I always planned to have a custom upholstered seat cushion made for our dining bench, but I didn’t want to rush the fabric choice or pay for a custom cover right away. Instead, I discovered a simple, affordable no-sew bench cushion solution that’s worked wonderfully. After living with it for almost a year, I’m finally sharing how we did it.
One evening my daughter and I trimmed foam to size using a sharp cutting tool. I ordered foam without flame retardants, which feels important when it might be used for sitting or even napping. The foam I used is available in various sizes and can now be ordered in longer custom pieces, which means you may not need to join two pieces like we did.
To make the cushion, order the foam roughly the size you need. We laid the foam on the bench, marked where it needed trimming with a pen and ruler, and used a dedicated foam cutting tool to slice it down. A long, sharp knife or saw that handles foam will also work. The cuts don’t need to be perfect—just straight enough to fit the bench space. Because our bench was long, we used two foam pieces; with longer foam options available today, a single piece may be possible.
Once the foam is cut to fit, the easiest finish is to cover it with a throw, blanket, or quilt. I chose washable plaid blankets as a cozy, casual cover that’s perfect for fall. They come in several colors and are machine washable, which is a huge practical plus for a dining bench that sees daily use and little ones.
I tucked the blanket edges into the back and sides. Our bench has a small lip that helps hold the cushion and cover in place, and the blankets can hang over the front a bit if desired. Because we have drawers under the bench, I keep the throws from hanging too low so the drawers still open easily.
One of the best aspects of this approach is flexibility. You can change the look seasonally by swapping quilts or blankets—choose narrower blankets if your bench is shallower. Reversible patterned throws are great for switching styles quickly, and wool or heavier blankets add extra warmth and texture when wanted.
This idea actually came from my parents and proved brilliant. I did look for ready-made cushions first, but most aren’t long enough for custom-length benches. Cutting your own foam gives you the freedom to make the cushion any size you need without the cost of custom upholstery.
The blankets I used will relax and lose their creases after washing, and because they’re machine washable I’m not worried about spills or crumbs. If someone spills, I simply remove the throw and toss it in the wash—much easier than spot-cleaning a fixed upholstered cover. Even if I eventually invest in a custom cushion, I’ll likely still layer a throw over it for protection and easy styling.
I’m not opposed to DIY, but I’ll admit I’m no expert. This project was simple and quick enough for me to complete in an evening, and the cost savings made it worth trying before committing to a custom seat. The result feels casual, comfortable, and practical—exactly what we need in a family home.
We have another bench in the living room with a custom cushion, but I still like to layer throws to change the look. Right now that bench is wrapped with a thin reversible blanket and topped with a plaid for contrast. Changing throws is an inexpensive, instant update that keeps spaces feeling fresh.
After nearly a year using the DIY foam-and-blanket bench cushion, I’m happy with the comfort and flexibility it provides—so much so that I may delay ordering a custom cushion for now.
Supplies used:
Foam for bench
Cutting tool for foam
Bamboo shades
Plaid blanket
Patterned rug (Ocean/Gold color)
Blue and white pot on table
Braided placemats on table
Patterned pillow on dining bench
Striped shams on dining bench
Jute wrapped chandelier with shades
Rattan dining chairs (similar)
Home & garden coffee table books on shelves
Blue striped slipcovers (Downey Blue fabric)
Parsons dining chairs
Brass wall sconce
Living room rug
Find more sources from my home in My Shop!
