Our DIY No Sew Bench Cushion (Easy + Affordable!)

August 31, 2024

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Sources: plaid blankets // Bamboo Shades (see more details and close up photo of color in this post) // more sources at end

While my intention was always to have an upholstered seat cushion made for our dining bench, I didn’t want to rush into it! It’s expensive to have a custom cover made so I wanted to give myself some time to decide what fabric to use. Meanwhile, I found a much simpler and more affordable DIY no sew bench cushion solution that has worked out great. Today I am finally sharing it with you!

Last year, late one evening, my daughter Courtney and I made our DIY no sew bench cushion with this foam and this tool. I took a few photos (even though it was dark out!) so you can see what the foam and the tool looks like.

The foam I used doesn’t have flame retardants in it, which is important especially if you plan to sleep on your foam cushion.

By the way, I will list more sources from this room the end of the post.

This knife made it easy to cut the foam.

All you have to do is order the foam size you need, use the tool to cut it to fit (or use a saw if you have one that will work). Our bench is shallower than the foam so we first just laid it out where it needed to go and then used a pen and ruler to figure out where to cut it.

It didn’t have to be cut perfectly as long as it was fairly straight and fit into the spot we have for the cushion. We used two pieces to make it fit all the way across since our bench is very long.

Then you can toss a throw or whatever size blanket you need over it!

I’ve been telling you about these washable plaid blankets that I’ve recently fallen in love with — I got two more because I realized they would be the most perfect cozy fall “cover” for my dining bench! They come in other pretty colors, too (see them all here).

This bench seat hack was actually my parents’ idea — I think it was brilliant! I looked for a pre-made cushion, too, but the length we needed was too long for most ready-made options. The beauty of cutting your own foam is that you can make it whatever size you need!

My blankets haven’t been washed yet but when they are the creases will come out. I couldn’t wait to try them here! I used two throws.

I just tucked some of the edges in the back and sides. Our dining bench has a ledge / lip on it to keep the cushion from falling off so we could tuck the blanket in on the front too, but I think it is easier to just leave the throw hanging over the edge. We have drawers so as long as we don’t let it hang down too far it easy to open drawers.

You can change up the look for a new season with any quilt or blanket (be sure to get a narrow one if your bench is shallower like mine). I usually use these patterned reversible washable blankets!

I love the weight, colors and pattern of these wool blankets! So cozy!

You all know I’m usually not too excited about or skilled with DIY’s, but trust me. This one was easy enough for even someone like me. I was motivated to finish the bench in our dining room so we could actually use it (isn’t that the point of what we do at home?) but the savings and quick fix of this option made it worth trying before investing in a custom seat. I’m so glad we did.

Another benefit of this idea is with washable blankets you aren’t worried about people (or little grande babes!) actually sitting on the bench to eat. If they spill, no problem! You can just toss the blanket in the wash.

Even if I do eventually get my custom cushion, I will likely want to cover it with a blanket anyway so I realized I might as well start with something like this! Honestly I’m not a high end fancy pants gal who must have perfect everything, so anything casual and practical but still charming like this makes it feel like our home.

We have another bench in our living room which we use for seating (and changing babies LOL) every time our family comes over. This one already had a custom cushion and cover on it, but I still use throws to give it different looks. Right now this cushion is “wrapped” with this thin reversible blanket and the plaid is of course just laying over top as an accent. I just think it’s fun to be able to change the look of it so easily and affordably.

Now that I’ve lived with our DIY dining bench cushion for almost a year now, I might wait a couple more years on a custom bench seat!