6/3

DIY Bedside Bench

Bedroom, Budget: $$, D.I.Y. Project, Home Decor, One Day Project, Project ReStyle, Renter Friendly
By Emma Chapman

6U8A9262 6U8A9283I am still completely obsessed with our home office kilim rugs. They are just so pretty. I really wanted to incorporate a similar pattern into our bedroom. I decided to add a small, foot-of-the-bed bench to our space, and I wanted one that included some kind of kilim rug design (actual or inspired, I'm not that picky). There are a number of different kinds sold online, ranging anywhere from $500-$2000+. 

I decided to go ahead and make my own since the project seemed fairly simple. I could then choose my own rug/colors more easily, and the project could be more affordable. I'm so happy I did! I really love this new addition to our bedroom. In case you are curious, here's how I made my bench:

Supplies for building a benchSupplies:
-3/4" plywood sheet (mine is 44" x 18")
-rug (be sure it is at least 2"-3" inches wider and longer than the bench top—I bought mine on eBay)
-bench legs (I bought two white combination hairpin legs from here)
-1" foam batting (sometimes sold by the yard or more; see what's available at your craft store)
-staples
-eight 1/2" wood screws

Tools:
-power saw (or you can get the plywood cut at the lumber yard)
-power drill
-staple gun

Cost: $195 (this can vary greatly depending on the type of legs you use or the rug you buy)

Step One: Cut your plywood to the size you need. Again, you can totally have the lumber yard (Home Depot, Lowes, Meek's, etc.) cut the wood for you if you don't have a power saw.

How to make a benchStep Two: Cut the foam batting to fit your plywood bench top. I found that it is best if the foam is about 1/4" smaller on all sides. This helps the rug to fit over the foam and wood a little easier.

Step Three: Begin stapling the rug to the edge of the plywood. It's best to really take your time and plan out the corners and make sure the rug and top design are going to fit your bench exactly how you like it. I chose to staple down the two longer sides first. Think of this process sort of like wrapping a present. I found it was MUCH easier to hold the rug in place and staple if I had help (thanks, Jacki!).

How to quickly build a benchStep Four: Once you have the first two sides stapled, it's time to fold the end edges and staple those sides as well. If you have to cut part of the rug to fit your bench size, you can use Fray Check or a little glue to help the ends to keep from fraying.

Step Five: Screw the legs of the bench into place. Be sure to measure to get them centered properly.

6U8A92886U8A9305I love how our new bench added a little more color and pattern into our bedroom. Plus this project turned out to be so simple! Once I had all my supplies, it took less than an hour to complete. I also love that you could easily use a slightly stained or damaged rug for the bench top. Great way to use the part of a rug (or thick blanket) that may have some blemishes. Thanks for letting me share! xo. Emma

P.S. My bench is mostly decorative. If you plan to use your bench for seating, I would recommend bracing the bottom of the bench or possibly using thicker plywood.

Credits // Author: Emma Chapman. Project Assistant: Jacki Moseley. Photography: Sarah Rhodes and Emma Chapman. Photos edited with Petal from the Fresh Collection.

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