10 Stunning DIY Bench Projects to Inspire Your Next Build

Hello friends, this post is a dead giveaway that I have a ~~slight~~ crush on benches…seriously, they are the best!

If you love DIY furniture projects, benches are a fantastic place to start! They are versatile, stylish, and functional—perfect for any space in your home. Whether you’re repurposing old furniture or building from scratch, you can create something truly unique. Below, I’ve gathered ten of my favorite DIY bench projects that you can make yourself. Let’s dive in!

Collage of 10 stunning DIY bench projects showcasing various styles, materials, and upcycling ideas from My Love 2 Create.

1. King-Size Headboard Bench

Have an old headboard lying around? Why not transform it into a gorgeous bench! This project is perfect for giving new life to outdated furniture while creating a beautiful statement piece. Learn how to make your own king-size headboard bench here.

A DIY upcycling project turning an old wooden bed frame into a stylish black bench. The top half shows the disassembled bed frame leaning against a wall, while the bottom half presents the final result—a repurposed bench with a black-painted frame and a natural wooden seat.

I have also made two other Headboard benches you can check out, my Headboard Bench, or lovingly referred to as the puzzle bench, and my first attempt at this with my Repurposed Bed to Bench. Looking at these makes me want to build another one, I think I need to find an old headboard!

2. Mudroom Storage Bench

A mudroom bench is a must-have for keeping things organized, especially if you have a busy household. This DIY storage bench provides the perfect spot for shoes, bags, and other essentials. Fun fact, this bench was repurposed from the top of an old dresser, which makes it even more cool! Check out the full tutorial for this practical mudroom storage bench.

Before and after comparison of a repurposed dresser turned into a stylish blue bench with storage baskets underneath.

3. Dresser to Bench Makeover

Speaking of the old dresser I mentioned above, not only did I make one bench with it, I made another one with the bottom two drawers. That is what I call making good use of an old dresser, two from one! This up-cycling project will add charm and practicality to any entryway or living space. Follow my tutorial to learn how to turn your own dresser into a bench.

A wooden chest of drawers before and after being painted white.

4. Children’s Bench

Need a fun and functional seating option for your little ones? This DIY children’s bench is the perfect solution! It’s a great weekend project that provides kids with their own special place to sit and play, not to mention store all their shoes! I made this from repurposed materials, you can follow my tutorial and learn how to make a cute and sturdy children’s bench, with any materials you have!

A before-and-after image showcasing a wooden bench. The top image shows the disassembled, weathered wooden bench parts. The bottom image shows the newly constructed and painted turquoise bench with a wooden top.

5. DIY Upholstered Bench

Add comfort and elegance to any space with a DIY upholstered bench! This tutorial walks you through the process of making a cozy bench that’s perfect for the end of a bed, an entryway, or extra seating in a living room. Check out how to create your own DIY upholstered bench. This project is one of my faves you guys! It was made from free pallet wood and an old crib mattress. It is amazing what you can create for free with a little imagination and creativity!

A "before and after" comparison of a DIY furniture project. The top half shows scattered wooden pallets and unfinished materials in a yard. The bottom half displays a completed wooden bench with a floral-patterned cushioned top and a lower wooden shelf.

6. French-Inspired Piano Bench Makeover

Do you love vintage furniture makeovers? When you see old discarded furniture…maybe don’t pass it by too quickly. Sometimes we all need a second chance and I LOVE how this project came together. This French-inspired piano bench transformation adds a touch of sophistication and charm to any space. See how a simple bench can become an elegant statement piece with this piano bench makeover.

Two images showing a table before and after a DIY makeover. The "before" image depicts a plain, dark-stained wooden table on green grass. The "after" image shows the same table with a modernized look: white painted legs, a second shelf added, and a decorative design on the top.

7. The Charlie Brown Bench

Ok let’s be real, sometimes things don’t always go as planned but you have to make it work to your advantage. That was the case with the paint job on this bench, but in the end it was a fun twist! This fun and creative bench project is inspired by the classic Peanuts character. It’s a charming and unique addition to any home! Learn how to make The Charlie Brown Bench here: The Charlie Brown Bench.

Before: Door and wood scraps. After: Chevron bench.

8. Modern Bench

If you love sleek and simple designs, this modern bench project is perfect for you. It’s an easy build that adds a contemporary touch to any space. In fact this bench is still in my entryway today, many years later! Check out the tutorial and access plans for this build here: Modern Bench.

Before and after transformation of a DIY upholstered bench, starting from raw wood pieces to a finished cushioned bench with storage space underneath.

9. French Bench from Repurposed Barstool

Give an old barstool new life with this stunning French-style bench makeover! It’s a unique project that adds a touch of European charm. I had a ton of fun with this project getting creative on repurposing these barstool legs, sometimes you just have to dive in and the inspiration comes on the journey. Learn how to create this beautiful bench here: French Bench from Repurposed Barstool.

Before and after image of a set of bar stools and a coffee table.

10. Repurposed Curtain to Bench Top

Want to add a soft and stylish cushion to your bench? Instead of throwing away your old piece of furniture transform it instead, like I did here by repurposing an old curtain into a beautiful bench top cover. Follow the tutorial here: Repurposed Curtain to Bench Top.

Before and after images of a renovated stool, showing the original dark wood stool and the updated white stool with orange and grey diamonds.

Are you inspired to build your own bench? I hope so!!

These DIY bench projects are perfect for adding functionality and style to your home. Whether you’re looking for extra storage, a comfortable seat, or a unique statement piece, there’s a bench project here for you. Which one will you try first? Did this spark any ideas of things you could use to repurpose into a bench?

Let me know in the comments!