How To Cover A Wooden Bench With Fabric

You can turn a plain wooden bench into a charming piece of upholstered furniture with this quick and easy DIY cushion.

It's a simple, no sew project that anyone can do.

Ok, so are you ready for another long winded design tale?

Because you know I don't tell any other kind.

I can't help it, when I get rolling, I just keep going, making sure to cover all the details, twists and turns on my DIY and decorating journeys.

And apparently around here, there are no short design trips from A to B.

Case in point, my fabulous little wooden bench.

My husband made if for me a few years ago and after I got it into my brain that it was exactly what the room needed.

It was an adorable and eclectic addition to my kitchen.

I loved its simple lines and rustic elegance. 

Then one day this winter I woke up and thought, um, nope. Too cold.

The room needed more fabric and that bench needed to be dressed.

With so much in my stash, I debated my fabric choices for far too long. I started out certain that I was going to use this Ballard Design pattern that I used to make the first curtains I hung in the new family room.

But then I found a different pattern, that was a little more earthy and knew I had a winner.

So how did I do it?

Let's chat.

Adding A No Sew Cushion To A Wooden Bench 

My supplies:

• Foam
• Batting
• Fabric
• Power Staple Gun - I have a corded one. This cordless one is on my list. Same brand as the one I have now but no wires to get tangled in or work around.
• Staples
• Scissors

I started here with this bench.

Step 1. Make A Template

I drew a template on a large piece of paper and took it with me to the fabric store.

They cut the foam out in the shape I needed, which was awesome since I didn't really have the proper cutting tools at home. I also bought enough batting to cover the bench.

I chose a 1 1/2 inch foam and it worked out well.

Step 2. Set It Up

Next up I put a towel on the floor, laid the batting on top of it, placed the foam on top of the batting and finally put the bench, upside down, on the foam.

Step 3. Wrap It

Then I pulled the batting around the bench and the foam, tightly, paying attention to the curves of the wood.

Step 4. Staple

I was careful not to bunch it up to much, as I anchored it in place with my power stapler.

Step 5. Trim

I moved slowly around the bench and every so often, I took stock of my progress and trimmed away the excess batting.

I didn't cut it beforehand, because I wanted to make sure I didn't leave myself short.


When I was done, I had a nice neat bench covered with foam and batting.

I flipped it upright and to check it out and trim any random bits of batting before moving on to work with the fabric.


Now, I was ready for the fun part. The pretty part. 

Step 6. Add Fabric

I started by getting a fresh towel, since the old one was filled with batting fibers. They were everywhere and I didn't want them to get all over my brand new bench.

Once the towel was on the floor I basically repeated the same process I just shared. I placed the fabric, pattern down on the towel and the bench upside down on the fabric.

Step 7. Wrap 

Then I began to pull the fabric and wrap the bench. In order to have a nice neat edge and prevent fraying, I folded the fabric over once. 

Step 8. Staple The Fabric

And then I anchored it place with the staple gun.


Again, I worked my way around the bench, paying careful attention to the curves and corners.

I didn't want any bunches and I wanted each corner to be folded in the same way.


I had to flip the bench rightside up a few times to make sure it was looking good, but the extra time was worth it.

When I was done, I had a lovely upholstered bench.

And my story should have ended there...but...

But I decided that it was a bit plain and could use some flair.

And when I say flair, I mean pom pom trim.

I know, I know, I'm addicted. It's already on the sink skirt, the curtains and I just added it to my family room sofa...and yes, I'm aware that too much of a good thing, is a real thing.

I just couldn't help myself. So I pinned it in place. 

And promptly fell in love. 

I adored the pop.


I mean how adorable is that? It was almost perfect, too.

However, I felt it could be even more charming with the addition of a ruffled chair skirt, so I started to add one.

You can catch a glimpse of my in process work in this picture I took of my cottage kitchen one morning right after sunrise.


It was dreamy and exactly what I'd envisioned on the dreary winter day when I decided I needed more color and warmth.

Alas, my tale doesn't end here either, because you see that upholstered dining chair in the corner? Well, it needs help. 

I added a skirt to cover a tear years ago, but now that chair is falling apart and just as I was pinning the skirt onto the bench, I found this combo of fabrics to reupholster that chair that my lovely design assistant is holding up.

So gorgeous. I was immediately smitten with the colors and drama of it all. 

Unfortunately, I wasn't sure if the pom poms and the skirt were all going to be too much with that multicolored, multi-patterned chair.

Side note: If I was going to keep the trim, I would use iron on tape to attach it and a staple gun to create the ruffle like I did on my living room captain's chair.

And the only way to know that was to see it all in the room together.

Now, I would've been content to live with my half finished bench until that happened, but the rest of the family wasn't happy about getting pinched in the tail every time they sat on it. 

So being the good mom I try to be, I removed all the pins and decided to let that bench exist unadorned until I was sure all the extra fluff would look right in the room.

When the new chair shows up.

In several months.

Which is a long time to wait for anything.

And almost as long as my story.

😉

So stay tuned, friends!