I am still completely obsessed with our home office kilim rugs. They are just so pretty. I really wanted to incorporate a similar pattern into our bedroom. I decided to add a small, foot-of-the-bed bench to our space, and I wanted one that included some kind of kilim rug design (actual or inspired, I'm not that picky). There are a number of different kinds sold online, ranging anywhere from $500-$2000+.
I decided to go ahead and make my own since the project seemed fairly simple. I could then choose my own rug/colors more easily, and the project could be more affordable. I'm so happy I did! I really love this new addition to our bedroom. In case you are curious, here's how I made my bench:
Supplies:
-3/4" plywood sheet (mine is 44" x 18")
-rug (be sure it is at least 2"-3" inches wider and longer than the bench top—I bought mine on eBay)
-bench legs (I bought two white combination hairpin legs from here)
-1" foam batting (sometimes sold by the yard or more; see what's available at your craft store)
-staples
-eight 1/2" wood screws
Tools:
-power saw (or you can get the plywood cut at the lumber yard)
-power drill
-staple gun
Cost: $195 (this can vary greatly depending on the type of legs you use or the rug you buy)
Step One: Cut your plywood to the size you need. Again, you can totally have the lumber yard (Home Depot, Lowes, Meek's, etc.) cut the wood for you if you don't have a power saw.
Step Two: Cut the foam batting to fit your plywood bench top. I found that it is best if the foam is about 1/4" smaller on all sides. This helps the rug to fit over the foam and wood a little easier.
Step Three: Begin stapling the rug to the edge of the plywood. It's best to really take your time and plan out the corners and make sure the rug and top design are going to fit your bench exactly how you like it. I chose to staple down the two longer sides first. Think of this process sort of like wrapping a present. I found it was MUCH easier to hold the rug in place and staple if I had help (thanks, Jacki!).
Step Four: Once you have the first two sides stapled, it's time to fold the end edges and staple those sides as well. If you have to cut part of the rug to fit your bench size, you can use Fray Check or a little glue to help the ends to keep from fraying.
Step Five: Screw the legs of the bench into place. Be sure to measure to get them centered properly.
I love how our new bench added a little more color and pattern into our bedroom. Plus this project turned out to be so simple! Once I had all my supplies, it took less than an hour to complete. I also love that you could easily use a slightly stained or damaged rug for the bench top. Great way to use the part of a rug (or thick blanket) that may have some blemishes. Thanks for letting me share! xo. Emma
P.S. My bench is mostly decorative. If you plan to use your bench for seating, I would recommend bracing the bottom of the bench or possibly using thicker plywood.
Credits // Author: Emma Chapman. Project Assistant: Jacki Moseley. Photography: Sarah Rhodes and Emma Chapman. Photos edited with Petal from the Fresh Collection.
Cool idea for bedroom, not just a bedside bench, it can be a decorated stuff. Thanks
Hi Jen! Typepad was down for a few minutes but it should work for you now. 🙂 – Jacki
I love this! I came over from Craftgawker. I keep trying to pin it but I keep getting an error message. 🙁
I’m OBSESSED with the bed cover; where is it from?
Hi there! I’m back from holidays and I have lots of your posts to read! 🙂 This project looks amazing! I’ve been looking for a bench to place in my entryway and I think something like that could look amazing to welcome us after a long day of work! Specially after holidays, sigh!
xx,
E.
www.theslowpace.com
What a great idea! And your pup, so cute too!
I’m impressed. Really great work. And that kilim rug looks really nice in that space. You’re not afraid to get your hands dirty I see! I took the easy way out with my bench and covered it with contact paper. I’m just so terrible with tools! Anyway, yours puts mine to shame!
I love coming up with DIY’s for my bedroom when it’s feeling a little drab. What a fabulous idea for adding a pop!
This is so beautiful! I love the patterned fabric you have used 😀 xx
Looks awesome! This would make a great project 🙂
What a great way to get what you want for cheaper. And the results turned out amazing! If I ever find a fabric with a pattern as gorgeous as the one you used, I want to make this DIY! 🙂
http://everydayingrace.blogspot.ca/
Are tabere different “genres” /”traditions” of kelim rugs ? I can’t seem to find those simular to yours
hey:) I created a new blog… maybe you are interested and follow:) http://sophialouisak.blogspot.de/
I was walking one day and noticed someone had left their chair out on the sidewalk to be taken away and it looked exactly like that woven chair above….it was in perfect condition too! I kick myself now for not having tried to take it home!
Those rugs and textile designs are so beautiful, I wish they were more affordable 🙂
Every finished project looks better with a pug on it.
In love with this bench – especially the fabric!
X
Courtney
http://nikitaandvesper.com/
This is amazing! I’ve been wanting something like this for the end of my bed, and now I know how to make it!
this is such a great idea!! and so simple too!
xxoo,
nikki
www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com
I love the way the bench adds a bold pop of color to your room! I bet David wouldn’t mind it if it kept the cats off the bed at night. 😉
xoxo
Taylor
I love this idea, but where did you get that chair?!!! I AM IN LOVE! I must find one.