The last few weeks I have been on a bench hunt (for my entry) like a mad woman, and turned up nothing. That’s not entirely true. I did find benches that would have been perfect, but at $500 on up they were perfectly out of my price range. So I decided to build one. $40 and a little effort later, I had myself an entry bench.
I think I can call front half of the entry hall done now!
I used the Fancy X Farmhouse Bench plans from Ana-White (that woman has mad skills) and modified them a bit. Here’s the bench right after I put it together.
I then used this method from The Friendly Home to give the wood an oxidized/weathered look. Mine didn’t turn out as deep gray as I was hoping, but I’m sure that’s because I am THE most impatient person in the world and didn’t let my solution marinate long enough. I may end up giving it a watered down gray wash. We’ll see if I ever get around to it. You can see the color a little better in the next two pictures.
And, I’ll tell you, this was easy to build. If you haven’t tried building furniture before you should give it a shot. It makes you feel like a rock star afterwards. I mean come on, you just built a piece of furniture!!!
Have any of you built stuff from Ana’s site before? What did you build? It’s addicting isn’t it!
| sources: DIY inlay mirror . hooks (covered in gold Rub n’ Buff) |

STOP IT RIGHT NOW! You built this? Oh Shelley, now you've don it girl. That's it, I'm building something today! This is amazing.
Love the bench and how the entryway is looking. I haven't built anything from her plans, but I've been thinking about it.
oooh yes! it is so perfect! love the rustic wood- warms up the space nicely!
Dang girl!! I am so impressed! It looks amazing in there. Hmmm… Now I want to build something.. 🙂
That is AMAZING! I'm so impressed!
I love it!! I love how it's longer and goes the length of the hooks too- keeps the eye going. Looks fantastic!
I'm an Ana addict!!! That bench ROCKS! I love it. I want to build something really similar, but as a table, for our patio. Two thumbs up, it's really awesome.
Shut up!! You made that?! It is beautiful and I think better than anything you could have bought. I love it!! Well done my friend.
Shelley that is beautiful and major impressive. I'm a total hack but I agree that building something is the best. Wow, looks so good!
No way!!!! That looks awesome!!! This DOES make me want to build something. Way to go!!!
we built that bench and the matching table and I LOVE IT! Ana's stuff is so addicting
I just came across your site! Everything looks great, your bench is the "Brag Post of the Day" on our Facebook page! Thanks for sharing!
Woman, there is no end to your awesomeness. How perfect this bench is for your entry, I love the lines of it AND the color!
Thank you, Lisa! I'm a sucker for Ana-White's site. Makes you feel like you can build/do anything!