Turn a Goodwill Dog Into a Slick Upholstered Bench

Charlotte and John didn’t believe this plain old $6.99 Goodwill coffee table could be anything more than mediocre. Little did they know that thrift stores, garage sales, and grandma’s basement are chock full of low slung coffee table castoffs that can be inexpensively converted into stylishly modern upholstered benches. And don’t stop there, more traditional tables with ornate turned legs, a jazzy ikat fabric and the right paint can be transformed into a handy mudroom, entryway, or upholstered bedroom bench.

Step 1: Decide What to Do With This Table

Think about your needs. Where do you need an upholstered bench/glass top table combo? The mud room or front hall is the perfect place to take off boots, set your packages and get settled. Dont' get stuck collecting too much furniture for your space.

Comments

[theal8r]

I'll say awesome, too. Just got a similar coffee table at GW today, but it cost me $9.99. Nice and sturdy, though. I hadn't thought of leaving a section for glass, but it's a great idea. Thanks for a great ibble!

[flintshopper]

Beautifully planned and executed! Love the idea of using glass. The fabric is very appealing as well. The straight legs and extra 1/2" ply should make this thing beefy enough to hold way more weight than will fit on the seat! Extremely vigorous chair dancing might not be the best idea, however. ; )

[creativitiser]

awesome work! I have an old coffee table begging for a new lease on life! Going to go for some funky colours and patterns

[cyndisc]

You are right by saying "awesome" Off to Good Will I go. Thanks

[modhomeecteacher]

If you are overly worried, as some of these commentors are, just get a something bulkier. I happen to like the minimalism of this.

[Tracyk007]

Is that table sturdy enough for someone to actually sit on?

[mybluemake]

Certainly not for my fat ass. There is no way that this thing was rated for sitting weight when first designed and built, and I see no additional supports added. While this is a lovely instructable, and a great use of the old that reflects your good eye and tastes, it still seems short-sighted to not consider load. The mere fact that it did not collapse under your husband, doesn't mean it is safe.

Now, I am a little geeky about this having spent a few years building furniture for the stage that had to be light enough for an actor to lift with ease, tough enough to be thrown or danced on for weeks or months without serious repair. I'd choose the coffee table carefully were I doing this project. It would be at least a six leg table for one that long, or one with an integrated top and base, and I'd reinforce the top.

[modhomeecteacher]

I've been building and converting furniture for over fifteen years and I guarantee this "bench" will not collapse. Now, if you're talking a 300 pounder, it may squeak a little. And, seriously, how many people sit on a bench in a mudroom or hallway for more than about 3 minutes. Let's not be over-worriers. I've had purchased chairs collapse sooner than this "bench" will. Love to all.

[modhomeecteacher]

Yes. It's extremely sturdy. I have a big tall husband who stood on the table before I converted it. No worries.

[gafisher]

I'm echoing the same question -- maybe the extra layer of plywood bolsters the top a bit, but I'd be concerned about calling this a "bench." Looks really nice, though, and a good 'ible.

[modhomeecteacher]

Absolutely sturdy. I've been converting furniture for many many years. I wouldn't go to the trouble and expense with a flimsy table.

[Flyinseamnky]

Love it, but I wonder who much weight it can hold before it breaks? Coffee tables really aren't made to hold the weight of people. At 6' & 250 lbs, I would probably have to put a couple extra legs under the middle, or 2/3 point of the edge of the cushion.

[modhomeecteacher]

Well, I would respectfully disagree. My husband is 6' 5" and 240 lbs and he has sat down there many times. It is structurally sound. I have four coffee table in the garage that would also hold up with a few people sitting on them. I think a very flimsy table might be questionable.

[Flyinseamnky]

touche, I will have to give this one a try, I could use one of these next to my front door for my boys to put their shoes on. Then again for my needs I might be better building a custom unit based on this idea with a shoe rack built in under the bench seat, then topping it as you did with the cushion and top.

[leonardml]

This is so kool. You did a fab job!

[modhomeecteacher]

Thank you. Much appreciated.

[bunee]

I love this idea. Never would have thought of the glass part. When you say dacron, are you referring to a plain cotton liner for the cushion? Thanks.

[modhomeecteacher]

Dacron is the man made batting quilters use. Only in the upholstery business, it's a bit heavier. It forms a nice barrier between the foam and the fabric.

[knife141]

Very nice job!! I really like what you did with this.

[modhomeecteacher]

Thank you!

[kazmataz]

Great instructions for how to upgrade an old coffee table into something fabulous!

[modhomeecteacher]

Thank you!

[dimtick]

I really like this project. Very simple and clean. it's modern yet would still fit into a traditional house. nicely done.
One of my passions if fixing up yard sale / curb find furniture. Until this point I've stuck with wood furniture, but now I want to get into upholstering. Starting simple (I hope) with a piano bench. from there I've got a couple mid century chairs and if that goes well, then my ultimate will be a full size leather coach.
I have no fear with turning a rickity trash find into treasure but upholstering terrifies me.
Your project is giving me the motivation to face my fear. thank you

[modhomeecteacher]

Thanks so much. I teach upholstery four to five times a week here in Indianapolis. Upholstery is harder than it looks, but very doable with the right teacher. Haha!