Paint it black or a dark red for a pop of color.

Thanks for the ideas. Where would I get a spectacular padded seat cushion. This is our side door entrance and therefore will never look this neat, but... I still want it to look great.

Oh and yes, I have thought about getting rid of the bench and doing a built in, BUT my dog sleeps under it and as much as the bench is an eye sore, it's her home! :))

a bright red with cushions and matching rugs

Hi Carley...I'd paint it white and, as Shelleyuk suggested, add a wonderful padded seat cushion and pillows for charm. If you're interested, check out our outdoor seat cushions. We have fabrics in a variety of colors and patterns and there may be something there that would work perfectly for you! I linked you to all 3 sizes of garden benches, as I don't know the size of yours. Also posting some fabric suggestions for the setting.


http://www.thosbaker.com/6-ft-garden-bench-cushion.html
http://www.thosbaker.com/5-ft-garden-bench-cushion.html
http://www.thosbaker.com/4-ft-garden-bench-cushion.html

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

Do you need the coat hooks I don't think they will function very well above the bench. As for the cushion if youcan sew a simple seam you could make one. It could be a simple as this or as fancy as the other one maybe a couple of baskets underneath to catch the clutter.

Anyone who keeps a bench for the dog has my heart. Here are a few variations for you to consider. Let me know if you want to see anything else. Now that I've prepped the bench, I can repaint with two mouse clicks. ;-)

And:

Black or a dark stain. Let us know what you decide.

Good luck :

Didn't even think of white. But it's a little boring.

Groceraxle. Oh my goodness thank you! Might you be able to show me the colors with the other view? I think my first pic is a little dark or I could upload a new pic! Thanks!!

Sorry I meant groveraxle

Actually I just fixed the brightness groveraxle. Thanks again

I would give it a pop of color like a red!

The red does look great. It would be too bright for my house but I do love it.

I'm with your husband you should paint it a bright color maybe yellow that would go nicely with the black accents and mud rooms can always use a pop of color.

Fire engine red might... Be a bit toooo bright for my house, but I looovvve seeing what groveraxle did! Wow

What the heck. As long as I've got this sprayer...

Omg HOW FUN!!!!

Like the Grey and the teal

I would go with the white and add the color on the wall above it and in the pillows;)

I like the black with a colorful cushion.

Cushion suggestions with black base? I don't sew and I don't want to spend too much

I would get some colourful fabric and get a local seamstress to knock you up a quick cushion. She'll do it in an hour so it shouldn't be expensive if you provide the foam and the fabric.

http://www.amazon.com/Pillow-Perfect-Outdoor-Moonstone-Cushion/dp/B00I39ZAHI/ref=sr_1_14?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1397774634&sr=1-14&keywords=Bench+cushion

http://www.amazon.com/Pillow-Perfect-Outdoor-Cushion-Orange/dp/B00I39ZYCE/ref=sr_1_41?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1397774767&sr=1-41&keywords=Bench+cushion

http://www.amazon.com/Pillow-Perfect-Indoor-Outdoor-Cushion/dp/B00BPUA0JA/ref=sr_1_53?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1397774841&sr=1-53&keywords=Bench+cushion

http://www.amazon.com/Pillow-Perfect-Indoor-Outdoor-Cushion/dp/B00BPU77CS/ref=sr_1_52?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1397774904&sr=1-52&keywords=Bench+cushion

http://www.amazon.com/Jordan-Manufacturing-Floral-Indoor-Cushion/dp/B00FYO71FO/ref=sr_1_119?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1397774982&sr=1-119&keywords=Bench+cushion

It still looks like it should be outside... sorry.

Check World Market for bench cushions: http://www.worldmarket.com/category/outdoor/cushions-pillows/bench.do?nType=1&ab=third:outdoor:cushions-pillows:bench

Groveraxle- how are you doing that?

Thanks for thinking of the Doggy. How about some doggy fabric for your cushion?

@Ann King, I was going to tell you I sneaked into Carly's house and painted and repainted her bench while she was out, but it's actually just Photoshop Elements.

I love the black bench, get rid of the hooks and add a fun long colorful painting above then pull a color from the picture for the cushion. A table with a lamp would add warmth when you enter. Kate

There are plenty of on-line sites that do custom cushions to your measurements and finding a local seamstress shouldn't be too hard, either. Cushions are pretty straight forward.

I'd keep the bench natural. Some of the designer mud rooms on Houzz have had bright colored bags hanging from their hooks to store stuff like hats. When you use the mud room, if it's going to end up a jumble of rain coats, parkas, backpacks, and sports stuff, don't bother, but if it's mostly for guests to put their things, definitely do choose some bags. This is a more subdued version of the idea.

I found a cushion I think I am going to go with. I like the idea of painting the bench black and then a punch of color with the cushion. The hooks must stay. It is a mudroom where we hang coats dump backpacks shoes etc.. Thank you again groveraxle for all the photoshopping. I know it still looks like an outside bench, but at least it will look nicer than the original bench. :)))

You're welcome, Carly. Glad I was able to help with your decision. I like the cushion you've chosen, and it will pop on a black bench. BTW, I see nothing wrong with having an outside bench in the mudroom. I think it's totally appropriate and it'll look great when you're done!

I finished! Do these coordinate?

It looks great, well done!

YES, YES, YES!!! Great job! Really looks nice and really changes the dynamics of that area. You brought it to life. You should be very proud!

Etsy.com is your friend for finding a padded cushion. We just bought one for a mudroom built-in from ThisOldDoor on Etsy. Had it constructed from Sunbrella fabric slipcover so it can be easily removed and cleaned. It was customized exactly to fit our bench, and looks great. Highly recommended!

Isn't that a garden bench? Kinda looks out of place indoors. I would replace it with a furniture bench. And one with legs so the dog can sleep under.

It's a side door mud room where we hang coats and throw backpacks:). I wish I could've bought a bench but.. On a budget... Thanks

I love what you did! Awesome bench and cushion in your foyer! Now, hang a little something red on a hook.....even a scarf.... and stand back and smile.

groveraxle, you are amazing and desperately need some help too lol. Poor groveraxle.....overworked!!!

Groveraxle is the best!!!!

I love this too! Love the bench! I think it works perfectly in a mud room. :)

Nice job - looks good