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My Vintage Porch

Interior Design, DIY, and Refurbishing

My Deconstructed Settee

Filed Under: DIY Tagged With: antique, antrhopologie, bench, better homes and gardens, chair, chippy, deconstructed, diy, diy home, diy project, farmhouse, farmhouse style, handmade, home decor, home style, rustic, seating, settee, upholstered, vintage

If you follow me on IG, you might have seen my stories on the day that I started ripping apart this settee. I had no idea where I was headed with this piece, nor how much work it would be to complete. A lot of sweat, splinters, and sneers took part in this deconstruction. Sometimes the tearing apart is tougher than the putting back together. I started by tearing off all of the fabric, batting, springs, and burlap undearneath. I used needle nose pliers and scissors to tear everything off and I have to say, at this point I was wishing for combine to back over the darn thing. This was the most grueling part of the entire process.

 

 

 

After everything was removed, I cleaned it off to get it ready to paint. The springs that initially were holding the seat in place were not sturdy enough to hold weight anymore so we removed them and my hubs cut me a seat for it out of plywood. I left a lot of the tack nails in the wood, along with some of the burlap around the edges to give it more of a deconstructed feel.

 

 

 

After two coats of chalkpaint and a little distressing, I was ready to work on the seat. I cut and added 2″ foam to the seat, applying spray adhesive before placing it on the board. The spray adhesive helps to hold the foam in place.

 

 

 

I cut the foam with scissors. The foam edges did not have to be perfect because the next step was to add batting.

 

 

I used my staple gun to attach the batting on top of the foam and then added fabric atop the batting. I used a painter’s drop cloth for the fabric. I love the neutral and natural feel of a drop cloth. Prior to adding the drop cloth, I bleached it to lighten it up. Washing and drying a painter’s drop cloth really softens it up too.

 

 

 

It’s done!!! I decided to leave the back open and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! Now to find a place to put it! I thought I was going to add so much more to the settee than I did, but when I got the seat done, I fell in love with the open back and sides.

 

 

 

 

The rough character has me oooohing and ahhing!!! I have never owned something deconstructed and now owning one that I actually made, makes me so happy!

 

 

 

I’m loving the simplicity too!

 

 

 

Adding pillows was my favorite part, as it usually is.

 

 

I would love to hear (in the comments below) what you think of my deconstructed settee! Thank you so much for following along my projects. I just love completing a diy project. Thanks for stopping by for the before and after! I hope we can connect on IG, Pinterest, and Facebook too! Happy Day!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Scarlett Huffman says

    August 15, 2018 at 6:32 pm

    Sooo pretty!!! I’ve been itching for a deconstruction project too. Hmm…

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 15, 2018 at 10:24 pm

      So fun! I hope you do one too!

    • Elizabeth sandoval says

      August 16, 2018 at 10:29 am

      Just love the sette and will remember your idea of bleaching a drop cloth for a whiter fabric- keep up the good work .. elizabeth

  2. Maria Daigle says

    August 15, 2018 at 6:36 pm

    Love it ! Enjoy your Instagram.. thanks for the fun 🙂

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 15, 2018 at 10:24 pm

      Thank you so much Maria! ❤️

  3. Trish says

    August 15, 2018 at 6:46 pm

    I love this!!! It’s gorgeous ????

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 15, 2018 at 10:25 pm

      Thank you Trish!

  4. Goldenglories says

    August 15, 2018 at 6:58 pm

    LOVE IT!!!!!!!

  5. Krysta Dennis says

    August 15, 2018 at 7:01 pm

    Ummmm gorgeous!!! ???????? Good grief…who knew a deconstructed settee could be even more beautiful that constructed?!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 15, 2018 at 8:00 pm

      That is so sweet! Thank you, Krysta!!

  6. Morgan says

    August 15, 2018 at 7:19 pm

    Absolutely beautiful!!! Loving this piece!

  7. Sue says

    August 15, 2018 at 7:33 pm

    I am absolutely amazed!! I love it!!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 15, 2018 at 7:57 pm

      Thank you so much, Sue!

