I like the $40 one, except for the "2 seats." Could you put something flat there and then add a cushion the whole length?

I voted the used one because I think it looks more bedroomy. If these were for an entry area, I’d choose the Etta one for sure.

Anyway, I think it’s cozy with the cushions (it’ll be fun to pick a fabric!), a better size, lovely lines, and great price.

I like the FB one FAR more. There's something off in the proportions of the Etta bench. Agree that I'd prefer one cushion on the FB bench but that's very doable.

Easy- the FB one!

Definitely the FB one. It has tons of character and is a steal! I would get it in a heartbeat even if they were the same price!

There's something off in the proportions of the Etta bench.

Funny, I think the proportions of the FB are a little off, but I still like because it has character and --- the price! Yet The FB one almost looks like a rehashed crib or something.

Facebook marketplace one. Then simply have a single cushion made and put it on top of the two cushions already there. Are there cut outs under the fabric or simply raised cushions?

Agree with everyone that the FB one is the better choice. Also agree that one long cushion would be nicer.

I’m not a fan of the one from FBMP, but those cushions look like DR chair slip seats. If so, they would be a snap to recover!

In general, I prefer the Etta.. but not by much.. however I voted for the FBMP just because of the price difference. I don't love the Etta $300 more.

I don’t love the one from FBMP but for the money I could like it with new cushions. The Etta is ok but not $386 ok.

I really like the FBMP bench...especially the price. I think the set gives it a softer bedroom look. Love the haus2home reupholstered one that Jinx linked.

I just got home with the FB Marketplace bench. Or my (ahem) Deacon's Bench (thank you, Jinx!). How fun it would have been when my children were younger to send them to "timeout" in the Deacon's Bench.

I appreciate the comments above about its potential because my frugality dances a fine line with plain ol' cheap. And I wondered if I liked it simply for the price.

It's a bit smaller in stature than I realized, but will probably work better in the space once I get it ready. The fabric is stapled to 2 pieces of wood that sit inside cutouts in the base. Easy to change, or to simply remove the fabric and cover the whole with a single cushion. I rather do like the quirkiness of 2 cushions.

The finish is a bit formal for my taste. I'm considering either stripping and bleaching the wood, or painting a charcoal or matte black. It is sturdy, but it's not an antique. For $40, it will be a fun project.

Thanks for everyone's input!

The FB one is far nicer than the Etta bench. The Etta looks wrong, imho. The shelf, the look, the proportions or what, I don’t know.

I would prefer to go with the Etta Bench as it has an extra rack below and the armrest is flat which is ergonomically perfect. JUST MY OPINION!!!!!

If your bench is antique or vintage, please don't paint or refinish it. If the finish looks dull, take it outside and give it a good cleaning with mineral spirits. I'm not sure what you mean by "formal". How is the finish on this piece any different than the $340 one ? Both of them look like plain, natural wood grain to me. If you don't like everything about the piece, then please sell it and get something you do like. I think if you recover the seat first, you may like it better. Sorry if I sound a bit harsh, but I cringe when people buy a perfectly nice piece of furniture and then proceed to ruin it .

Stripping and bleaching the wood sounds like a good idea. I would not paint it - one reason being that painting all the spindles will be rather difficult and tedious, unless you are using spray paint, and even then, it might be difficult to make them all look identical and avoid drips. In general, I do not like painted wood furniture, as paint can chip and is a bit more difficult to touch up than other finishes. I pretty much use waxed finishes, as they are the easiest to maintain.

The only furniture I paint is patio furniture.

I would love to see a photo on the bench in your space! I love photos!!

I would have bought the FB one just for the arms. Now to find the one that's in BC.

I wouldn’t bother trying to bleach or strip/stain it since it looks in good condition. Maybe a good cleaning and waxing. I think spray painting could work since it will be a bedroom piece not heavily used but agree there might be too many nooks and crannies to get it right. I vote for one cushion. The seats as is look too flat and meh to me but it might look weird with two “mounds” if you added more padding.

blfenton, it was an old ad I saw (in BC), and had sold. Can you get down to Virginia? :D

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Deacon-Parsons-bench-Settee-Wood-w-Cherry-finish-perfect-for-entryway/254844758039?hash=item3b55ee6817:g:figAAOSwjDtgDsI6

I'm torn. I went with the FB bench because anyone can use more $ in their pockets!