Our New Convertible Outdoor Furniture
The first time we saw our house we were pretty smitten. The décor was dated and the layout a bit tight, but we were looking for a space to rip apart and remake as our own so we were fine with all of that.
Then we got to the sunroom and backyard. And we fell in L-O-V-E. Big time. The backyard is absolutely stunning. Although we are about 10 minutes away from downtown Dallas, you would think from looking out the back door that we are in the forest somewhere. Giant oaks and pecans and foliage fill the back of the space with a tiny grass patch hidden when you walk on a winding brick path through the trees. I knew from the moment we saw it that we were going to live there and spend a ton of time in our backyard.
We were given an old West Elm dining table found on the side of the road with some old chairs and in the midst of the chaos that was our house the first 18 months or so, that backyard table was a retreat. I would sneak out and sit at that table with a glass of whatever and a journal and sit and write and write and write (and of course I spent a lot of time on our hanging outdoor bed once it was built!).
Sadly, however, that table had long run its course even before we received it. We made the fixes we could but 2 chairs literally fell apart and the entire table began to peel and crack. On top of that, about ten minutes before a group arrived for a dinner party we were setting up outside, we discovered a large, angry family of hornets decided to make a field of nests in the cracks between each table slat. Um, definitely time to buy a new table!
After a tip from Scott’s sister (thanks Amy!) lead us to an incredible deal on some super cool outdoor furniture from Costco, we had a new table with built in benches. Putting that together was a bit of a doozy (shout out to Scott and Matt!) but Scott finished everything while it was pouring rain this weekend.
So grateful! I love, love this table. Looks like a normal picnic table right?
FALSE. 🙂
It’s a bench AND a table. How cool is that? You push a lever and it converts from one to the other really easily. We’ve got all sorts of ideas for this. I love the idea of using it as benches to create an outdoor seating area with a firepit in the middle when it gets a bit cooler out. Or if we want to do an outdoor movie we have automatic row seating. Or we can even use the benches inside as extra seating for tables when we house big gatherings like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The bench is perfect for writing…and reading…and musing!
If you are interested, the table is the Lifetime Convertible Wood and Metal Park Bench. Sadly, Costco no longer has them online—I got ours for $80 a piece in store. You can try calling your local Costco to see, but the cheapest one I’ve found online is for $177 here.
For now we use them mostly as a table, for eating outdoors at night when the sun is dipping down. Nothing says summer like grilling out and outdoor dining, right?
So now we can dine outside in peace again without fear of wasps….that is if we can weather the 100+ degree temperatures here in Dallas. 🙂
Tania Griffis is an accomplished writer, blogger, and interior designer with a Journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma. She started her popular blog, Run to Radiance, in 2011, demonstrating her design expertise through the personal remodeling of six houses to millions of readers across the globe.
Tania also owns The Creative Wheelhouse, a respected ghostwriting agency for bloggers, further showcasing her talent for creating engaging and informative content.
Your backyard is gorgeous! And that new furniture fits perfectly, You got such a good deal on it!
Thank you Char! I did…it helps to share what you are looking for with excellent shoppers like my sister in law! She totally found it for me!
There’s something romantic about no grass backyards ; I think its because there’s less bugs/pest when you sitting out there on the patio ;p It’s very lovely.
I agree….bugs are definitely not romantic!!!
It’s a picnic table AND two benches?! Whaaat?! SO neat!
I know! Isn’t that a brilliant concept!?
Your photography is so lovely 🙂 What a steal from Costco, I love that it can be benches or a table/chair setting. So flexible for backyard parties + gatherings. Your home looks beautiful!
Thank you Caitlin! I agree…ultimate flexibility!
stop it!!! i want that table/bench! amazing!!!
Rumor has it that Costco around DFW still has some in stock! 😉
No way! That table is AWESOME! 🙂
It blew my mind the first time I saw it. :O Like, brilliant design.
what a gorgeous set-up — i would never want to eat indoors again 🙂
Thanks! You might get tempted in the Texas summers to run back to the AC though… 😛
Love it, 2 for 1!
I agree! It’s like doubling your options for one low price. 😀
If I saw these pictures out of context there is no way I would believe this was a backyard. It looks like a beautiful park! Wow! That table is really awesome, too!
Isn’t it weird Barcy? The first time we saw the backyard we were like…ummmm are we still in DALLAS? Whaaaat? It’s really what sold us on the house!