Ever find the perfect piece of furniture (one you truly love) only to repaint the room or refresh the space and suddenly the color just doesn’t work anymore? It’s frustrating, especially when the piece itself is still beautiful.
That’s exactly where I found myself recently. So while scrolling through Instagram to get inspiration, I came across a post from Jessica at @itty_bitty_farmhouse, where she shared a simple DIY showing how she updated the cushion on the Vintage-Inspired Wooden Bench with an Upholstered Seat to better fit her space. I absolutely loved the idea…such an easy, creative way to make a timeless piece feel brand new again.
A Vintage-Inspired Wooden Bench with an Upholstered Seat is one of those versatile staples that works beautifully in both living room decor and entryway decor, but even classic pieces sometimes need a little adjustment to match a refreshed palette or new design direction. The good news? A few small updates can help it blend seamlessly into your space while keeping all of its vintage charm.
In this article, I’ll share with you Jessica’s easy and approachable way to personalize your furniture so it feels intentional, layered, and perfectly at home again!
What You’ll Learn in This Article
- Supplies you’ll need to get started
- Step-by-step instructions for personalizing your bench
- Tips for styling the bench for both everyday living and seasonal refreshes
Supplies You’ll Need
You don’t need a full workshop to personalize this piece. Here’s a simple supply list depending on how far you want to take it:
- Vintage-Inspired Wooden Bench with an Upholstered Seat (or another upholstered furniture piece)
- Upholstery-friendly fabric
- Staple gun and staples (if changing fabric)
- Decorative nail heads or trim (optional)
- Wood polish or furniture wax
- Styling accents: decorative throw pillows or lumbar pillow, a cozy throw blanket, baskets, books, a tray
Step-by-Step: How to Personalize Your Wooden Bench
Step 1: Remove the Cushion
Carefully remove the seat cushion from the bench, setting the frame aside.
Step 2: Wrap with New Fabric
Lay your upholstery fabric face down on the floor, then place the cushion upside down on top of it (just like Jessica did). Pull the fabric snugly around the cushion, smoothing out any wrinkles and keeping the fabric taut for a clean, polished look.
Step 3: Secure the Fabric
Use a staple gun to secure the fabric on the underside of the cushion, making sure everything feels snug and polished.
Styling Ideas for Different Spaces
Entryway Decor Styling Tips
- Pair the bench with wall hooks for bags and hats.
- Add a woven basket underneath for everyday essentials.
- Keep the look simple and welcoming.
Living Room Decor Styling Tips
- Use the bench as extra seating for guests.
- Style it with pillows that coordinate with your sofa.
- Layer it with a coffee table or area rug for depth.
Final Thoughts
Seeing Jessica from @itty_bitty_farmhouse update the cushion to better suit her space is a great reminder that even the simplest changes can completely refresh a piece. Whether it’s styled for your entryway or your living room, the Vintage-Inspired Wooden Bench with an Upholstered Seat can evolve with your home and the seasons, making it both practical and meaningful.
For more decorating inspiration, styling tips, and DIY ideas, be sure to visit the Decor Steals Journal. And don’t forget to explore our Spring Collection for fresh finds that make personalizing your space effortless and fun.
Your home should tell your story, one beautifully styled piece at a time.