I am popping in quick with part two of our sweet seating project for the playroom. I last left you with a glimpse of our seating plan, which included using two IKEA Expedit benches and upholstered tops, to create a corner shaped bench:
As great as it was shaping up to be, we still needed to address making it functional and safe. As it stood, the corner had zero support below the upholstered cushion, and I knew that section would probably be the most used section of the whole piece.
So, my super handy hubs, built a little support "table" looking thing. It isn't all that pretty....
But it doesn't need to be pretty. It won't be seen anyway. He just used some spare 2x4's and 2x2's and we had a flush and sturdy little corner support system!
Another option would probably be to just secure a small ledge into the wall studs. This option, however, doesn't leave any permanent damage to the walls. And for as much as I change things, that's probably a good thing!
Sliding the upholstered section back over and you would never know that support was there, looks perfect!
As for the cushion itself, now that we had the support in place, we wanted to affix the cushion to the Expedit, just to be sure that it doesn't slide around or accidentally fall off. It is in a playroom after all, and our boys like to wiggle.
Some pre-drilling....
And then standard screws {times four in each bench}, make it nice and secure!
We could have used a rug pad, or Velcro, but this was the safest route to be sure that cushion top wasn't going anywhere. And I was nervous you would be able to see the marks, but nope, not visible at all.
So with all of the supporting and attaching, we were left with the same "after" picture as the before, but a much more secure and safe "after" now:
I am hoping to find some time this weekend to start filling the cubbies with baskets and toys so the kiddos can start using their space again, so stay tuned for more progress next week!
Anyone tackling any organizing or building projects this weekend?
It looks amazing!!! It's nice having a handy hubby to help with all those projects. ;) This weekend, I am going to finish purging/organizing my scraproom and hopefully move onto the basement family room area. It isn't finished.. framed and wired, so we have lighting and electrical. I do have carpet remnants and furniture down there. I want to purge out the outgrown toys.
ReplyDeletejen, you mentioned in your part 1 post about securing it to the wall. is this necessary if it's horizontal?
ReplyDeleteHi Mindy!
DeleteOh, thanks for the reminder and great question. We are still debating on that. It comes with wall brackets to secure it, so we are going to wait and see if it moves or shifts at all when in use and if so, we may secure it with the brackets provided with the bookcase. Plus, I am still debating whether or not I want to remove the trim behind the benches to make it more flush with the wall, or even raise it a bit for aesthetics. Until we decide for sure, it is low to the ground and very stable, so we don't believe that it's necessary. I will be sure to update the post if that is something we end up needing to do.
xoxo!
Jen
Have fun filling it up. :) If you "need" bins to fit perfectly the large ITSO cloth bins at Target fit the cubbies and are alot sturdier then most cloth bins. http://www.target.com/p/itso-Large-Polka-Dot-Fabric-Bin/-/A-12719724 These are really cute if your boys are okay with a splash of pink in their playroom ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks Renee!
DeleteThey are absolutely an option on the list. We ended up upgrading the boy's shared closet to the ITSO bins since they are sturdy and fill the whole cubby perfectly, we LOVE them. I am just having a hard time finding them in stock in the colors and number I want. I will keep you all updated! :)
xoxo!
Jen
I love it! It's so beautiful and the cloth you used for the bench goes so well with your newly painted wall. My husband and I recently worked on a project that involved drilling non existant holes into a piece of IKEA furniture it was such a small project that did wonders I just posted it today on my blog you should check it out if you have the time! Have a wonderful weekend filling those cubbies I can't wait to see what you've done next week.
ReplyDeleteI love love love it, and I'm jealous because we don't have a playroom, LOL. Great job! I love blue & green together.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea!! Need to see if I can find a space to do this in!!
ReplyDeleteWow, it looks great. I can't stop staring at the stencil. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI love your solution to the corner but I wanted to mention another solution for the lazier/less handy among us. The Expedits are sized in a way that if you slide one perpendicularly (is that a word?) against another, you'll get a flush corner. So, if you slid one your shelves all the way against the wall, so that its side was touching the wall, you could then slide the other shelf in front of one of the cubes. Sorry, having a hard time explaining it. You will lose the use of that cube, but everything else will line up perfectly. I just did this in my daughter's room with two 4x4 cube Expedits--so now I have 16 usable cubes on one side,but only 12 on the other, because a whole column is blocked. I was OK with that because that configuration actually fits the space better. Also because they were inexpensive Ikea pieces--it might have been harder for me to give up 1/4 of the usable space on an expensive piece! But I had been puzzling over how to get a big corner shelf in that room & when I found that solution on Pinterest I was thrilled!
Love, love, love this room! The wallpaper is FANTASTIC!
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's wallpaper. I think she said it's painted with a stencil.
DeleteThank you! It is a stencil! :)
Deletexoxo,
Jen
This whole project is taking my breath away!
ReplyDeleteYou have inspried me to do this in my own playroom and my husband is even keen to help...WOOHOO!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is looking great!! I am in love with trees & anything green, LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteQuestion, and maybe its a silly one, but I'm trying to figure out how screwing underneath into the cushion works by keeping it in place? Will it poke through when you sit down? How does that work?
Looking forward to the final view!! :)
Hello!
DeleteIn part one here: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/04/playroom-progress-sweet-seating-part-1.html, we shared that we attached the cushion to a piece of MDF.
We screwed into the piece of thick MDF to attach the cushion to the bookcase and we measured to make sure the screw wouldn't go through the MDF, just in it enough to secure it to the top.
xoxo!
Jen
Wow, this room looks stunning! The patterns and color scheme are fabulous.
