DIY Network

Jazzy Living Room Learn to "jazz" up your living room with new furniture and paint. From "From Junky to Funky" episode DFJF-203

Cozy Couch

Found wooden screens surround a boring couch giving it a "cozy" feeling.

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Materials:

2 bi-fold thrift store screens
1"x2" lumber
luan
chandelier light fixture
chandelier crystals
votive candle
curtain rings
wood screws
wood fill
spray paint
glaze
tint
drill

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

1. Check to make sure that the legs of the screens are even on the floor and the tops are level and flat. Cut off any excess to make them level.

2. Create a framed shelf out of luan and 1 x 2's (figure A) to fit around all four top "posts".

3. Measure and cut the 1 x 2's including at least two supports in the middle.

4. Measure and cut two rectangular pieces of luan (top of shelf and the underneath). Make sure to notch the under piece for the four posts to go into.

Tip: Try placing the screens on the floor, and then turn them upside down and marking the squares where the top posts will poke through the bottom piece. Be sure to leave an allowance all around the edges for the 1 x 2's.

5. Before attaching the top of the shelf, glue and screw a piece of 3/4" plywood or MDF in the middle of the bottom piece that will support the light fixture (figure B). Drill any holes, and then attach the base of the light fixture (figure C).

6. Run the wiring, and then make sure it works before attaching.

7. Pre-drill and attach all pieces together with wood glue and wood screws. Fill the holes with wood fill, and then sand any rough edges.

	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

8. Create small shelves for votive candle holders by cutting solid 3/4 inch pine into half circles, and then tacking a shower ring to them (to keep the votive from sliding off). Cut a quarter circle out of pine as support. Use a rotating carving tool to replicate the design into the shelf edges. Attach them to the screens using glue and screws (figure D). Countersink the holes, and then fill with wood fill.

9. For the paint finish, use white spray primer, and then spray yellow around the oval details. Spray around the yellow paint with orange, and then the remainder with red (figure E).

Tip: Add a little more orange for blending, and then let everything dry and over-coat with a purple glaze. To make the purple glaze, mix one pint of purple tint with four pints glaze. With a foam brush, apply a layer of glaze to half the screen. Wipe off the excess using a rag.

10. Repeat the same process to the underside of the shelf, using the lighting fixture as the "oval detail".

11. Use small gold eyehooks to attach purchased or found crystal chandelier pieces in the center of the oval details (figure F), and then finish it off by placing crystal votive candle holders on the shelves and attaching the rest of the lighting fixture.

Tip: For installation, adding right angle brackets work great at the bottom of the screens to keep them open permanently and to keep anyone from kicking out the bottom of the screen.

Project Expense:

Screens: $98
Paint, Glaze: $35
Light Fixtures: $25
Wood, Crystals, Candles: $24

Total: $182

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