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How to Make a Unique Marimekko Bench

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Using Paper Napkin Decoupage to Make a Marimekko Bench

How do you transform a grotty old garden bench? How about some cool decoupage with designer paper napkins and transform it into a Marimekko bench.

I am a huge Marimekko fan, I just love their fabrics and Scandi/Nordic style. For those of you who don’t know Marimekko is a Finnish home furnishings and textile company.

I wanted some of that Marimekko style in my garden. Therefore, instead of just painting a neglected bench in my garden that was in dire need of cosmetic attention, I decided to Marimekko it!

I got the idea from some Marimekko shoes I’d made a few months ago. I still had some *Unikko napkins left over from the shoe revamp, so I decided to use these to upcycle and pimp my bench.

(*Unikko is probably Marimekko’s most iconic print it was actually first designed in the 1950’s, very mid-century modern)

Upcycle an old bench with decoupage. This Marimekko bench was achieved by decoupaging with paper napkins. It is a lot easier than you think and can be weather proofed.

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What you need to make a Marimekko Bench

    • Old wooden bench

Bench before upcycle

marimekko unikko napkins for bench decoupage

How to Decoupage a Marimekko a bench.

    1. First thing I did was to prepare the bench by sanding it and then giving it a coat of white paint. One coat of white paint will be enough as this is not the finished look.

Sanding garden bench ready for decoupage

    1. Next I prepared my Marimekko napkins by separating them so that only the top printed ply was used (most napkins are 3 ply). Then I tore flowers out. It helps if you wet the napkin where you tear. It is better to tear rather than cut the napkins as you get a feathered edge which blends in better.

Preparing paper napkins for decoupage.

    1. When I had cut out all my napkin flowers I then spread the glue on the bench and placed the napkin flowers on top. The napkins are too delicate to apply the glue directly to. I gently brushed out the napkins as you lay them on the bench.

Decoupage of bench with Marimekko napkins

  1. I carried on until the whole bench was covered in Marimekko Unikko flowers. Once it was dry I applied two coats of crystal clear outdoor/yacht varnish. This varnish should protect the decoupaged Marimekko bench from the elements.

finished decoupaged Marimekko bench

Instead of upcycling an old garden bench with paint how about transforming it with paper napkin decoupage to create a unique Marimekko bench. It can be made waterproof to stay outside all year round.

I told you it was easy, and I now have a bench to match my shoes!

Marimekko Bench and shoes

If you’re not a huge Marimekko fan, you can of course use this method to upcycle a bench with the napkins of your choice.

Upcycle an old bench with decoupage. This Marimekko bench was achieved by

Here are a few more of my Marimekko posts you may want to check out.
DIY Marimekko Shoes
Marimekko Stair Transformation
12 Marimekko Crafts
Giant Paper Mache Cactus

You will find more unique upcycled garden ideas here.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Roy Altis

    Love it and I have many questions
    I have a garden bench and I thought maybe I could cheat and use those Dollar Store jumbo butterfly peel and stick stickers. And maybe coat it with mod podge and then use that marine crystal clear varnish. How bad does this sound???

    Reply

    • Claire Armstrong

      Yes, the wrinkled look isn’t so obvious once the bench has dried. It’s hard to avoid wrinkles totally but if you smooth the tissue paper down with crinkled up cling film (saran wrap) as you stick it down this will reduce wrinkles.

      Reply

      • Diane

        Adorable bench! I have an old flea market chair that’s been waiting for a makeover. I feel inspired now! Thanks for a great post!
        And I completely understand your fascination with Marimekko! I fell in love with the prints early on—my mom had plates, sheets, and fabrics in our home. And now I’m adding it to my own home via a bathroom renovation completely centered around a Marimekko shower curtain!

        Reply

  4. nancy

    Absolutely love this idea. Would love to do this to two benches on my deck. Question: I wondered how well this process weathers over time? I leave my benches out,but covered, over the winter months. I live in a mild but rainy climate. usually does not go below 20’s in the winter.

    Reply

    • Claire Armstrong

      Thank you, make sure you use an outdoor varnish like a marine varnish. Also, make sure it says crystal clear on the tin not just clear as the clear varnish often dries with a yellow tint,

      Reply

  6. Kimberly

    That is FANTASTIC!I never would have thought of useing napkins ! Adore the look and it is sure to last , thank u so much for shareing ! Creative & functional win win !

    Reply

  12. Brenda Young

    A beautiful, fun makeover Claire! I never would have thought of using yacht varnish as a topcoat for an outdoor piece, just brilliant! Thanks for sharing your project at #FridaysFurnitureFix hope to see you at the party for the giveaway on the 22nd!

    Reply

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