How to Build a Dressing Table Bench

Making your own dressing table bench allows you to design the shape you want, add the embellishments that please you, and it allows you to customize the color of the dressing table bench with the use of paint, stain and fabric for the cushion.

Things You'll Need

• 2 two-by-fours 18 1/2 inches long
• 2 two-by-fours 14 1/2 inches long
• 2 two-by-fours 4-6 inches long
• Plywood 18 1/2 x 14 1/2 inches
• Measuring tape
• Saw
• Drill
• Table legs 17 1/2 inches long, purchased or cut from two-by-fours
• Table leg installation hardware
• Miter box
• Screws
• Wood glue
• Sand paper
• Tack cloth
• Paint or stain
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Bobbin
• Straight pins
• Elastic
• Safety pin
• Upholstery fabric at least 24 x 22 inches
• Upholstery foam 18 1/2 x 14 1/2 x 2
• Spray tack

Instructions

Create a Dressing Table Bench

1. Create the framework of the seat by cutting two 2x4s to 18 1/2 inches in length, and cutting another two to 14 1/2 inches in length. Screw brackets into the frame pieces and secure them together, making a box shape.

2. Top the framework with plywood cut to 18 1/2 x 14 1/2 inches. Run wood glue around the top of the frame and lay the plywood on top. Drill down through the plywood and into the frame to secure the top to the frame.

3. Purchase table legs, bench legs or cut legs from 2x4s to 17 1/2 inches in height. Locate one leg in each corner of the frame and secure into place using a metal device known as installation hardware for table legs. Screw this metal plate to the table leg and then to the plywood in each corner.

4. Cut a brace piece that fits snugly against the table leg and each side of the frame. Use a miter box to cut a 45 degree angle to make the brace fit up to the frame. The brace will make a triangle with the table leg inside. Screw the brace to the frame to add stability to the table leg and prevent wobbly legs.

5. Add any embellishments you care to such as scroll work. Sand the dressing table bench and clean it using a tack cloth. Apply a paint of coat or stain to the bench and allow it dry thoroughly.

Upholster the Dressing Table Bench

1. Sew a one inch seam all the way around your upholstery fabric. Be sure to leave both ends open, do not sew it shut.

2. Pin your safety pin to one end of the elastic band and thread it through your seam. Leave the ends of the elastic exposed.

3. Spray the top of the dressing table bench with spray tack. Lay the upholstery foam on top of the dressing bench and press firmly into place. Allow to dry thoroughly.

4. Lay your upholstery fabric over the plywood and pull the elastic strings together to secure the fabric over the upholstery foam. Tie the two ends together and tuck up under the fabric. Don't sew it, leave it tied so you can remove the upholstery for laundering.

Tips & Warnings

• You can purchase pre-made legs, or you can build them yourself out of two-by-fours cut to size.

• The dimensions of the corner brace pieces will vary depending upon the size of the bench legs chosen.

• Purchase table leg installation hardware at any local home improvement center or hardware store for a few dollars each.