My mudroom bench started life as a dresser. I found it on the side of the road waiting for heavy trash pick up. It was a mess! The top was in pieces and two drawers were broken. In spite of the shape that the dresser was in, it was solid wood and had dove tailed drawers. It was late at night and we were headed home from visiting friends. I had to beg Hubby to stop, back up and get out to look at the dresser. He was less than impressed with this one.
Here it is with one of the working drawers out. The top has a split all the way down the length.
After staring at it a few weeks, I decided to turn it into a piece for our entryway that could serve as a sort of mudroom. A place to take off shoes, hang jackets and hats and hide junk…I mean Hubby’s treasures.
First, We removed the top two rows of drawers from the dresser and created a bench by adding a plywood top.
Next, we created a separate top piece from the two remaining solid drawer fronts. Because of the height, we had them open on hinges. We could not have used it if it were drawers. A sheet of beadboard paneling, 2X4’s, and a plywood box.
The mirror was a thrift store find. Hubby chopped the top off the mirror frame and routed the 2X4’s so that they matched the mirror. We reused the top in a later piece.
Then, Hubby created a board and batten over bead board back to connect the piece visually. The bead board and top are connected together, but they float over the bench. Sneaky huh? This allows easy installation and access to electrical without cutting holes in the wood. You never know where it will live next! All the hooks were installed last because I wasn’t sure what I wanted. In the end I went with plain hooks because they worked for the piece.
Finally, we painted, added crystal knobs and made a tufted cushion. I love the soft green color!
This is by far the most unique piece of furniture in our home and is a great conversation piece.
Here it what it looked like the morning that I wrote this blog. I did not do anything so that you can see how we really live.
This is the best shot I have taken of the bench. Now I wish I had removed Hubby’s hat, camera, and jacket!
Wow! I absolutely Love this piece! I’ve been wanting something for the entrance as well as for shoes taken off at the door. This is exactly what I need! Thanks!
I am so happy to hear it inspires you.
I love that color! What is it?
Marina Isle by Behr.
I absolutely love this, and so going to attempt it.
Good luck on yours. I hope you share a picture.
That it totally awesome!! I wish I could something like that!
This is awesome!!! I just pick up a broken down but wierd looking chair on side of rode. Trying to come up with an idea. But u did a wonderful job!!!!
What color is this?
What is the name of that color and where did you get it ???? Im in love with it for my living room 😍😍
I just don’t remember. I believe it is in one of my posts but would have to go through them all to find it. That piece, which I loved, had to go when we moved.
What are the dimensions on the finished product
Tori, the dresser was 60 inches wide and the height is 7 feet all together.
This really turned out so nice! Great job and oodles of creativity!