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Showing posts with label bench. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bench. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Project: McGuire bench

I've been wanting a bench to put in our entryway, but I'm not ready to spring for a Nelson bench, which is what I'd eventually like to have. I mentioned that to my former SIL the other day when he came to pick up the boys, and he said he had just the bargain for me.

He picked up a McGuire bench at an estate sale, thinking he'd do something with it. Like so many of us, though, he never found the time, so he said he'd sell it to me for $50...and even give me the fabric to reupholster it. Who can resist a deal like that?

Granted, it's in pretty rough condition, but a piece of high density foam and a piece of MDF to replace the sagging seat will get the piece back in sound structural condition. The rest is purely cosmetic.


Estate sale photo of McGuire bench


Although I usually don't paint furniture, I think this time I will, since it will be in an area with several different wood colors, and I don't want to add another. I'm considering a dark charcoal chalk paint, waxed to a soft sheen, with light gray upholstery. A couple of colorful pillows ought to add just the right amount of pizzazz.

Incidentally, the McGuire Furniture Company was founded in 1948 by John and Elinor McGuire and produced high quality rattan and wood furniture for both indoors and outdoors. The company is still in business today.


John and Elinor McGuire

Friday, February 19, 2016

Counter stool hack

What happens when you take a garden variety Craigslist counter stool, disassemble it, and give it a sleek new identity? Take a look.


Before...the ho-hum espresso counter stool

Take away everything but the three-button seat, add some hairpin legs, and here's what you get...a streamlined little bench with far more personality.


Modern look for a previously unremarkable stool

Monday, December 10, 2012

Benched! George Nelson slat style, that is.

Another new item at the store is this extra-long slat bench by George Nelson. It measures in at a whopping 72" long and has an incredibly beautiful patina. My SIL says it's the best he's ever seen.






Friday, April 29, 2011

The oft-ignored bench

Most people admire the George Nelson slatted bench, but it seems that the major seating oooohs and aaaahs are reserved for sofas and chairs. I think that's a shame, because there are some spectacular benches out there that deserve love too.

A quick search turned up benches by most of the major designers of the mid-century era. Enjoy!

Ebonized Nelson bench
treadwaygallery.com

Hans Wegner bench
worthpoint.com

Ib Kofod-Larsen bench
icollectantiques.com

Jens Risom bench
oneofakindantiques.com

Paul McCobb bench and cabinet
furniturefashion.com

Edward Wormley bench for Dunbar
1stdibs.com

T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings bench
pascalboyergallery.com

Knoll bench
1stdibs.com

Alvar Aalto bench
allmodern.com

Finn Juhl bench
modernity.se