This Upholstered Bench is something I’ve had on my to-do list for a while. I had never planned to change the upholstery for sentimental reasons, but it became necessary. I’m really happy with how our bench project turned out, particularly the gray and yellow combo!
DIY Upholstered Bench: Getting Started
Before we dive into the tutorial, let’s gather our supplies for this great tutorial on home design. Note: This post may contain affiliate links.
Supplies
- Bench (existing frame or build a bench from scratch, using dimensions that suit your home design needs.
- Tack puller or flathead screwdriver
- Measuring tape & Scissors
- Home decor weight fabric (fabric of your choice)
- 3/16″ thick piping
- Wonder clips or pins
- Rotary cutter and self-healing mat
- Iron and ironing board
- Sewing machine and thread are essential tools in home design.
- 1.5-inch covered button kit
- Upholstery foam and batting and foam
- Staple gun (a cordless staple gun works great)
- Spray adhesive or wood glue
Step 1: Prep and Measure
First, remove the legs and save the bolts. This bench was supported by some nylon webbing underneath, with a wood frame all around, plus a layer of foam and a layer of bat (batting). Remove all the staples to remove the leather. You can use the original fabric to cover the new foam for your home design project. measure and cut your new pieces. If you are starting from scratch to make a bench that complements your home design style., you would build the frame using plywood and frame pieces first.
If you need to replace the cushioning, cut your foam to size (an electric knife helps cut fabric for your home design project. 2″ thick foam cleanly). Use spray adhesive to secure the foam to the plywood top or bench base. Then lay out the batting over the foam. You can use spray adhesive to secure the batting as well.
Step 2: Sewing the Cover
For this diy upholstered bench tutorial, I added custom piping. I trimmed my piping fabric down to a 1/2 inch seam allowance. I sewed the side piece to the piping/top piece, creating a tailored slip cover style fit. I like to “fit” my pieces to make sure everything fits correctly before I move on to the next step. It’s important to pull the fabric tight to avoid any wrinkles.
Step 3: Attaching the Fabric
After making sure it fits, staple the fabric onto the bench’s wood frame using a staple gun. Start in the middle of each side and work your way out. Pull the fabric taut as you go. Staple the batting and fabric securely underneath. You can then cut the excess fabric away for a clean finish.
Step 4: Tufting and Finishing
Next, get ready to add the covered buttons. Mark where you’d like the buttons. I centered three along the center. Using a long upholstery needle and strong thread, sew through the fabric, batting, foam, and webbing. Pull tight to create the tuft and tie a knot to secure, following this great tutorial. This adds a beautiful, professional touch to your upholstered bench.
Finally, add the legs back on. All done! Whether you have a metal frame or a wooden one, this makeover process works wonderfully. If you built your own frame, you might need to follow a great tutorial on how to make it sturdy. drill pocket holes and use pocket screws with a kreg jig to join the support pieces before you start building your home design project. upholster.
Conclusion
As we have seen, making a DIY Upholstered Bench is not as tricky as it seems. All you need are the right materials and simple steps to follow. Don’t worry if your bench project doesn’t turn out perfectly at first- just keep trying and soon you will be able to create something beautiful just like these ones in this blog! Are you ready to give one of these benches a try? Leave us a comment below!
FAQs
Q: What basic tools and materials do I need to make an upholstered bench as a beginner?
A: You can find approachable DIY projects by starting with simple materials: plywood for the bench seat, foam pad (1–3″ depending on comfort), upholstery fabric, batting, wood screws, a drill, staple gun, scissors, and sandpaper. If you follow a great tutorial—many like Sawdust Sisters provide step-by-step photos—you may also use pocket holes to join legs or trim pieces for a polished look. For measurements, plan the bench length and width (for example a common size is 48″ x 14″) and consider a 16″ bench height if you’re matching standard seating.
Q: How do I choose the right upholstery fabric and avoid stains?
A: Select upholstery fabric that’s durable and made for seating; look for higher rub counts and fabrics labeled for heavy use. Consider stain-resistant or pre-treated fabrics, or apply a fabric protector after upholstery to reduce the chance of stains. If you want a DIY version that’s easy to clean, choose synthetic blends or performance fabrics; always pre-wash or spot-test first and keep a small scrap for future repairs.
Q: What are the easy steps to make an upholstered bench from start to finish?
A: Easy steps typically include: cut the bench seat plywood to your desired length and width (e.g., 48″ x 14″), build or attach the base/legs (using pocket holes to join pieces for a strong frame), attach the foam to the top with spray adhesive, add batting for softness, wrap the upholstery fabric all the way around and staple underneath, then add trim pieces to hide staples. Many tutorials break these into small, approachable DIY projects so you can follow one step at a time.
Q: Can I create a no-sew upholstered bench and what techniques are involved?
A: Yes, a no-sew approach is common: you attach the foam and batting to the bench seat, pull the upholstery fabric all the way around the underside, and secure it with staples or upholstery tacks. Use adhesive for the foam and consider folding corners neatly or adding trim pieces to conceal raw edges in your home design. This DIY version avoids a sewing machine while still producing a beautiful bench.
Q: How thick should the foam be and how do I attach the foam securely?
A: Foam thickness depends on comfort—1″ to 2″ is common for a slim cushion, while 2″ to 3″ or more provides plush seating for your home design. To attach the foam, cut it to the bench seat dimensions, spray a light adhesive on the plywood and the foam, press the foam into place, then cover with batting and fabric. Make sure the foam covers the full bench seat area; you can use multiple layers or a denser foam for longer-lasting support.
