Welcome, DIY enthusiasts to a journey on how to simply upholster your bench and turn it into chic and cozy seating heaven. Why not use the old, ugly bench that you are waiting to toss when you can make just as beautiful and practical as a new one that you would otherwise, have to buy! In this step by step guide, you will learn how to upholster your bench using aa staple gun, scissors, tape measure and the ever stylish fabric – linen.
This type of bench is useful for hidden storage. I put my travel bags as well as backpacks into it. I love how it hides so much stuff. Clearly, it is one of the solutions for the storage, it looks good and serves the purpose.
Step 1: Fabric Yardage for Upholstery
When following the process on how to simply upholster a bench, first we need to measure the fabric yardage. Measure the length and width of each cushion, seam to seam, along with side panels and add an inch or two foresaw allowances. I like to have a little extra, just in case piece of fabric gets scratched or ripped. Now measure the back of the bench, seam to seam. Do the same with the front of the bench. Measure the inside part if your bench has storage like mine. It is up to you if you want to upholster inside of it, it is not visible until open, so I decided not to do that part. I really wanted to make it simple and fast by focusing on what is visible when entering the room. I used about 4 yards total.
Step 2: Gather your materials
Before diving into this creativity of how to simply upholster a bench, let’s gather our tools. What you need: staple gun, sharp scissors, tape measure and your fabric of choice, I suggest timeless beauty of linen. Linen is famous for it’s durability and classic style, plus it’s natural fabric. Before staring make sure you have enough staples as you will need them. Buy an extra package of staples. Now let’s get started.
Step 3: Remove the hardware and legs, If there are any.
Please note that in this case you can simply reinstall the hardware on the same place, the way to do it by not covering the holes where the hardware was. In case you want to go all in and warp up the inside of the bench, just mark lightly with a graphite pen on the fabric, where the screws were originally installed. That way you can just screw them back once you’re done upholstering. Legs are usually, screwed onto the base, the same way you do when putting them back on.
Step 4: Measure and cut the linen
Ok, I know what you think. What should I do with the existing upholstery, shouldn’t I remove it?
No, not if you want the look like I achieved for my bench, it has no seams and it’s really a minimalist product by it’s design. If you want to remove, you can see on how to do it here.
Applying new fabric on the base
Now back to basics, we are working on applying new fabric. Unroll your chosen fabric and lay it on the flea surface, I did all the work on the floor. Place the top part on top of the fabric and take measurements, cut the fabric to your fit, keep in mind and inch or two more to staple it to the inside part. When creating a seam, which will be on the inside part only, don’t be afraid to use as many staples as needed. Fold the seam so there is about one inch thickness to make sure it stays there. Stretch it as you move from one side to another. See pictures for better idea.
Now the base, the actual storage part that is also the biggest. To be honest with you, here I haven’t used tape measure. I just unrolled the fabric and wrapped it around the base. Then I cut the fabric where I think it is more then enough to wrap it around my bench. Turn the bench base upside down, start by stapling the bottom of the bench, fold the seam to be one inch and staple as much as you think is needed.
I used good amount of staples as nobody sees that part of the beach so it looks clean no matter what. YOU CAN’T MESS IT UP! Work your way around it till you finish the bottom. Then rotate and do the side of the bench, stapling it into the inside part, again, nobody sees except when you open it!
Step 5: Corners, a tucking marvel!
When approaching edges, pull it gently so it is snug fit, fold the excessive fabric under and staple. To create beautifully folded edges, trim any excess fabric and fold it over like wrapping a gift! The most staples are going to the edges to secure them.
Step 6: Conceal and put back the hardware and legs
Make sure that the staples are not visible and the fabric is tight enough so there are not wrinkles. Once checked, screw back on the hardware and the legs. If you have sawing skills you can make a handle with the same fabric to use when opening the bench for storage.
Congratulations! You successfully upholstered your old bench turning it into beautifully redesigned piece that will be not only good looking but also used! This is not the end, you can elevate your bench to another level by using some decorative pillows and placing it on the right spot. Let your creativity fly.
Namaste,
Jana
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