much, Christina! Very cozy. :) xo
Love this makeover, my two favourite colours ! I also had a good laugh when I read about the words not fitting, thanks for that and the inspiration, lovely job
Thank you, Susan! :) xo
I love the new look! My parents had the exact same bench and I love it in white much better. Love the French poetry idea! I write poetry so appreciate that. Plus my married last name is French. Tres Jolie!
Oh that’s neat! This bench was made for you! :) xo
I would love it but live too far away (Oregon).
Of your friend knows you at all, she probably expected you to paint it! Turned out great! So, pillows and throws can hid BooBoos!
Yes, lol! Thank you, Cecilia! xo
Oh! So pretty now! I am sure nobody would have caught the boo boo….Throw the blanket over it!!
light and fresh looking!…..good job!
Thank you, Addie! :) xo