09/26/2025
The original was pretty, but it wasn’t an antique and it was a cheap ($75) reproduction Victorian that I refinished into a funky Junk Gypsy bench for my daughter’s huge entry hallway in her new house.
It’s not meant to be sat on for hours or napping…only to sit long enough to put your shoes on.
I used three colors of stain: golden oak, red mahogany, and ebony on 2x1, 2x4, and 2x6 that my husband helped me plane down to fit the frame. I put 4 coats of polyurethane as well.
The paint is Glidden Tahiti Teal and I used a handheld sander for the distressing look.
I used a ban saw to cut the curves (fun!).
I also added two 2x4 lengthwise to the frame to raise the sitting level and to nail the pieces to it.
I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea and some even cringe at the thought of “destroying” the Victorian reproduction. But, this piece made my daughter absolutely giddy…pure happiness, and I’m kind of proud of how it turned out.
