You know, I have a color confession. I have been OBSESSED with the color green for several months now. And when I say obsessed- I mean OBSESSED. All capitals and bold. The latest obsession started with something green for the Christmas book- green velvet ribbons. And then it was green books. Green accents like my favorite chippy green stool. And then the book had green on the title. I found a set of green vases, the workshop bench in the greenhouse and it just kept going. So of course, when I was looking for a long vintage bench and saw this green one pop up- It was already in my car as I messaged them.
Vintage Farm Bench
I have gone from someone who has been decorating mostly in layers of lovely neutrals- to someone who is looking for a pop of pretty bold color here and there. This old vintage farm bench definitely fits my love of the color green- in all shades, layers and saturations. But where do you think a bench like this would fit in my house?
Anywhere. haha
Because, like I always encourage you- don’t follow the ‘rules’ when decorating- there really aren’t any- just go with what you love. And this chippy old patina covered bench? I LOVE IT. I originally was thinking I was going to put it outdoors on the porch or in a covered area where we could enjoy it- maybe the rock fireplace patio or front porch or in a guest bedroom even. And when we got it home, I let it ‘breathe’ outdoors by the front door for a minute and then moved it into the house and set it behind the sofa – mainly to get it out of the weather-figuring I would move it by the table or somewhere else at some point. And guess what? It has stayed there and has held all kinds of things as I move them around here and there.
Chippy Paint Patina
The hunter/forest green color has been there a bit- and it is imperfect but so perfect at the same time. You can see some old yellowed white paint and even bare wood coming through.
The guy I bought it from suggested we could paint it and freshen it up- which I of course smiled at and shook my head and said I loved it as is- chips and dings and oddities like this chunky bit in the finish and all. You can see how the layers of old matte paint are uneven and a bit off in this lightened photo- I don’t mind it. It does have a very ‘dusty’ kind of finish as you can see. This is after we wiped it down and after it dried- so it is the look it has.
Where to use an old bench
As I mentioned, there are So many possibilities for where to use a piece like this. I tend to bring home pieces that I love that are also photo shoot props so they do double duty. And I *might* have about 6 new to me old chairs that I recently brought home for photos- so what is a bench to add to the chair hoarding? haha.
Placing a bench behind a sofa is a perfect spot to plop the groceries or mail as you bring it in and take your shoes off, etc. But it would work perfectly in a guest bedroom at the foot of the bed or along side the bed on a wall- a good spot to set luggage and all the things that need a place to land.
It would also fit in an entry area along the hallway wall, in the laundry room where it could double as laundry basket storage or pretty much nearly anywhere you have a long wall and need something charming. Of course, outdoors. A covered porch or patio. Inside a barn or shed. Set up in an area of the yard where it is protected from the weather. I think this bench is almost 8′ long so it is a big one- but I saw quite a few that were smaller in the 4-6′ long range that could work well tucked into smaller spots also. So if you like the look but don’t have a huge space for one- keep an eye out for a smaller size.
How to Find a vintage bench
Use those keywords if shopping online at places like Marketplace, Etsy, eBay and Craigslist, I would try ‘vintage, antique, bench, farm bench, farmhouse bench, old bench, spindle bench, shaker bench’ etc. you get the idea. A combo of words works well to pick up more options.
You can also scour the aisles of antique stores and tag sales – you might be surprised at what you bump into. If you don’t mind a chippy patina or a weathered and worn well loved look- there are a lot of possibilities and if you consider outdoor benches- you may find one that has weathered away to a lovely old silvery or chippy paint finish for a charming look indoors.
New Bench
Of course, you can also buy a new bench and enjoy as is or layer some paint on for a lovely old look. Sharing a few get the look options below and some vintage green paint options if you are in love with green at the moment too. The best thing about something you paint- it is easy to change on a whim as your aesthetic changes too.
I will get some proper photographs of the bench in the room as things are set up for autumn soon- we have been out much of the past week and will be next week too- so will have to wait just a bit for now.
And do you know what tomorrow is? Christmas Book Birthday!!! See you tomorrow for a special behind the scenes story from the book.
Happy Monday all.
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Joan higgs says
My copy of your book is due to arrive on Wednesday!
I personally do not like green. I love white, ivory, rose, LAVENDER and blue. But, everything you do is lovely!
Ruth stolz says
I love the green bench! i thought of your christmas book displyed on it too! i found a sweet child’s rocker. great for my granddaughter!!
Susan S cautTrell says
Not quite Charleston green which is more of a black/green! BeauTiful, though!
Lorene G. S. says
Benjamin Moore had/has? a beautiful color called Essex green. I began using it in the early 1990’S AND PEOPLE WOULD COME UP TO MY FRONT DOOR TO ASK FOR INFORMATION ON THE COLOR. nOT CERTAIN IF IT IS STILL AROUND, BUT POSSIBLY A RESURRGANCE FOR A DEEP GREEN BLACK.
ps lOVE EVERYTHING YOU DO!
Teri says
What a great find! I don’t think I have ever seen a bench that long. I love it, all the possibilities! Enjoy,
Teri
Samela Dorey says
my Christmas book arrives tomorrow, Wednesday!!! Happy, happy day!!! So…guess what’s on my agenda for tomorrow?!?
Your newly found bench is prefect!
Samela
Nancy says
Love ot!
We bought a two seater oak church pew—46 years ago while killing time at an antique store. We were house hunting at the time, and every house we looked at had the perfect spot for it in the entry. Needless to say, the house we bought and every house since has had a small entry! Always a challenge to find that perfect spot for it!
Elizabeth says
I fought my love of green for a very long time . I do love neutrals (white/Cream/grey..). But i find when ihave hints of green throughout its very restful and grounding. Love my green majolica accents along and my asian blue and white collection,makes me happy and a certain restfulness and peace in my body and mind!
Jill wendt says
Wow, whaT a treasure. It is beautiful, and…i can think of many possibilities for it, come fall and winter! Im ordering your Book todaY and will sit down and look at every page when It gets cooler. It is 111 degrees today.
Kym says
I just finished installing a Morris & Co. wallpaper in Evergreen. A pop of Green is a lot of fun after all the neutrals we have lived with for so long. It’s super easy to add in, too!
I received your book a few days ago. 🥰 I’m looking forward to a cup of tea and opening it up.