This project evolved from us purchasing the wrong foam to go under 4 area rugs. After it didn’t work for the first rug, we had 3 more rolls of the stuff that we couldn’t take back to the store (we had waited too long to do a return). I originally had intended to buy an inexpensive sectional sofa for the downstairs family room, but with all this foam staring at me, I decided to put it to use and make sofa cushions. There was enough foam to do a whole sectional!
The sofa frame is based on Ana’s Outdoor 2x4 Sectional sofa. I adjusted the size, because the fabric I wanted to use was 54” wide, and that would fit nicely around a 22” deep x 4” thick cushion. Each cushion is 11 layers of the foam (seat cushions: 67 x 22 x 4, backs: 67 x 18 x 4). That length for the cushions fit exactly into the 8 yards of fabric available on the bolt. The next week I ended up going back for some more fabric for the corner cushion and an ottoman that's in work.
I had the frame assembled and was ready to add the final upper back pieces, when Hubby suggested we give it a slanted back. That required a little re-engineering and a couple of extra boards on the back and armless end. Instead of using 2x4s the full length for the seat, I had used some 1x2 furring strips reclaimed from another project. Also used some of those for the upright pieces for the backs. Added some 1x6 to top the arms and ½ x 3 ½” craft boards to the front to hide the cut 2x4 ends.
The cushions are covered in a polyester faux tooled suede (fabric from Hobby Lobby). The cushion covers are slightly loose on purpose, to give the nice worn squishy look that a real soft leather sofa cushion would have.
It’s surprisingly comfy and we love the look!
Comments
tsibiga
Thu, 06/30/2011 - 04:48
Great for Anywhere
After building it, I realized that this would make a great bench anywhere. I could easily see this as an outdoor bench, around the pool, around a picnic table, along a deck, anywhere.
Pug-Bug
Tue, 08/02/2011 - 16:23
Outstanding Workmanship!
All I can say is, "Job Well Done!"
dmcarwin
Sun, 10/02/2011 - 21:05
It looks Awesome!
It looks so beautiful with your table, great job! I am looking to build a bench for my counter/bar. Do you think it would work to build it counter height? I am totally new to building and building a bench for my counter is my first priority.
tsibiga
Mon, 10/03/2011 - 05:46
Counter Height Bench
Thanks for the great comments! I think you could totally make this at as a counter height bench (approximately 24"). I would be a little worried that if it was too long it could topple over easily. So if you had about a 60" length to cover, I would probably build two 30" benches that can butt up to one another.
One other thought is to make some stools.....I posted some of those from an ana-white plan as well for you to check out; http://ana-white.com/2011/06/simplest-stool-saddle-back-style
Hope that helps....let me know if you have other questions.
Tommy
In reply to Counter Height Bench by tsibiga
dmcarwin
Wed, 02/15/2012 - 18:14
Thanks!
Tommy, I appreciate your helpful comments. Like how I just got it today, some priority in getting the bench done! =) I am getting back it now however.... So, I love the stools you made! I am trying however to limit the amount of things (stools/chairs) that my little kids can push around the kitchen. I am considering the two smaller benches at counter height. If I could do one at 24" tall do you think 55" would be too long? I was thinking it would be good to put supports across the length (maybe 10" or 12" from the floor?) to help stability and to use for little ones climbing up. If that makes since? Anyway thanks for your help I really appreciate it!