Brit + Co Guides Logo

How to transform two chairs into a cool bench

Transform Two Chairs Into a Cool Bench

17
STEPS
TOOLS

Keep an eye out for a pair of interesting-shaped chairs when visiting your favorite flea markets and second-hand stores.

Keep an eye out for a pair of interesting-shaped chairs when visiting your favorite flea markets and second-hand stores.

Glidden Spred Complete 2-IN-1 Paint + Primer was my go-to choice for this project. Besides saving me time & money, this self-primer paint is also low-VOC and low odor.

Glidden Spred Complete 2-IN-1 Paint + Primer was my go-to choice for this project. Besides saving me time & money, this self-primer paint is also low-VOC and low odor.

Place chairs together in the direction that works best considering their shape and style.

Place chairs together in the direction that works best considering their shape and style.

Turn both chairs upside down and secure them using the adjustable clamps.

Turn both chairs upside down and secure them using the adjustable clamps.

Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screws you're using to make pilot holes for the screws.

Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screws you're using to make pilot holes for the screws.

Then choose a properly sized deep-drilled countersink to enlarge and bevel the rim of the hole so the screws can be flush with the surface.

Then choose a properly sized deep-drilled countersink to enlarge and bevel the rim of the hole so the screws can be flush with the surface.

Screw both chairs together by the legs and seat to make them steady.

Screw both chairs together by the legs and seat to make them steady.

Once attached, use a spatula and wood patch to conceal the screw heads and fill any gaps between the chairs. This will create a smooth and unified surface.

Once attached, use a spatula and wood patch to conceal the screw heads and fill any gaps between the chairs. This will create a smooth and unified surface.

After the wood patch has dried, sand the surface of the chairs prior to painting.

After the wood patch has dried, sand the surface of the chairs prior to painting.

In order to visually unify the attached chairs, I designed a stripped pattern on the seat of the bench. I used painters tape to create the pattern. Now I'm ready for the fun part.

In order to visually unify the attached chairs, I designed a stripped pattern on the seat of the bench. I used painters tape to create the pattern. Now I'm ready for the fun part.

Speed up the process by using Glidden Spred Complete 2-IN-1 Paint + Primer. To achieve the gradient effect I was going for, I painted most of the bench with Deep Onyx, followed by Universal Grey.

Speed up the process by using Glidden Spred Complete 2-IN-1 Paint + Primer. To achieve the gradient effect I was going for, I painted most of the bench with Deep Onyx, followed by Universal Grey.

Be patient! Wait for the paint to dry before peeling off the tape to reveal your first set of stripes.

Be patient! Wait for the paint to dry before peeling off the tape to reveal your first set of stripes.

Ir order to complete the pattern, mask out the already painted stripes and proceed to paint the exposed areas. Elegant charcoal was the perfect transitional tone between the other two colors I chose.

Ir order to complete the pattern, mask out the already painted stripes and proceed to paint the exposed areas. Elegant charcoal was the perfect transitional tone between the other two colors I chose.

To complete my color gradient I painted the center stripe with Glidden Innocent White. Once dry, I peeled off the painters tape for the grand reveal.

To complete my color gradient I painted the center stripe with Glidden Innocent White. Once dry, I peeled off the painters tape for the grand reveal.

Voila! And just like that this super chic bench came to life.

Voila! And just like that this super chic bench came to life.

  • 1.0gal Glidden Spred Complete Paint + Primer Deep Onyx
  • 1.0gal Glidden Spred Complete Paint+Primer Universal Grey
  • 1.0gal Glidden Spred Complete Paint+Prime Innocent White
  • 1.0gal Glidden Spred Complete Paint+Prime ElegantCharcoal
  • Drill
  • Drill bit and countersink drill bit
  • Flat head screws
  • Wood Patch
  • Small spatula
  • Sand block
  • Painters tape
  • Paint brushes
  • Adjustable clamps
  • Protective plastic