Outside

We Need a New Bench for the Front Porch

We’re going to give my mom the furniture from our front porch, which means we are now looking for some replacements.

I had been planning to get IKEA’s Ammerö seating. Two of them together make a nice little bench that is perfectly sized for the far ends of the porch.

Then I saw another option when I was at Target recently.

Windsor Loveseat

Cute, right? It’s a Windsor Loveseat by Smith & Hawken. They were out of stock, so I got a rain check. Great, except when I called today to check stock, I noticed that the rain check is for the wrong item. And it isn’t listed on the website. And there was a lot of confusion in the store when I asked for the rain check in the first place, and I don’t know if we’ll actually be able to get a hold of one (or possibly two) of these.

So maybe we’re back to the IKEA option?

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  • Catherine
    April 19, 2010 at 10:42 am

    We just purchased a few of the pieces from the Ikea collection for our small-ish deck. I absolutely love them. They’re very comfortable and super versatile.

  • Molly
    April 19, 2010 at 10:47 am

    I have been eyeing up that bench in Target for WEEKS. But it’s over $300 here in Baltimore. What’s up with that?

    I’d be totally jealous if you tracked down the Windsor, it’s gorgeous.

  • Alana
    April 19, 2010 at 10:53 am

    When I have problems getting hold of something at the Broadview store, I often have better luck at the new Mannheim location. -Hope that helps! It’s a cute set. Good luck!

  • Wendy
    April 19, 2010 at 11:23 am

    We just bought a set from Target and had a similar problem. When we went the display was the only love seat they had left, but they told us they couldn’t sell it to us even though the didn’t know when they would have more in stock. My mother in law went straight to the help desk and politely explained to the general manager that we would be very grateful if they could part with the floor model (especially since it’s for a product they don’t even have) and she didn’t even bat an eyelash before saying, “Well of course I’ll sell it to you.” Hope that helps and good luck!

  • Beth
    April 19, 2010 at 11:28 am

    Speaking of your front porch, how’s that painted design holding up in the elements now that it’s been through a winter?

  • The Virginia House
    April 19, 2010 at 11:31 am

    I love that first picture!! I am looking for outdoor furniture as well. I get a little discouraged at the prices so I’ve been checking Craiglist for some. Hope you find what you want!!

  • Melissa
    April 19, 2010 at 11:41 am

    Tough call – I really like the Target one better but had I not seen the Target bench I immediately loved the Ikea ones. So think you would be happy with either.

  • Jessica at Lavender and Lilies
    April 19, 2010 at 11:44 am

    I love the Target one but the Ikea one would look great too

  • Jenny
    April 19, 2010 at 12:23 pm

    I actually like the IKEA option better. The target one looks a little too much living room for me. Plus, if you get two of the IKEA ones they’re really versatile cause you don’t have to push them together and use them as a bench all the time. I like to rearrange every now and then so that’s definitely what I would go for. I also like the warmer color better, the black is a little harsh.

  • Licia
    April 19, 2010 at 12:26 pm

    It seems like the Target bench is sturdier (and I love those pillows), but the Ikea set is more appealing.

  • Patti
    April 19, 2010 at 12:42 pm

    I think the Windsor pc. is a bit more substantial looking. The cushions look to be twice the thickness, the structure looks to be of higher quality. Also, I’m loving the front legs and slight sweep of the arms. I am smitten with Smith & Hawkins. We bought a bench from our local S&H store before it went out of business… classic, timeless & great quality. Sad it went out.

  • Pretty Party Studio
    April 19, 2010 at 12:53 pm

    We just bought these Ikea ones yesterday. I was going to pay $2800 for a crate & barrel sectional, then I came to my senses.

    I am so happy with them, I think you will be too. They are far more cool/casual in our home than they looked in the store. Do it!

  • Laurie Jones
    April 19, 2010 at 1:06 pm

    I hope you can get the Target ones, I saw it and sat in it at Target and the set is really cool, I especially love the side of it, reminds me of old radiator cover, love the texture of it!

  • vika
    April 19, 2010 at 1:10 pm

    I think the Target one is on sale this week! I’m pretty sure I saw it in the ad!

  • Gail
    April 19, 2010 at 1:14 pm

    I would hold out for the Target ones…The IKEA one looks less sturdy. I think sometimes it is better to go for the pricier one if it will last longer!

