Sunday, April 11, 2010

My Ugly Craigslist Bench




Last summer, I was on the lookout for a small-scale bench to go in our entryway. I wanted something cheap, though - something to paint and spruce up. After watching Craigslist for a little while, I eventually came across a listing that looked like it might work. It was a piano bench, but the dimensions were good and I had wanted to reupholster it in my choice of fabric anyway, so the gold velour didn't matter much to me. And it was only $10.

Gold velour.

You'd think that might have tipped me off.

But, no. So, I claimed it and drove about 20 minutes down the road to pick it up one afternoon. Pulled up to the house, knocked on the little old lady's door, smiled, said "hi", and she showed me the bench.

It was so stinkin' ugly.



I mean... really.

From the craigslist photos, the "wood" atleast appeared to be, well, wood. As I stood there with that little old lady, looking at this eyesore $10 bench, it was clear that the bench was not at all made of wood, but instead some kind of low-quality, plastic-y veneer deal. But how do you tell an old lady that her golden velour piano bench is too ugly to be worth your $10? So, I forked over the cash, smiled again, and shook my head the whole way home.

Sam laughed at it.

Thanks, Sam.



Then he laughed at the little gold detailing bands on the legs. Can you see 'em?



Oy.

What are ya gonna do, ya know? Little old lady selling an u-g-l-y bench for ten bucks on craigslist. You live and learn. And you break out the primer and give it a shot. What's to lose?



I mean, besides your ten dollars?








7 comments:

Renae said...

That's hilarious! You totally did what I would have done!! I mean seriously, who doesn't have a soft spot for little old ladies? Is it sturdy at least? I keep envisioning it as really wobbly. I'm sure it'll be great when you're finished. That spraypaint can fix a large number of sins!! Can't wait to see it. Have a great week.

Unknown said...

Checking in from NC and glad to know progress is still being made. Looking forward to seeing the finished bench once you've worked your JacMagic on it. Auntie D

Unknown said...

Hahaha, well, it looks better already with the primer on it. It could have potential. And it was only 10 bucks... :)

Stephen and Larissa said...

Been there.... I'm sure it turned out fine though!

Jacci said...

Thankfully, it was sturdy. No loose legs or anything. Ugliness was its only crime.

Elisa @ What the Vita said...

:-) I find it much easier to negotiate via email BEFORE coming to meet the seller in person - I bought an ugly chair for 50 because I felt that the sellers really needed the money once I met them :-(

But I have to say, I love how your bench turned out, so $10 was still a good deal after all!

Grace @ Sense and Simplicity said...

You definitely will have good before-after photos - no where to go but up!