I enjoy small DIY projects because they’re easy to recreate at any skill level, but I also love tackling slightly larger pieces—like furniture—that make a big impact in a room. The best part is when those larger projects are still simple and quick to complete.
I partnered with SWENYO, a shop with both online and physical locations that offers stylish items for your home, to create this super-easy, minimal bench and highlight a few of their products I think you’ll like—especially the pillows. There’s a discount code mentioned later, so keep reading!
Here’s a straightforward way to build a budget-friendly bench in under an hour.
Two choices make this bench fast to assemble: having the seat board cut to exact dimensions at the home improvement store (many will cut for free) and using only two skurniture legs instead of four. Fewer pieces means less measuring and less time fastening.
Materials
- One set of skurniture legs (2 legs, comes with bolts, locknuts, and a mini wrench)
- Sturdy board at least 1/2 inch thick (I used 0.656-inch laminated pine, cut to 32 × 12 inches)
- 14 × 14-inch carpet sample or rug scrap (I found mine for $2)
- Heavy-duty manual staple gun and staples
- Drill with a 1/8-inch drill bit or spade bit
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Sandpaper
Instructions
I’ll share the exact measurements I used so you can reproduce this quickly. Adjust dimensions as needed for your space.
1. Place the board on a flat surface with the finished side facing down. Since the board is 12 inches wide, mark the halfway point at 6 inches. From each end, measure in 6 inches and mark the location for each leg. The base plate of each leg should start at the 6-inch mark.
2. Set each leg plate on the board and trace the outline of the base plate. Then trace the inner holes of each plate so you know exactly where to drill.
3. Remove the legs and drill the traced holes. A 1/8-inch drill bit works well for the bolts that come with the legs.
4. Reposition the legs over the traced outlines, insert the bolts through the top of the board, add the locknuts underneath, and tighten using the included wrench.
5. Once the legs are securely attached, flip the bench over and sand any rough edges or imperfections on the seat surface.
6. To upholster the seat, place the rug sample face down on a clean, flat surface. Center the wooden bench on top of the fabric. Pull the fabric taut toward one edge and start stapling it to the underside of the seat. Begin stapling in the middle, then move to the sides, and finish by adding staples between those points—similar to stretching a canvas—to ensure an even, smooth finish.
7. Repeat the stapling process on the opposite side. Trim any excess fabric if necessary, flip the bench upright, and it’s ready to use.
Get this look
If you want to recreate the styled photos, here are the kinds of items I used: tan and teal throw pillows, a simple wall light, hanging air plant pods in orange and white, a practical ocean-green backpack for work, and a compact expandable ladder. These pieces add color and function without overwhelming the simple bench design.
Below are a few more photos of the finished bench and styling details.
Photography by Amelia Tatnall
Have you made furniture before? Will you try this budget-friendly bench project? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear how your build turns out.