Outdoor Patio Furniture Makeover
Oh. Man. I am so excited to share one of my biggest furniture makeover’s to date! Early this spring, I decided it was time to put to use, and really use, our back patio. Until a about a month ago, we had a huge, lovely patio with random miscellaneous furniture. And some of it wanted to blow away when the wind hit. I was tired of chasing chairs across our farm fields.
And as soon as I made up my mind to finally buy a new patio set, our dishwasher decided to skip out. Needless to say, I wanted a dishwasher more than patio furniture. So, just like that, my furniture budget was gone. My determination and desire for a patio set, however, was still there. What’s a girl to do?
About a week later, I was browsing Craigslist, and wouldn’t you know, I found an indoor wood furniture set. The next day, I grabbed my aunt, and we went to look at. It was in great condition, and for $60! I loaded it up and brought it home! Time for a makeover!
In between our really, really rainy weather, I was able to get it painted, and sent the cushions to the upholsterer. This set isn’t even the same 1970’s set. I am beyond thrilled with how it turned out. It’s completely perfect for our patio. It’s heavy, easy to repair, large, comfortable and a full 5 piece set!
Here’s what it looked like before…. yowzer.
And after…
Night. And. Day. Difference. Right???
I promise it’s the same set. I knew when I saw it that it had potential, but I didn’t think it would look this good!
Pardon my picture overload.
Here’s how I did it…
I started by cleaning it off with a damp rag, then made sure it was dry…
I bought replacement wood plugs at the hardware store to replace the missing plugs, then used the outdoor paint from Maison Blanche in Wrought Iron. I gave it a light first coat…
Then, another one…
And once the paint was dried, I brushed on some matte varnish…
When it dried, you couldn’t even tell I had brushed it on… Love that!
I did the exact same thing with the rest of the furniture outside, in between down pouring rain, covering it with a tarp, and getting drenched in the process. All worth it, of course. 🙂
You may notice that the coffee table is a bit different, we changed a few things. 🙂
Before:
After:
I’ll share the tutorial a bit later, but it’s one of the big transformations that brought the set back into style.
I can honestly say, this chair is one of my favorite places to sit…
But… this is how it started…
So. Much. Better.
And the rocker?
Well, it’s one of the best things!
And so comfy!
This whole set just makes me smile. Yes, I had some money in the new upholstery, but I saved money on the fabric, which is canvas drop cloths! It’s held up beautifully, but I have been bringing the cushions in when it rains, which seems to be all the time.
I’ll share more on the cushions, and how I prepped them for outdoors a bit later. In the mean time, I can’t get over the makeover.
And I can honestly say, the paint has held up amazing. We get a lot of wind, rain and sun. This is what it usually looks like, but it’s easy to wipe off with a damp rag.
Truly, I couldn’t be happier!
I’m really, really, really looking forward to lounging out here this summer.
And because I’ve been spending more time on the patio, I’ve been sprucing up a few other things, and have a list of other projects to do…
In the mean time, I am enjoying how far we’ve come in just a few months, and a few coats of paint! 🙂
Now, be sure to stop by and see what these other fabulously talented ladies did!
Jenna Sue at Jenna Sue Design
Liz at Liz Marie Blog
Allison at The Golden Sycamore
I can’t wait to take a peek at their projects!
I’ll be back to share some more info next week! 🙂
For more details about the paint (and step by step instructions), you can check out Maison Blanche’s You Tube Channel. There’s lots of great information and tutorials. To buy the paint, see the list of retailers here.
P.S.- I received product and/or compensation for reviewing Maison Blanche Paint Company products. However, all opinions about their paint, finishing products and my patio furniture makeover are my own! For my full disclosure policy, click here.
LOVE this! It turned out so beautiful!
LOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Seriously looks great. Will now be hunting for my own wood patio set 🙂
Amazing makeover, it went from country to super chic. Gorgeous.
WOW, that before is…something. There’s not really a good word for it, is there? It looks so amazing now!
I could not believe it was the same furniture, simply amazing. The fact is, I think everyone had that set down in their basement at one time or another. Well done!
Wow, what an amazing transformation! I would never have had the vision to purchase that set, but it looks so gorgeous! love the choice of drop cloths for the cushions.
This turned out beautiful! but I am afraid it will be short lived. Not all wood holds up to outside elements, regardless of what you paint it with. and bringing the cushions in all the time will start to be more aggravation – what if it starts to rain while you are out for the day? or do you just bring them in all the time unless you want to go outside?
But, even if it only lasts one season, hopefully you dont have that much invested to make it worth the one season!
Thank you so much for your concern, Suzanne! I am anxious to see how it holds up as well, but I have very high expectations. Just like with anything outdoors, it will require maintenance, touch up painting, and a bit of TLC. As for the cushions, I couldn’t agree more. However, if they do get wet, it’s not that big of a deal. They will dry quickly, it’s just my preference for bringing them in and out until we can build a storage box, or I use something else for covering and/or storage. We’ve been absolutely loving the set so far! 😀
I’m curious what your upholstery cost was ? I used to build these sets back in the late 70’s. You could get the whole set for $299.
