You are my Sunshine Bench Makeover
See how a salvaged yellow bench added some much-needed personality to our front porch. A quick paint job, some simple styling, and it’s ready to go!
Perhaps it was the dreadfully long winter or the result of looking at a bazillion cottage inspiration pics, but I knew I had to add yellow somewhere around our house. I’m not talking about the washed out version either, rather something bright and cheery!
Sounds a bit scary for someone who loves neutrals, right? But when I was looking at making over the rustic blue bench I discovered at my parents’ farm last summer, I knew it was the perfect opportunity. It would be that unexpected pop of colour at the front door that made me (and hopefully others) smile every time I entered. A safer bet than committing to something that vibrantly coloured inside.
Some of you pleaded with me on Satori’s Facebook Page to leave the bench as it was. I did adore the look of the top, but the rest was a hideous blue colour I just couldn’t live with. As well, I wanted it to be a functional bench that we could use for summer backyard parties. Somehow flaking paint and large splinters weren’t exactly what I had in mind.
In addition, we had to cut the ends of the bench in order for it to fit into the back of the truck. That meant I had to address the newly exposed wood. Convinced yet?
Outdoor Bench Makeover with Yellow Paint
To start the bench makeover, we cut the angles back in the ends with a jigsaw. Then, I removed the flaking paint with a wire brush and sanded down the rough and splintery parts until everything was fairly smooth.
For the base coat, I used Behr’s exterior paint/primer custom mixed in Golden Honey by Benjamin Moore.
Once it was dry, I gave it a light sanding and followed up with another coat of paint in a deeper yellow colour I created by mixing the Golden Honey with a very vibrant yellow colour called Macaw by Behr. I sanded once again and lightly brushed on another paint mix with a bit more of the Macaw yellow to achieve the brighter hue I wanted.
The photos don’t show it well, but it gave the yellow some depth and variation by building the layers.
The final step was sanding the entire bench to expose some of the original blue colour and give it an overall smooth finish.
Outdoor Bench Decorating Ideas
After changing our front door colour last fall and freshening up the porch, I wanted to add some additional decor pieces, including seating, but ran out of time before the cold weather hit. My “new” yellow bench was the perfect foundational piece to finally start the decorating process.
On one side, I created a seating area with blue, white and yellow pillows for enjoying a mid-afternoon iced tea and reading break.
A few potted plants were added to bring in a touch of green and the crispness of white. Simple white plants make me happy!
An Indonesian basket, lantern, and a graphic door mat were the final decor pieces added to give the front porch some personality.
The whole combination is the eclectic front porch I was hoping for.
Do you think I chose the right colour for the bench? Too bold or just right?
See the bright yellow paint my friend Jen selected for her cottage front porch.
Have you stepped out of your box and painted something a bold colour lately? Is there anything unexpected you’ve done to make your front porch welcoming?
More Front Porch Decorating Ideas
Be sure to come back tomorrow for the Outdoor Paint Projects link party. It’s the final week of the Outdoor Extravaganza, and we’d love to see you there!
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Sending you sunshine!
I love this bench and makeover! I think the color looks great and it brings life to your entryway! Love it….
Thanks Dawn. It really is that pop of color we have been talking about! (What’s happening to us neutral lovers?)
I think it looks really cute! I like the little bits of blue poking through the yellow.
love it! the color is so cheerful on your porch!
I have had a love affair with yellow for awhile and it’s exactly the color I would of chosen as well Shauna! Looks great against your house!
It was a bit scary for me, but I’m thrilled with the result. Means a lot coming from you :)
Looks awesome! Great colour!
So cheerful! I love it!
I love it, Shauna!!! As much as I’m a fan of the weathered, distressed, aged – all that – look, I am so with you on the makeover you chose to do. The yellow is a burst of cheer, works beautifully with your colours, and yes, I’d want to forego the splinters, too! Very welcoming, and a perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing spot of iced tea!! :-)
If it had been purely decorative, I would’ve tried to replicate the look on the sides. Now we can at least sit on it and move it to the back yard for parties. Thanks for stopping by!
what a fun cheery color!
Love the pop of color the bench adds to your porch! Looks great!
This is a fantastic pop of yellow and so cheery for summer! Love the accessories too! I have an old bench and I am suddenly getting the urge to paint it a bright color. Thanks for the inspiration!
You should. Don’t be timid either. I thought I may go with a softer yellow, but it needed the punch for sure!
Such a bright new spot on your porch now! Beautiful makeover.
perfect and slim seating area for your porch. love it!
it looks so bright, summery and welcoming
I love the bench! And the colour you chose is awesome, perfect little punch & very nice impact!
~Laurie @ Vin’yet Etc.
Nice udpate! It was a cute bench before, but I wouldn’t have sat on it! Lol. The yellow give the whole porch such a punch of colour. Turned out really well.
I love this! The yellow is so fresh and pretty and looks amazing with all your dark blue and white.
Krista
Love the bench – what a great colour! Adds so much personality to your front porch. Now I feel like painting something yellow!
Nice job, your porch is beautiful! Love that yellow. I’ve been painting everything yellow lately too. Must be summer!!
Thank you for the inspiration. I have almost that exact bench that is really weathered as well. I bought yellow paint and can’t wait to follow your creative idea. Thanks for sharing!!!
Sounds fantastic! Be sure to send photos :)
So sunny and fresh! pretty!
LOVE your bench idea! The yellow is such an inviting color on your porch. Great WELCOMING vignette!