How to Dress Up an Indoor Bench

Indoor benches provide seating and storage for almost any room in the house. They are appropriate in foyers and entryways as a place to sit while you put on your shoes and in a living room as a spot for company. A plain bench can blend into your decor, but if you want a piece that pops you need to dress it up. You can easily make your bench more noticeable with a fresh coat of paint.

Cardboard
220 grit sandpaper
Tack cloth
High-gloss spray paint
Throw pillows
Hardware

Instructions

- 1
  Set the bench on pieces of cardboard in a well ventilated area, such as a garage or shed. Remove any throw pillows. Remove any hardware, such as drawer handles, with a screwdriver.
- 2
  Sand the surface of the bench with 220 grit sandpaper, following the grain of the wood, to remove any rough patches. Wipe the bench down with tack cloth.
- 3
  Apply the spray paint to the bench in even, overlapping strokes, holding the can 8 to 10 inches from the surface. Use a high-gloss spray paint in a vibrant, rich color. Let the paint dry for 24 hours.
- 4
  Put the bench back in place. Set two throw pillows at each end of the bench. Select throw pillows that have a vibrant print and are made with high-quality fabric.
- 5
  Install new hardware with a contemporary style. To dress up a bench, use oil-rubbed bronze or another metal material for the hardware.

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