  8. Robin says

    August 15, 2018 at 7:58 pm

    It’s gorgeous !!! You know I have my jealousy eyes???? all over this ????. Your pieces you do always turn out great !!!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 15, 2018 at 8:04 pm

        Thank you, Robin! I love changing up these old pieces!
  9. Cindy says

    August 15, 2018 at 8:26 pm

    You are so brave with your projects!! You have a good artists eye! If you get bored with the settee, I think a nice burlap would look good on there also!! Great job!!

  10. Cindy says

    August 15, 2018 at 8:26 pm

    You are so brave with your projects!! You have a good artists eye! If you get bored with the settee, I think a nice burlap would look good on there also!! Great job!!

  11. Sandi says

    August 15, 2018 at 8:30 pm

    That is absolutely adorable! I love it ! What a good job!

  12. Denice says

    August 15, 2018 at 9:16 pm

    I LOVE IT!!!!!!!

  13. Erica says

    August 15, 2018 at 10:22 pm

    You never fail at anything! Everything you make/re-do/create is just perfectly amazing! This may be my fav of your projects yet! It’s beautiful!!!!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 15, 2018 at 10:26 pm

      That is so sweet! Thank you!!

  14. Debbie says

    August 15, 2018 at 10:25 pm

    So cute! Gorgeous! You are amazing! It was so fun watching you work on this from start to finish!!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 16, 2018 at 5:57 am

      Thank you Debbie!! It was such a fun project but I have to say…I’m glad it’s over ????

  15. Laura says

    August 15, 2018 at 11:29 pm

    Now there’s somebody with vision!! Great job Natalie. I’m going to look at those old upholstered pieces a bit differently. Thanks for the inspo!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 16, 2018 at 5:58 am

      Sweet! Thank you, Laura!

  16. Jeylan eratli says

    August 16, 2018 at 1:26 am

    Amazing!!! Beautiful!!! I wish i had your talent and vision!!!!!
    Jeylan from london x

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 16, 2018 at 5:58 am

      Thank you so much, Jeylan!

  17. Dawn says

    August 16, 2018 at 1:27 am

    This is so beautiful. Very simple which I love. It turned out very nice. I have followed your process for this piece. I do enjoy your Instagram stories and feed. This is a project in my near future. I am a DIY enthusiast and tackle many projects. Thanks for your constant inspiration. ????????????????????

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 16, 2018 at 5:59 am

      That is awesome! I love to hear that! Thank you so much!!

  18. Diane Hyde says

    August 16, 2018 at 1:52 am

    It turned out really cute! I have been contemplating a couple of chairs that I have. They are only 5 years old and still sit very nice, but the fabric on the back corners have been frayed by my cats. Thinking of a way to go down to the bones without messing with comfort of the seat.

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 16, 2018 at 5:59 am

      I can’t wait to see what you decide to do! How fun! ????????????????

  19. Barb says

    August 16, 2018 at 2:56 am

    You have inspired me to tackle a chair in my stash. Beautiful job Natalie as always.

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 16, 2018 at 6:00 am

      That’s awesome…makes me happy! Thank you!!

  20. Joanne Kingsbury says

    August 16, 2018 at 4:10 am

    you are the bomb.. I love it so much .. You never disappoint .

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 16, 2018 at 6:00 am

      Thank you sweet Joanne!

  21. tgramm says

    August 16, 2018 at 4:19 am

    Just lovely! Definitely worth a splinter or two. ❤️

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 16, 2018 at 6:00 am

      I did have a couple of those ????❤️

  22. tgramm says

    August 16, 2018 at 4:19 am

    Just lovely! Definitely worth a splinter or two. ❤️

  23. tgramm says

    August 16, 2018 at 4:19 am

    Just lovely! Definitely worth a splinter or two. ❤️

  24. Jan says

    August 16, 2018 at 4:34 am

    Absolutely ❤️It!
    I love the doors as well.

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 16, 2018 at 6:01 am

      Thank you!! I’m in love with old doors ????????