Looks fabulous and very comfy too. I saw a similar set at our local Habitat ReStore but it was already marked sold. The black looks great with the light upholstery. Enjoy your new space!
Get a big deck box for the cushions. They really do keep out the weather. I bring mine in only during winter. Put a dryer sheet in for fresh smell.
What a great deal. And the ability to see past the vintage plaid is great vision. I do like your choice of black and white. And the coffee table re-do makes it all work perfectly.
Waiting for the info on the cushions. Did you have the drop cloths waterproofed?
Summer evening’s will be great on this furniture. .whenever it gets there.
Barbara Ann
I bought patio furniture covers for my outdoor furniture set from Sam’s. It’s so much easier to cover them that take them on and off all the time. Your set looks incredible!! http://www.samsclub.com/sams/veranda-patio-sofa-loveseat-cover/135251.ip?navAction=
Oh my goodness!!!!! I had a set not quite like this but yes all that wood. I was going to have the cushions redone and the guy quoted me $500!!! In 1980!!! That’s a lot for back then. Now this set would be $5000!!!!! If you bought all these pieces. Maybe more!!!! I’m so amazed. I luckily have a Maison Blanche distributor in my town so I’ve used the paint for indoor projects ( based on a review by blogger Hymns and Verses(?) and really was pleased so now wouldn’t it be grand to paint a little something for outdoors too?!! But your energy and ideas are endless!!!! You are my trend setter blogger!!! For someone who had wooden furniture with a coffee table with porcelains knobs and legs like my daughters new Joss&again coffee table. Oh my. I like all my old stuff these new ways sooo much better!!!!
I like the dark paint on your set. I did the identical set a few years ago with white and a soft linen colored fabric. I put mine in a gazebo so I do not have to move the cushions when it rains, just close up the curtains.
My husband is used to me bringing home junky furniture, but when we went to pick up that set, I think he thought I had completely lost it! It is now my favorite comfortable place to have a nap or read in the summer.
Check of the August 27, 2012, makeover on http://www.betterafter.net if you want to see a picture
I like your coffee table re-work, I’ll have to do that. I just took the cushions off mine.
That looks so good! What a great makeover and perfect for your patio.
What a wonderful update for your lazy summer days! So good! xo Leslie
Awesome! And you saved some great furniture. Outdoor spaces are the best! I just built a sectional out of 2×4 and shared it on Instagram.
Wow what a difference. I have passed up so many ugly, plaid, 1970s furniture sets at thrift stores. If only I had your vision. Next time I’ll think twice before I decide against a set and try to envision it as it could be, rather than as it is.
Smart girl. Always on the look-out for treasures. What a great make over!!!
So gorgeous girl! You would NEVER know it was the same set!
WOW! I just can’t get over the transformation!
Shayna, honey I bow down before you. I haven’t just walked by sets like these, I’ve run by screaming. This needs to be in the Makeover Hall of Fame!
I wouldn’t have thought of using an old indoor set for outdoor use since the construction is made from pine, not redwood or treated lumber. Will you store it indoors during the winter? The initial cost was so cheap. Upholsters here in the Midwest are so expensive. I’m curious what your upholstery cost was? It turned out wonderful and I loved the picture with the John Deere tractor in the background. Sipping on sweet tea and maybe giving the hubby a wave as he works?? Too cute!
wow!, that is a great make over! I hope you take time out to enjoy your hard work! Great idea for the drop cloths to reupholster .
OH. MY. WORD. Shayna! Incredible! You NAILED that makeover… and the scenery! Amazing!!!!
OMG! I did a similar project several years ago! I found a 7 piece set at a garage sale – sofa, rocker, chair, 2 end tables and 2 lamps – and I bought it for $60. They even delivered it for me! Mine started out just as lovely as yours. ☺️ We painted it with latex paint and bought outdoor cushions for it. We just love it! It’s so comfortable and it really looks much nicer than plain old patio furniture. I have to say though that I like your paint finish much more. Looks like we have a new project!
I might have seen the potential in that set as it was originally but I can honestly say I would have walked away thinking it was too risky and too much work. You have vision, patience and true talent! Great job, this looks like a solid wood $2000 patio set. I am honestly so exited to see people like you saving old furniture from landfills and putting together a great looking home with it!
Amazing transformation! It looks great!
I think after seeing this a whole lot of people are running to their local thrift stores looking for a set just like this so they can remake it for outdoor use! (And I’m one of them! lol) This is just an amazing transformation, literally jaw dropping and SO creative!
I just saved the exact coffee table from the roadside & have been planning the update. Your transformation is inspiring. Stunning! Love the set and the changes you made.
So pretty! I think every family had this set at one time or another growing up. A big tarp thrown over the furniture when it rains may save you some time. Just tuck the corners under the legs of the pieces.
Beautiful set! How much paint did you use for this set? Looking at doing a similar project and just wanted to see what it would take.
I believe I used 2 quarts. 🙂
Wow! Really? For all of that furniture! Wow. Amazing.
Is it holding up to the weather?
It has held up to the weather, but it does best in a partially covered area. 🙂
Very nice job looks great
Did you have to sand? Or just painted….looks amazing!
I didn’t need to sand! That’s one of the amazing perks of chalk paint! 😁