topic Re: How would you dress this up ? in Community Chat

How would you dress this up ?

godi — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 21:33:24 GMT

Ok my friend makes these great benches out of fallen branches. It takes forever to make one. They are not really for sitting they are for ambience. So how should I style it? I was thinking solar string lights? Maybe a seasonal wreath? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Re: How would you dress this up ?

Greeneyedlady21 — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 21:42:39 GMT

@godi That is so cute, your friend is very talented.

I like your idea of string lights or a wreath. Maybe a lightweight plant or lantern?

Re: How would you dress this up ?

RainyDayGal — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 22:14:42 GMT

Love the lantern idea. I would look for outdoor "books" and coffee/tea cup. Make it something cozy. Or definitely go with the planter/flower pot idea.

Re: How would you dress this up ?

ThinkingOutLoud — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 22:16:19 GMT

Maybe a couple outdoor pillows with a pot of seasonal flowers on the ground at the side?

Re: How would you dress this up ?

godi — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 22:19:16 GMT

Thanks to all who responded. Great ideas. ❤️

Re: How would you dress this up ?

RainyDayGal — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 22:22:07 GMT

I have these cute outdoor bunnies from Plow & Hearth. And I believe books also. Go through their website, or even here on Q, for ideas. There is so much you can do with that bench. It will be fun to change it for the seasons/holidays.

Re: How would you dress this up ?

pupwhipped — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 22:42:57 GMT

Right off the top of my head I don't think I would do the string lights...just doesn't seem to vibe with the bench. As others said a very large outdoor lantern beside would be nice if you wanted light with the bench. A cheap but cute throw that could be left outside might look good draped on one side with a seasonal pillow on the other side. I will think some more on it but it sure is a lovely piece.

Re: How would you dress this up ?

suzyQ3 — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 22:47:07 GMT

I like it just the way it is -- no embellishing needed.

Re: How would you dress this up ?

itsmagic — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 22:52:47 GMT

I like the potted plant(s) idea next to it on the ground. I don’t think I would put something on it.

Re: How would you dress this up ?

ECBG — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 00:16:37 GMT

I would surround the bench with large pots of flowers in front of a line of hosta with beautiful leaves.

I would put an antique weathered table in front of the bench where you could have some pretty citronella candles in a grouping of a small, low basket. Two 20 x 20 inch floral pillows on the bench.

Chilled white zin waiting to complete the look!

Re: How would you dress this up ?

Sooner — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 23:01:46 GMT

@ECBG Plant blue hydrangeas on the back and sides.

Re: How would you dress this up ?

ALRATIBA — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 23:05:14 GMT

I can imagine putting in on the lawn or planting area, and planting a flowering vine under it and train thee fine to follow the shape of the bench.

Re: How would you dress this up ?

ECBG — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 23:06:24 GMT

@Sooner wrote:
@ECBG Plant blue hydrangeas on the back and sides.

@Sooner

Absolutely and have a little blue in the print on the yummy pillows!

Re: How would you dress this up ?

nana59 — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 23:11:06 GMT

@pupwhipped wrote:
Right off the top of my head I don't think I would do the string lights...just doesn't seem to vibe with the bench. As others said a very large outdoor lantern beside would be nice if you wanted light with the bench. A cheap but cute throw that could be left outside might look good draped on one side with a seasonal pillow on the other side. I will think some more on it but it sure is a lovely piece.

pillow and throw might suggest you could sit on it....i think it's just a decorative bench....jmo

Re: How would you dress this up ?

Kachina624 — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 23:14:06 GMT

@godi Won't leaving it outside in all kinds of weather ruin it? It would be a shame after all the hard work of making it.

Re: How would you dress this up ?

proudlyfromNJ — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 23:27:18 GMT

I've seen this type of outdoor furniture for sale and I love it. I would use cushions and would put it away for the winter since I live in NY.

Re: How would you dress this up ?

ThinkingOutLoud — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 23:35:26 GMT

Just had another idea -

A pot of flowers on the ground at the corner/side and behind the opposite corner a double shepherds hook holding potted plants. This would add color, interest and a bit of dimension.

I like this kind of thing so thanks for letting me play. =)

Re: How would you dress this up ?

GenXmuse — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 23:48:33 GMT

Maybe a couple of rustic side tables you could put plants on or put your coffee cup on!

Re: How would you dress this up ?

stevieb — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 23:52:38 GMT

@suzyQ3 wrote:
I like it just the way it is -- no embellishing needed.

I agree. It's plain and simple but bent willow style furniture is an art form in its own right. I wouldn't feel compelled to 'dress it up', though if I chose to use it for seating, a cushion or two might be indicated.

Re: How would you dress this up ?

IamMrsG — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 00:16:53 GMT

Adding pillows and throws, making it look comfortable, is bound to encourage sitting. To discourage sitting, would you consider filling the seat with a seasonal dried floral arrangement or vignette? Something like that could make it a focal point. Also previously said, I would get it off the wet ground and keep it on the concrete, preferably on a covered patio or porch.

You've got a beauty there, @godi.