Resurrecting a Church Pew Style Bench with Hidden Storage

suzannechantler
Oct 8
3 min read

At That Flipping Studio, I live for transformation stories—and this one starts with a house move, a favour from a friend, and a bench that was hiding some serious potential.

When I first laid eyes on this church pew-style bench, it was buried under multiple thick layers of white paint. The structure was solid, the shape had charm, and best of all—it had a lift-up seat with hidden storage. But it needed love. A lot of it.

Step 1: Stripping Back the Years

Removing the old paint was no small task. I used a multi-step approach, combining:

HomeStrip Paint Stripper – a more eco-friendly alternative to harsher chemical strippers.
My trusty carbide scraper – a must-have for any serious paint removal job.
And finally, my Bosch orbital sander to smooth things out and bring the wood grain to life.

It took time, effort, and a lot of elbow grease. But every flake of paint removed revealed more of the beautiful grain beneath.

Step 2: Reimagining the Structure

While the main body of the bench was well-built, the back panel was an odd choice—made from wobbly chipboard. It didn’t match the quality or aesthetic of the rest of the piece. So I did what had to be done: I hammered it out.

Removing the back transformed the bench, giving it a lighter, more elegant silhouette. It now looks more open and inviting—perfect for a hallway, boot room, or even at the dining table.

Step 3: Creating the Perfect Aged Finish

For the finish, I reached for The One Paint and Primer in One from The Rainbow Liquid Chalk Specialists, in a rich dark brown. Instead of applying it like a standard paint, I used a brush to work it into the grain and then immediately rubbed it back. This technique mimics the effect of a wood stain, but with more control and coverage.

Once dry, I went over the entire piece with 320 grit sandpaper to give the bench a silky, soft-to-the-touch finish and add a touch more distressing—giving the bench that authentic, well-loved, timeworn look.

Step 4: Don't Forget the Storage

One of the best features of this bench is the hidden storage compartment under the seat. It’s ideal for stashing away blankets, books, shoes, or anything else that needs tidying away. I painted the interior as well, giving it a clean, finished feel that complements the rest of the piece.

Step 5: Styling the Finished Church Pew

No piece is truly complete without the final styling touches. For this shoot, I paired the bench with:

A few wild flowers and weeds I picked while out walking the dog.
A simple candle, a cosy blanket, and a well-thumbed Stephen King novel.
And of course, my handmade concrete homewares—which you can now purchase directly from my shop.

Why I Love This Piece

This restored church pew bench has gone from overlooked and overpainted to a functional, beautiful, and character-filled piece of furniture. It’s proof that with patience, the right tools, and a little creative vision, you can transform old furniture into something truly unique.

Whether you're looking for DIY furniture makeover ideas, want to learn more about paint stripping methods, or just love the look of distressed wood furniture with storage, I hope this project inspires you to pick up your scraper and start flipping.

Want to see more transformations like this? Follow me on Instagram and check out the full range of upcycled furniture and handmade homewares on www.thatflippingstudio.co.uk.