Piano Bench Makeover with New Color and Fabric

There is nothing better than giving a thrift store find a fresh new look, and this piano bench makeover is a perfect example. With a simple coat of paint and new floral fabric, this thrifted bench gets an updated, classic style that works beautifully in any room.

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Thrift Store Makeover Day

There is just something about a good thrift store find that gets me every time—especially when it has great bones and just needs a little love.

This piano bench was one of those pieces. The shape was classic, the size was perfect, but the finish and fabric were definitely ready for an update. With a little paint and some beautiful floral fabric, it turned into a piece that feels right at home in our space.

This is a maintenance card on the inside of the piano bench. It's either 1958 or 68. 

Today, I’m sharing exactly how I gave this thrifted piano bench a fresh new look.

The Before: A Thrift Store Piano Bench

The bench had a solid structure, which is always the first thing I look for when thrifting furniture. The finish was no longer my style, and the fabric was worn, but nothing that couldn’t be fixed with a little time and effort.

See the First Makeover

This is actually the second “new” life for this thrift store find. I gave it a makeover years ago (2017) for a flip house that I was staging. While it served us well, I was ready for a fresh update that better fits our current style.

See the First Makeover

The silk fabric had some spots, and the chippy finish just wasn't a favorite any longer. 

One of the best parts about working with pieces like this is that you can completely customize them to fit your home.

Supplies Used

• Drop Cloth
• Spray Paint
• Spray Paint Nozzle
• Fabric
• Staple Gun
• Staples
• Staple Remover or
• Screwdriver and Pliers

Choosing the New Color and Fabric

I wanted something soft and classic that would blend beautifully with the room but still feel fresh.

• Paint Color: A soft, muted sage green (spray paint for ease and smooth coverage)
• Fabric: A floral print with warm tones and a traditional feel

This combination gives it that collected, classic style that I love so much.

I had 3 remnant pieces of fabric to select from. I live close to a warehouse that does one-time sales per month. It's fun to go through the remnant section. They sell it by the pound. It's great for small projects like this, and my beloved lampshade on this white lamp and the one on my kitchen counter. You can also order fabric online from All About Fabrics. They have bolts of fabric as well.

How to Do a Piano Bench Makeover

Remove the Seat

With a screwdriver, I removed the hinges from the bench and the cushion.

Remove the Old Fabric

Using pliers or a staple remover, carefully remove all of the old staples and the existing fabric.

This step takes a little patience, but it’s worth it to get a clean surface for your new fabric.

Prep the Base for Paint

Before painting, wipe down the wood to remove dust and dirt.

Then place the base on a drop cloth outside or in a well-ventilated area.

I used 1 can of this Krylon spray paint in a soft sage green. Do yourself a favor and get one of these handy trigger attachments for your spray cans. It works with most. It makes such a difference when spraying.

I like to lift my painting projects off the ground with some scrap pieces of wood. I've even used paint cans before.

I always start by spray painting my project upside down to get all the angles. 

Let it dry after a couple of light coats. Flip it over to spray it right side up.

Reupholstering the Bench Seat

Cutting the fabric

I was able to use the fabric that I removed as a template. Check and double-check the positioning of your fabric. Make sure the correct patternway is showing. 

If you do not have a piece of fabric for the template, lay your fabric face down and place the seat on top.

Cut the fabric, leaving several inches around all sides so you have enough to wrap and staple.

If you want a softer, more cushioned look, you can add a layer of batting before attaching the fabric.

This step is optional, but it does give a more finished feel. I did not do this. This bench doesn't get heavy use. 

Attaching the Fabric

Pull the fabric tightly over the seat and staple it to the underside.

• Start with the center of each side
• Then work your way out toward the corners
• Keep the fabric smooth and taut

Fold the corners neatly as you go for a clean finish.

This stapler has been a workhorse through the years. It's very simple to operate. I put some weight into it when stapling to ensure they are as flush as possible.

Once everything is secure, place the seat back onto the base and screw it back into place.

The Finished Piano Bench

The transformation is such a good reminder of what a little paint and fabric can do.

What was once a dated thrift store find is now a charming, updated piece that fits perfectly into the room. The floral fabric adds warmth and pattern, while the soft green base keeps things light and fresh.

The inspiration for the paint color change was the antique armoire in front of the piano bench.

There are two additional thrift store projects in this shot! The artwork was a simple makeover. The picnic basket on top of the armoire has been great for housing dried hydrangeas when not in use. 

The fabric on the bench adds much-needed pattern to the space. The needlepoint rug used to be in the dining room at our old house. It's about 28 years old. I'd love to replace it, but it's not necessary. So it's great to work with what you have. It really does give the guest room a collected, eclectic feel.

I still have a few things left to do in this room:

• Add matchstick wood blinds
• Add a flat, wide trim to the Amazon velvet curtains.
• refinish a pair of nightstands.
• more artwork for a couple of bare wall areas

• Velvet Curtains
• Velvet Pillow Cases
• Similar Pillow
• Similar Asian Screens (I found mine in a local vintage store for $75)
• Blue and White Vases
• Chinoiserie runner on the dresser

Check out the other projects from the team!

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