A bench at the foot of your bed adds style, storage, and a practical spot to sit while tying your shoes. The best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune to get one. With a few tools, some fabric, and a little patience, you can make your own upholstered bench that looks like it came straight out of a furniture catalog.

Start with a sturdy piece of plywood as your bench top. Measure your bed’s width to decide how long the bench should be (typically two-thirds the width of your bed looks best). Attach the legs to the underside of the plywood using screws and a drill. Ensure everything feels steady before proceeding.

Cut your foam to fit the top of the plywood. Use spray adhesive or double-sided tape to secure it in place, preventing it from shifting while you work.

Lay batting over the foam, wrapping it down the sides of the bench. This softens the edges and makes the fabric look smooth. Pull the batting tight and staple it to the underside of the plywood.

Lay your fabric face-down on the floor, then place the bench upside-down on top of it. Pull the fabric over the foam and batting, stapling it to the underside. Start by securing the center of each side first, then work your way toward the corners. For the corners, fold the fabric neatly (like wrapping a gift) and staple it tight.

Flip your bench over and make sure the fabric looks smooth and even. Trim any extra fabric on the underside if needed. Give it a quick sit test to make sure it feels solid.

In just a few hours, you’ve got a custom bench that fits perfectly at the end of your bed. Not only does it look good, but it also adds function—use it as a seat, a spot to lay out tomorrow’s outfit, or even a place to tuck a tray for books or blankets.

A DIY upholstered bench is one of those projects that looks harder than it is. With basic tools and a weekend afternoon, you can create a piece that’s both practical and stylish. Plus, you get the satisfaction of saying, “I made that.”