  25. Mary says

    August 16, 2018 at 5:02 am

    It looks looks great! Best way to cut foam, and save your poor hands, is with an electric knife..cuts like butta! =)

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 16, 2018 at 6:01 am

      I’ve done that before but mine is not working right now ????

  26. Polly Murphy says

    August 16, 2018 at 5:08 am

    It’s gorgeous! I love how you envisioned the final product and made it happen. You brought that beauty back to life! ????

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 16, 2018 at 6:02 am

      Thank you so much Polly!

  27. Rise’ Shackelford says

    August 16, 2018 at 5:13 am

    Great job!!! I so enjoy watching your stories. Love the relationship you have with your children!! Keep it up❤️

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 16, 2018 at 6:02 am

      Thank you so much! Love my little tribe ❤️

  28. Bev says

    August 16, 2018 at 5:18 am

    Love you and ???? this project!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 16, 2018 at 6:02 am

      Thank you sweet Bev! Right back at ya!

  29. Mary Crone says

    August 16, 2018 at 5:53 am

    Great job, Natalie. I do my own upholstery and I can make a few suggestions. You can use an electric knife when you’re cutting through foam. Also, Arizona Foam on West Indian School in Phoenix (I know you live in Tucson but there might be a place like this in Tucson.) sells the greatest foam in the world. Many options for different density. Much better quality, density and price than what you might find in a big-box sewing goods store. I love the deconstructed look. Just beautiful!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 16, 2018 at 6:04 am

      Thank you, Mary! That’s so good to know about the foam! I have cut it before with an electric knife but mine isn’t working right now ????

  30. MAg says

    August 16, 2018 at 6:07 am

    LOve I’m gonna look for me something to do like that …you are so funny ; sweet love watching you…

  31. Jen says

    August 16, 2018 at 6:45 am

    I am so inspired by this piece! I have a rocking chair that once belonged to my mother-in-law’s brother who passed away at the age of 21 from cystic fibrosis. It is a cherished family piece. I have been told that I can remake it however I choose, but I’ve always been afraid of ruining it. I have heard that the chalk paint is more durable than the chalk spray. Do you know this to be true? And do I need to sand it before applying paint? Oh, I wish I had your confidence. Better yet, I wish you lived in Indy so you could help me do it.

  32. Karen says

    August 16, 2018 at 7:25 am

    Great job! Looks beautiful and what a transformation! Inspires me to get after some of my projects! Thanks!

  33. Shirley says

    August 16, 2018 at 7:54 am

    I can’t even….what an amazing transformation. Love it!

  34. Kathy says

    August 16, 2018 at 11:13 am

    Oh my gosh Natalie! You never cease to amaze me. This is absolutely gorgeous! I love following you (and your sweet very entertaining family) on Instagram. You always inspire me and make me laugh out loud. I’m going to be looking for something to deconstruct now! Thanks for being adorable you!

  35. Cheryl says

    August 16, 2018 at 12:15 pm

    Love it ???? What paint and color and what did you cover the foam and batting in, what material ?

  36. Melanie Parham says

    August 16, 2018 at 3:52 pm

    It looks awesome, yes an electric knife is easiest way to cut the foam also once you have stapled your fabric on the bottom, if you take duct tape (there are all kinds of colors so whatever blends the best) and tape the ends of the fabric down over the staples, It gives it a cleaner finish and you won’t be able to see your fabric hanging down from under the seat. (The parts that are in between the staples). I make all sizes and shapes of ottomans out of shipping pallets so I do this all the time. It looks so professional when it’s cleaned up a little tidier!

  37. Kimberly says

    August 16, 2018 at 5:06 pm

    Oh I loooooove it!!! Love how you saw something and had a vision of how much “better” it COULD look……and then you made it look like that. Just gorgeous. I have a place for it!????????‍♀️

  38. Melissa says

    August 16, 2018 at 5:24 pm

    That’s just amazing! You’re amazing! Wow! Love everything about it!

