After months of searching for the perfect bedroom bench to fit the end of our king-sized bed, I realized that everything I found was either too short, not the right style, or way out of my budget. I wanted something modern to match our new nightstands and long enough to span the width of our bed, but nothing I found fit the bill.
The bench that truly caught my eye was a gorgeous, modern piece from Wayfair—but at $800, it was definitely not in the cards for us.
That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands and build a custom bench myself. Not only did this let me choose the exact size, color, and fabric I wanted, but it also saved us a ton of money. In the end, I was able to create a beautiful, sturdy, and comfortable upholstered bench for less than $125—all while adding a personal touch to our bedroom.
perfectIn this post, I’ll show you exactly how I built our modern upholstered bedroom bench, step by step, so you can create your own stylish and affordable piece.
Why Build Your Own Bedroom Bench?
Building my own bedroom bench turned out to be one of the most satisfying and easiest DIY projects I’ve done so far. Not only did it allow me to get the exact size and style I wanted, but it also meant I didn’t have to compromise on quality or price.
Most of the benches I found in stores were either too short for our king-sized bed or didn’t match the modern look I was going for. And the few that did check all the boxes came with a hefty price tag—sometimes upwards of $1500!
By designing and building the bench myself, I was able to:
- Customize the length to perfectly fit our bed
- Match the style and stain to our new nightstands for a cohesive look
- Choose a luxurious navy crushed velvet fabric for the cushion
- Save hundreds of dollars compared to buying a similar bench online
Plus, there’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing a piece of furniture you built with your own hands become a focal point in your bedroom. If you’re looking for a way to add both function and style to your space—without breaking the bank—building your own bench is absolutely worth it.
Materials & Tools
One of the best parts about this project is how simple and affordable the materials are. I was able to use some scraps I already had, and the rest were easy to find at my local hardware and craft stores. Here’s everything you’ll need to build your own modern upholstered bedroom bench:
Materials
- 2x10s – for the main construction of the bench (legs and top)
- 1/4″ plywood – for the base of the cushion (I used scraps)
- Foam padding – for the cushion (Home Depot)
- Batting – to wrap the cushion for a plush look (Hobby Lobby)
- Navy crushed velvet fabric – for the upholstery (Hobby Lobby)
- Wood glue
- Pocket hole screws
- Black wood stain – to match the nightstands (plus pre-stain conditioner)
- Polyurethane – for a durable finish
Tools
- Circular saw – for cutting the 2x10s and plywood
- Sander – I used 80 grit to remove the top layer, then 150 grit for a smooth finish
- Pocket hole jig – for strong, hidden joints
- Drill – for assembling the bench
- Foam brush – for applying stain
- 3″ brush – for applying polyurethane
- Staple gun – for attaching the fabric, batting, and foam to the plywood
- Measuring tape, pencil, and safety gear
Tip: If you’re new to DIY, don’t worry—this project is very beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any specialty tools beyond a saw, drill, and staple gun.
Planning & Preparation
Before you start building, take a few minutes to plan out your bench and gather all your materials. I recommend measuring the width of your bed and deciding how long you want your bench to be—I wanted mine to span the entire end of our king-sized bed, so I made sure to cut my boards accordingly.
Sketching out a simple design or referencing inspiration photos (like the one I found on Wayfair) can help you visualize the finished piece and make sure you’re happy with the proportions. If you’re matching other furniture, like I did with our nightstands, bring a sample of your stain or fabric to the store to make sure everything coordinates.
A few tips from my experience:
- Choose the straightest boards you can find to avoid warping or twisting.
- Double-check all your measurements before making any cuts.
- Get out all your materials and tools before you begin to make the build go more smoothly.
- If you’re new to upholstery, practice stapling fabric and batting on a scrap piece first to get the hang of it. It’s really easy.
Taking the time to plan ahead will make the building process much easier and help you avoid mistakes.
Cut List
| Material | Quantity | Dimensions (inches) | Description / Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2×10 boards | 4 | 70 (L), 18 (L) | Main bench construction (top & legs) | 8-foot boards cut to 70″ (top) and 18″ (legs); you’ll have offcuts |
| 1/4″ plywood | 1 | 18 x 69 3/4 | Cushion base | Cut slightly shorter to account for batting & fabric stretch |
| Foam topper | 1 | 18 x 69 3/4 | Cushion padding | Use 1/4″ plywood as a guide; cut with a bread knife for best results |
| Upholstery fabric | 1 | ~23 x 75 | Cushion cover | Cut to overlap and wrap around foam & plywood by 1–2″ on each side |
| Batting | 1 | ~22 x 74 | Cushion wrap | Cut to wrap over foam and plywood, slightly smaller than fabric |
Notes:
- Quantities are for one bench.
- Adjust fabric and batting measurements as needed for your preferred overlap and thickness.
- Use the plywood and foam as a template for cutting both the foam and fabric.
Step-by-Step Building Instructions
Cut and Rip All Pieces
Start by cutting your 2×10 boards to length—four pieces at 70 inches for the bench top and bottom, and 18 inches for the legs. Next, use a circular saw to rip each board down to 9 inches wide, cutting off the small curved edges. This not only makes the boards exactly 9 inches wide but also squares the edges for a cleaner, more professional look.