    Can’t wait to see what you get! Did you try Amazon? They are linked and carry the same products!

  • Ludmila {CreamyLife.com}
    April 19, 2010 at 1:49 pm

    I think I like IKEA more, it’s just more relaxed and comfy.xo

  • Ryan
    April 19, 2010 at 2:04 pm

    The love seat is on the website, but only as part of the entire “conversation set” (2 chairs, coffee table, love seat). I need some porch and back patio furniture, but can’t decide if I want something like the Windsor, or wicker.

  • Katrina
    April 19, 2010 at 2:13 pm

    That’s a great Target option – love that Smith & Hawken is still selling stuff! I also like the Ikea version is very pretty

  • Amanda
    April 19, 2010 at 3:08 pm

    Love the pillows on that S&H one!

  • Amanda
    April 19, 2010 at 3:39 pm

    I loved the Target one when I saw it in the store too…but the back is really upright compared to the seat…too severe of an angle I think. Even though the cushion is thick, it really isn’t very comfortable. Very cute though..and sometimes that wins!

  • jen
    April 19, 2010 at 4:46 pm

    much much much prefer the ikea ones.

  • Lydia
    April 19, 2010 at 5:57 pm

    Saw the S&H one at the Target in Evanston. LOVE it! Way better than the IKEA version. Way better quality too.

  • Stephanie
    April 19, 2010 at 6:49 pm

    Are those Jello shots in the IKEA picture..?? hah…

  • jessica
    April 19, 2010 at 7:01 pm

    I think I like the IKEA set better….

  • Caroline @ The Feminist Housewife
    April 19, 2010 at 8:34 pm

    I think you can’t go wrong with either! They are both really cute! Thank god for spring!

  • Anja
    April 20, 2010 at 4:01 am

    You made my day, Nicole. Thank you so much!
    I am looking for furnitures for our “Garden-Lounge” and haven´t found the right ones yet. To be honest, i didn´t have ikea on my mind, don´t know, why…. But these seats are so beautiful. (I like them more than the target-loveseat, by the way)

  • Charlotte
    April 20, 2010 at 4:23 am

    I prefer the first pic.

    We have rusty metal cafe chairs on our deck – they look very shabby chic but snag your tights and leave chipped paint on your ass!

    Charlotte xx

  • Michele
    April 20, 2010 at 11:32 am

    Hi Nicole. What did you do with your red Muddus tables? The ones you had before the re-do last year? if you are selling them I will buy them!

  • Chymecindy
    April 20, 2010 at 12:29 pm

    Hi!
    I just found your blog. It is so lovely!

  • nichole
    April 20, 2010 at 1:41 pm

    We just bought the Ikea furniture and love i! I couldn’t get over the price. Well worth it.

    It gets my vote. ;)

  • Katie
    April 20, 2010 at 9:35 pm

    I really like both, but I sat in the Target chairs from that set the other day and they were so comfy!

  • Yvonne
    April 20, 2010 at 10:11 pm

    I added your blog in my site! I LOVE LOVE dropping by ur page!

  • Making it Lovely | Transforming the so-so. » Blog Archive » Ammerö Bench
    April 21, 2010 at 11:14 am

    […] « We Need a New Bench for the Front Porch […]

  • Judy
    April 21, 2010 at 12:52 pm

    Target.com seems to have the 4-pc set still available w/ free shipping. http://tinyurl.com/29p6dkl

  • JWalter
    April 21, 2010 at 3:08 pm

    I saw it online, but it’s listed as a set.
    Smith & Hawken Windsor Metal 4-pc. Conversation Set for $771 (for all four pieces)
    Here’s the link awfully long link: http://www.target.com/Smith-Hawken-Windsor-Metal-Conversation/dp/B002PE9HIK/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&qid=1271880244&frombrowse=0&fromGsearch=true&node=1038576|1287991011&keywords=Smith%20%26%20Hawken&searchSize=150&id=Smith%20Hawken%20Windsor%20Metal%20Conversation&searchBinNameList=purchasing_channel%2Csubjectbin%2Ctarget_com_age%2Ctarget_com_gender-bin%2Ctarget_com_character-bin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&searchNodeID=1038576|1287991011&searchRank=target104545&sr=1-11&searchPage=1

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