How to Reupholster Bedroom Bench: Easy Steps for Stunning Makeover

Nov 21, 2025 ~ 9 min read

Is your bedroom bench looking tired or outdated? Reupholstering it can give your space a fresh, stylish boost without spending a fortune.

You might think it’s a tough job, but with the right steps, you can transform your bench yourself. Imagine sitting on a piece that perfectly matches your style and feels brand new. Ready to learn how to bring your bedroom bench back to life?

Keep reading, and you’ll discover simple tips that make reupholstering easier than you ever thought.

Materials Needed

Reupholstering a bedroom bench can refresh its look and feel. You will need the right materials to do the job well.

Gathering all materials before starting saves time and makes the process easier.

Fabric Choices

Choosing the right fabric is important for comfort and style. Pick a fabric that fits your room’s look.

Consider the durability and texture of the fabric. Some fabrics are easier to clean than others.

Cotton: soft and easy to clean
Linen: natural look and breathable
Velvet: smooth and luxurious feel
Leather or faux leather: durable and stylish
Polyester blends: strong and stain resistant

Tools Required

You need some basic tools to remove old fabric and attach new fabric. These tools help you work safely and quickly.

Staple gun with staples
Scissors for cutting fabric
Screwdriver to remove the bench seat
Pliers to pull out old staples or tacks
Measuring tape to size fabric pieces
Hammer for tacks or nails

Additional Supplies

Other supplies help make the bench comfortable and neat. Pick items that fit your bench size.

Batting or foam padding for cushion
Fabric glue (optional) for extra hold
Chalk or fabric marker to mark cuts
Drop cloth or old sheets to protect your workspace
Heavy-duty thread and needle for sewing (optional)

Preparing The Bench

Preparing your bedroom bench is the first step to reupholstering it. A good prep makes the work easier and the results better.

This stage includes removing old fabric, checking the frame, and cleaning the surface.

Removing Old Fabric

Start by taking off the old fabric carefully. Use tools like a screwdriver or pliers to pull out staples or tacks.

Keep the fabric pieces if you want to use them as a pattern for the new fabric.

Use pliers to remove staples or nails
Work slowly to avoid damaging the wood
Save old fabric pieces for size reference

Inspecting And Repairing Frame

Look closely at the bench frame for any cracks or loose joints. Fix these issues before adding new fabric.

Tighten screws or add wood glue to strengthen weak spots. Let glue dry completely before moving on.

Check for broken or loose parts
Tighten screws and bolts
Use wood glue for cracks
Allow glue to dry fully

Cleaning The Surface

Clean the bench surface to remove dust and dirt. A clean surface helps the fabric stick better.

Use a damp cloth or mild cleaner. Avoid soaking the wood to prevent damage.

Remove dust with a dry cloth first
Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap
Dry the surface well before upholstering

Measuring And Cutting Fabric

Reupholstering a bedroom bench needs careful measuring and cutting of fabric. This step ensures the fabric fits perfectly and looks neat.

Taking accurate measurements and cutting the right size fabric helps avoid waste and extra work.

Taking Accurate Measurements

Use a tape measure to get the bench’s exact length, width, and thickness. Measure the top surface and sides if you will cover them.

Write down each measurement clearly. Double-check by measuring twice to avoid mistakes.

Measure the bench seat’s length and width
Measure the thickness or height of the seat cushion
Note if you need to cover the sides or corners

Choosing The Right Fabric Size

Pick a fabric piece larger than your measurements. Add extra inches to fold around edges and staple underneath.

Adding 3 to 5 inches on each side works well for most benches. This allows enough fabric to pull tight and secure.

Add at least 3 inches to length and width
Consider fabric pattern direction when choosing size
Buy extra fabric for mistakes or future repairs

Cutting Techniques

Use sharp fabric scissors to cut clean lines. Lay the fabric flat on a hard surface before cutting.

Cut slowly along your marked lines to avoid uneven edges. Use chalk or fabric markers to mark measurements.

Use fabric scissors only to keep edges neat
Mark fabric with chalk for clear cutting lines
Cut on a flat, stable surface for accuracy

Padding And Cushioning

Reupholstering a bedroom bench needs good padding. Padding makes the bench soft and comfortable.

Choosing the right materials and attaching them properly helps the bench look neat and last longer.

Selecting Foam Or Batting

Foam adds firm support and shapes the cushion well. Batting gives a soft, smooth finish over the foam.

Pick foam thickness based on how soft you want the bench. Use batting to cover foam and add softness.

High-density foam for firm support
Low-density foam for softer feel
Polyester batting for smooth padding
Cotton batting for natural softness

Attaching Padding To Bench

Place foam on the bench seat first. Cut it to fit the shape and size of the bench.

