DIY Upholstery: How to Reupholster a Bench!

Photographer Erik Bolding once asked me if I could reupholster a bench for him. He figured I’d be up for the task since I’m pretty handy with a sewing machine—but let me tell you, upholstering a bench is a whole different ballgame!

Still, I took the bench home and immediately grabbed a gorgeous printed canvas fabric from Budgetstoffen. Let’s do this! If I can pull it off, so can you.

The Bench: A Diamond in the Rough

The bench was old and worn, but the wooden frame was still solid. Perfect candidate for a makeover!

What You’ll Need

The bench itself
Fabric (2m x 1.40m) – A sturdy, beautiful canvas or upholstery fabric works best
Tools: Pliers, hammer, scissors, tack puller
Supplies: Upholstery nails, finishing nails, wood glue, super glue

Step 1: Disassembly – Document Everything!

Pro tip: Grab your phone and take photos of how everything is put together. Once you start taking it apart, those photos will be your lifeline for reassembly.

Remove the bench seat from the frame (usually held by screws or bolts).
Carefully pull out the old nails with pliers—try not to damage them.
Remove the knotted nails from the center of the seat.
Peel off the old fabric, but keep the padding intact. Handle the fabric gently—if it stays in one piece, it’ll serve as a perfect template for the new fabric.
Remove the side panels.

Take your time! Rushing now means headaches later.

Step 2: Reupholstering – The Fun Part!

Trace and Cut:
Lay the old fabric pieces (seat and sides) onto your new fabric. Trace around them, leaving a little extra for seams if your fabric frays (like canvas). Cut them out.
Sew the Sides:
Sew the side panels, paying extra attention to the curves. Smooth, neat curves = professional finish!
Attach the Fabric:
- Drape the new fabric over the seat, width-wise.
- Start by securing it to the underside of the bench with nails.
- Fold the side panels over and reattach all the upholstery nails. Make sure the padding stays neatly in place. Pro tip: If you’re worried about shifting, use a bit of glue to hold it temporarily.
- For the seat nails: You can reuse the original ones or remove the vinyl tips, cover them with fabric, and reinsert them. This was tricky! I managed by gluing only the inside of the nail heads with super glue, then carefully hammering them back in. Use a small wooden block or cloth between the hammer and fabric to avoid damage.
Golden Rule: Don’t pull the fabric too tight—it’ll tear the first time someone sits down!

Final Touches & Pro Tips

Teamwork: Ask for help when reattaching the fabric. One person can stretch it taut while the other hammers in the nails.
Space: Make sure you have plenty of room to work.
Glue Alert: Be careful with wood glue and super glue—they can damage your fabric!
Bonus: Give the wooden frame a fresh coat of paint or some polish to make it shine.

The Grand Finale

The bench is now back in Erik Bolding’s studio, and it’s already been used for photoshoots! Check out this stunning shot of 4-year-old Chloe—what a model, and what a bench!