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Did you have a fave hutch in stories? (Swipe over) Did you have a fave hutch in stories? (Swipe over) We couldn’t decide either so we just got both...said the wish monster. 🤪We don’t have room yet but I’m hoping for a nice big hutch like one of these to be part of our kitchen in our build. @antiquitieswarehouse has the best stuff!! Our kitchen to come may be a little outside the norm and I’m super pumped about it! Oh, and lots of you wondering the cost of this hutch...let’s just say if you could have a new car or a new hutch, which would you choose? I’ll take the hutch! 😃25K for this puppy #antiquehutch #antiquefurniture
Ahhhh! Can you believe that I got it all straight? Ahhhh! Can you believe that I got it all straight? #sponsor  I love love my new gallery wall!! I found so many fun things @samsclub today (see stories) along with all of the printer ink and supplies that helped me finish off my gallery wall! You can still do great things in a rental my friends, you can!🙌🏼 Sam’s Club sure has amazing deals! And, I can’t wait to try out that carpet cleaner...and blow up that pool for Chester, of course! Yay for fun projects and for just plain fun! 😁🐶 #samspartner #gallerywall #photowall
Mirror, done! What color was your guess? Were you Mirror, done! What color was your guess? Were you scared watching stories? No hot pink or turquoise ...I just wanted it warmer with more gold tones and I love it! It looks older and more realistic now...not so plasticity like before. I’ll show you some close ups in stories soon and will show how I got the old layered look...it’s even better in real life person! #standingmirror #rusticdecor
Do you think I bent the jigsaw blade? 😬 (swipe Do you think I bent the jigsaw blade? 😬 (swipe over) It was worth it all none the less. This was a “bench in a day” project. The thing that took the longest was refinishing it, the rest was cake...after we fixed the boards that Bob the Builder messed up. It will eventually go in the hallway. I hadn’t added the screws here yet bc I was running out of daylight to get a photo but check stories and I’ll show you how I’m (I mean Trav) is putting it together. He insisted on helping me when my arm fell off from all of the refinishing. What a sweet guy! ♥️ #rusticbench #diybench
Did you see this huge undertaking in stories and t Did you see this huge undertaking in stories and the plucking of the eyebrows with a needle nose plyers? Talent🙋🏼‍♀️ Stupidity 🙋🏼‍♀️I may not have any fingerprints left but the hutch is done and I’m in love!!! (Swipe over) 45,872 hours later and I have a hutch like no other. Can you believe I added layers of texture to this thing, painted it, didn’t like it, decided to sand it to the nubbins, white washed it, and then glazed it?!?! 🤩 Yeah, most of you probably know me too well by now...I’m nutso and I know it. Now to decide if I should put the original hardware back on or change it up. I’m thinking I’m loving the look of the old hardware on it. What do you think? (Swipe to the end to see the “before” and hardware I’m thinking of using) #oldhutch #antiquehutch #pinehutch #rusticfurniture
I’ve gone pot nuts! (Swipe over for close up and I’ve gone pot nuts! (Swipe over for close up and “before”...see below for colors used) This pretend pot slingin is some fun stuff!! And, this slingin it in this new craft space of mine is even more fun! I just finished this pot and I love it!! Just call me high on pot life...I’ve taken my old POTS health and changed it out for a new pots way! 🙌🏼 If you can’t find me, I’ll be over here just working with my pot! And, I’ll let you in, if you bring grain free brownies...or cupcakes...but I prefer the brownies🤔. And, I would share my grain free pretzels with you...After crying about Hallie forgetting my pretzels that one time, I now have about 10 bags fully stocked at all times. 😂 #morepots #thegoodkind #antiquepots 
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I used paint samples in matte finish and explained more of the process on my blog (link in profile) 
COLORS: 
1. Pot with handles: Behr paint “Studio Taupe”, “Deconstruction”, and “Cool Charcoal”
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2. Glass pots turned old: a mixture of Apple barrel craft paint “brown oxide”, “burnt umber, a dab of red, and a bit of black to make a terra cotta color, “Studio Taupe” Behr paint, and “Deconstruction”  Behr paint 
See blog post (in profile) for how I made my salt mixture for a more texturized paint
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3. Rounded pot: see blog post in profile for colors and technique used
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