Use spray adhesive or double-sided tape to keep foam in place. This stops it from moving.

Cut foam to match bench seat
Apply spray adhesive on foam and bench
Press foam firmly onto bench seat
Add batting over foam for softness

Smoothing And Securing Padding

Spread batting evenly over the foam. Smooth out any wrinkles or lumps carefully.

Staple the batting under the bench seat. Pull tight to keep it smooth and secure.

Check for wrinkles before stapling
Pull batting tight for a smooth finish
Staple every few inches along edges
Trim extra batting after stapling

Attaching New Fabric

Attaching new fabric to your bedroom bench can refresh its look. This step needs care to make the fabric tight and neat.

Follow these tips on positioning, stapling, and handling corners to get a smooth finish.

Positioning The Fabric

Lay the fabric flat on a clean surface. Place the bench seat upside down on top of the fabric. Make sure the pattern or nap of the fabric faces the right way. Leave extra fabric around the edges for stapling.

Stapling And Securing

Start stapling the fabric in the center of one side. Pull the fabric tight and staple the opposite side. Repeat this for the other two sides. Work your way towards the corners, adding staples about an inch apart.

Center the fabric on one edge and staple.
Pull fabric tight on the opposite edge and staple.
Staple the remaining two sides the same way.
Continue adding staples from the center to the corners.
Check for wrinkles and smooth as you staple.

Handling Corners And Edges

Folding corners neatly is key for a clean look. Use simple tucks or pleats to avoid bulk. Trim extra fabric if needed, but leave enough to secure firmly.

Corner Technique	How to Do It
Simple Fold	Fold fabric at the corner, then staple flat against the bench edge.
Pleated Corner	Make small pleats to reduce bulk, then staple securely.
Wrapped Corner	Wrap fabric around corner edges, folding under excess, then staple.

Finishing Touches

Completing your bedroom bench reupholstery involves crucial finishing touches. They ensure a neat and professional look.

Let’s explore how to trim excess fabric, add decorative elements, and conduct a final inspection.

Trimming Excess Fabric

After attaching the new fabric, you might see extra material hanging. Trimming it makes the bench look tidy.

Use sharp scissors to carefully cut away any excess. Be sure not to cut too close to the staples or seams.

Adding Decorative Elements

Decorative elements can personalize your bench. They add style and flair to the overall look.

Consider adding buttons, tassels, or trim. These items can be attached using fabric glue or a staple gun.

Buttons can create a tufted effect.
Tassels add a classic look.
Trim provides a finished edge.

Final Inspection

Inspect the bench to ensure everything is secure. Check for any loose fabric or untrimmed threads.

Make sure the bench is comfortable and looks appealing. This step ensures your hard work pays off with a beautiful result.

Maintenance Tips

Keeping your bedroom bench looking fresh is easy with regular care. Simple steps can make your upholstered bench last longer.

Follow these tips to maintain the beauty and comfort of your bench.

Cleaning Upholstered Bench

Regular cleaning prevents dirt buildup on your bench. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment for best results.

Vacuum weekly to remove dust
Use a fabric cleaner for stains
Spot clean spills immediately

Protecting Fabric

Protecting your fabric keeps it looking new. Consider using protective sprays.

Place your bench away from direct sunlight to avoid fading.

Repairing Minor Damages

Fix small tears or loose threads early to prevent bigger issues. A simple sewing kit can help with many repairs.


Issue	Solution
Loose Thread	Trim or sew back
Small Tear	Use fabric glue or sew
Stain	Apply stain remover

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Start Reupholstering A Bedroom Bench?

Begin by removing the old fabric carefully. Inspect the padding and frame for damage. Gather new fabric, foam, and tools before starting.

What Materials Are Needed For Reupholstering A Bench?

You need fabric, foam padding, a staple gun, scissors, and a screwdriver. Optional items include batting and fabric glue.

How Long Does It Take To Reupholster A Bedroom Bench?

Reupholstering usually takes 2 to 4 hours. Time varies based on bench size and your experience level.

Can I Use Any Fabric For Reupholstering?

Choose durable, upholstery-grade fabric for longevity. Avoid thin or delicate fabrics that wear out quickly.

Conclusion

Reupholstering a bedroom bench can refresh your room’s look. It saves money and lets you choose fabrics you love. The process is simple with basic tools and steps. Take your time to measure and cut carefully. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating something new and personal.

This small project brings comfort and style to your space. Try it yourself and see how easy it can be. Your bench will look fresh and feel cozy again. A little effort goes a long way.

By Gilbert Pappas

Interior Stylist & Home Decor Consultant based in Charleston, South Carolina. Gilbert shares practical decorating advice, furniture styling ideas, and timeless interior design solutions for every home.

Bedroom Decor