Attach All Boards Together Lengthwise
Take two of the 70-inch boards and glue them together lengthwise to create one wide bench top. Repeat with the remaining two 70-inch boards for the bottom section. Do the same with the 18-inch boards: glue two together lengthwise for one leg, and the other two for the second leg. Clamp all glued boards tightly and let them dry completely. This will give you the two wide pieces you need for the bench top, bottom, and the two for the legs.
Sand All Surfaces
Before assembly, sand all pieces thoroughly. Start with 80 grit sandpaper to remove rough spots and markings, then finish with 150 grit for a smooth surface. Pay extra attention to the edges and corners for a professional look.
Assemble the Bench Frame
Use a pocket hole jig and wood glue to attach the legs to the bench top and bottom. Drill pocket holes in the ends of the bench top and bottom and secure the 18-inch legs with screws and glue. Make sure everything is square and level before tightening the screws.
Stain and Finish the Bench
Apply a pre-stain conditioner to the wood, then stain the bench with your preferred wood stain. I used black to match our nightstands but you can use whatever suits your fancy or even paint it instead.
Let the paint/stain dry between coats as needed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the stain is fully dry, apply a coat of polyurethane for durability, sanding lightly between coats for a super smooth finish.
Cut and Prepare the Cushion Base
IN between coats of stain, paint, or polyurethane you can make your bench cushion.
Cut your 1/4″ plywood to 18 x 69 3/4 inches. Use this plywood as a template to cut your foam topper to the same size (a bread knife works great for slicing foam cleanly).
Assemble the Upholstered Cushion
Lay the foam on top of the plywood, then cover both with batting. Place your fabric (right side down) on a flat surface, then center the foam and plywood on top. Pull the fabric and batting over the edges and staple them to the underside of the plywood, starting in the center of each side and working toward the corners. Keep the fabric taut for a smooth, professional finish.
Attach the Cushion to the Bench
Once the bench frame and cushion are both finished and dry, center the cushion on top of the bench. This is just a floating cushion so it’s not attached to the bench. You can attach it if you want though.
Final Touches
Give everything a final wipe-down, check that all hardware is secure, and place your new bench at the end of your bed. Enjoy your custom, modern addition!
Cost Breakdown
We saved so much money by building this bench ourselves—I still can’t believe we created an $800 designer-inspired bench for less than $125 (using scraps/on-hand materials) or under $200 if you need to buy everything new. DIY wins again!
| Material | Price (Scraps/On Hand) | Price if Purchased New |
|---|---|---|
| 2x10s (4 @ $8.98) | $35.92 | $35.92 |
| 1/4″ plywood (1 sheet) | $0 | $29.88 |
| Foam padding (1) | $30.78 | $30.78 |
| Batting (1) | $8.99 | $8.99 |
| Fabric (2.5 yds @ $8.99) | $22.48 | $22.48 |
| Oil-based pre-stain (1 can) | $0 | $19.88 |
| Black stain (1 can) | $13.98 | $13.98 |
| Polyurethane (1 can) | $0 | $24.48 |
| Total | $112.15 | $186.39 |
Note: Prices do not include tax and may vary by location and retailer.
Tips for Success
- Rip and Square Your Boards: Cutting off the curved edges of your 2x10s not only gives a cleaner look but also helps your boards glue up seamlessly.
- Pick the Straightest Boards: Take your time at the lumber yard to select boards that are as straight and flat as possible. This will make assembly much easier and your bench sturdier.
- Clamp Well and Let Dry: When gluing boards together, use plenty of clamps and let the glue dry fully before moving on. This ensures a strong, even bond.
- Sand Before Assembly: Sanding all your pieces before putting the bench together makes it much easier to get a smooth, professional finish.
- Wipe Away Glue: Any glue left on the surface will prevent stain from absorbing evenly. Wipe away excess glue while it’s wet, or scrape it off after it dries.
- Take Your Time With Upholstery: Pull the fabric tight and staple from the center out for a smooth, wrinkle-free cushion. Don’t be afraid to redo a section if it doesn’t look right.
- Customize the Size: Adjust the length and width to perfectly fit your space—just measure your bed and cut accordingly.
- Let Finishes Cure: Allow stain and polyurethane to dry and cure fully for the most durable, beautiful result.
- Enjoy the Process: DIY is about learning and creating something unique for your home. Don’t stress about small imperfections—they add character!
Final Thoughts
Building this modern upholstered bench was such a rewarding project—not only did it save us hundreds of dollars, but it also gave us a custom piece that fits our bedroom perfectly. I love how the bench ties the whole room together and adds both style and function to the end of our bed. The process was straightforward and beginner-friendly, and I’m so glad I took the leap instead of settling for something that didn’t quite fit our needs or budget.
If you’ve been eyeing those expensive designer benches but can’t justify the price, I hope this guide inspires you to try building your own. With a little planning and some basic tools, you can create a beautiful, high-quality piece for a fraction of the cost.
Happy building!