ReplyDeleteoh wow what a great idea! those expedit shelves are so versatile lol thanks for this post!
ReplyDeleteThat looks so amazing Jen, great job. Can't wait to see it with all the accessories. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteLooks great! :) Can't wait to see it when its all done! LOVE your blog!
ReplyDeleteI love your stenciled wall, it reminds me of the wallpaper I used in our laundry room and I love it! See my wallpaper here:
ReplyDeletehttp://inside9b.blogspot.de/2012/01/do-you-remember-this-wisst-ihr-noch.html
The room is really taking shape. What a unique idea with the benches and yes you definately need them to be sturdy in the kids room. Can't wait to see the next progress pics :)
ReplyDeleteLooks great. Looking forward to seeing how you organise them.
ReplyDeleteLooks great! Love that stencil wall too!
ReplyDeleteI love that! Such a great idea. (I also love the wall!)
ReplyDeleteLOVE the cushion design!<3
ReplyDeletehttp://pinkscriptblog.blogspot.com/
No projects this weekend besides packing for our trip to Italy! But I will at least be somewhat excited to come back since my craft room/office finally got carpeting this week! No time for much this week, but I have lots of plans and ideas!
ReplyDeleteYay, Italy! Amazing!
Deletexoxo,
Jen
Hi Jen! Quick question about the fabric. I assume the "indoor/outdoor" fabric you chose is quite durable, but it is also easier to spot clean? I have very little experience with fabric, so I wasn't sure if how well it cleans was an additional benefit to choosing indoor/outdoor fabric versus something else.
ReplyDeleteThe project is beautifully taking shape! You and your husband make a great team. I can't wait to see part three!! Thank you for sharing. :)
Hi Anita!
DeleteI find it a bit easier to clean and a bit more durable than typical fabrics.
xoxo!
Jen
Brilliant work on hubby's part. I can't get over how much texture and interest that bamboo wall creates. It's all coming together so beautifully.
ReplyDeleteIs that sterling design? The bamboo wall? I saw something like that also on the web. The room looks amazing. Kudos to the husband for helping. :)
ReplyDeleteHere is a link to the stencil that we used: http://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/allover-stencil-birch-forest.html?category_id=12
Deletexoxo,
Jen
Hi Jen, this question has nothing to do with this project and is a little personal so I won't mind if you don't feel like sharing publicly, but I understand your a stay at home mom and you do lot of projects so, where do you get the money?
ReplyDeleteAlthough I believe our income and budget are a private and personal subject, it's a fair question. My husband works full time, and I also make an income from blogging, it is a full time job for me. I ensure that I budget out organizing and home projects with that blogging income to keep projects going and to keep things interesting on the blog. We may also decide to cut or consider how we prioritize other luxuries in life so that we continue to do projects in our home.
Deletexoxo,
Jen
It looks so sturdy! Way to go!
ReplyDeletethis is awesome, great idea! Could you possibly put this under a bed for storage for shoes, or books or would it be too tall? Just a thought love that its a bench!
ReplyDeleteLove organizing with benches. I just wish I had more space to use them. =) I think you should be able to find bins for the space, it's a common size. Thanks for sharing your great ideas.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! This look amazing & it seems like y'all have thought of everything! My husband and I are so inspired looking at this... will have to stow away for future "playroom" ideas! ;-) Keep up the great work -- you & your family are really inspiring!!
ReplyDeleteI am crazy about this project. Definitely one of your best. I'm inspired to try something similar.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I just realized that I have the same fabric (in teal) for making some pillows for my new "outdoor living room"!
Jen! Are you going to have pillows on these benches? If so, any fabric ideas?! Looks great :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely playroom! Your little ones must be very very happy to have such a crafty and talented mum.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice week!
everything u do ,looks amazing . I m desperately waiting to see part 3 ,4,5, for this playroom .
ReplyDeleteHey my friend! Quick question... Do you have any tips for scoring cheap(er) foam? I tried to buy some 2" foam today and for a 2 yard piece it was $55! I'd love to know if there are better deals out there.
ReplyDeleteXoxo
Allison @ House of Hepworths
Hi Allison!
ReplyDeleteWe used a 50% off coupon we had for Joann Fabric. They come in our mail and email. It helped a lot - I think we paid between $60 and $70 for all of the foam for both benches. Still pricey, but for us, it was much less than a sofa. :)
xoxo!
Jen
I like this idea for a dining area bench. Is it sturdy enough to hold a few adults?
ReplyDeleteJenn
I think so! The hubs and I have sat on it, it's very sturdy!
Deletexoxo,
Jen
What about the depth? Is it comfortable for adults? I want to do this in our living room. Thanks!!
Deletei couldnt find the expedit bench online-- can you please post the link
ReplyDeleteHere you go: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70116276/
Deletexoxo,
Jen
I guess I am not finding the same shelving unit or do they not sell that particular one anymore? I am finding 20116274?? Just want to make sure before I head to Ike's to attempt this haha! Thank you for sharing and for your creativity!
DeleteHi Jen!
DeleteIt is the white one in this link: Here you go: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70116276/
xoxo,
Jen
Im trying to find this bookcase and the one Ikea now sells (the billy) looks thinner and less sturdy? Do you know where I may find one like yours? Love this.
DeleteIKEA has since switched the design of the bookcases and re-branded them under the KALLAX line. I can't speak to the strength or quality of the KALLAX as we used the original EXPEDIT version. I believe Walmart also sells something similar under the Better Homes & Gardens brand.
DeleteI found your blog through pinterest and am very inspired! I plan on doing this project in my living room to store all of my daughter's toys. Thank you for the step by step guide!
ReplyDeleteI found your blog through pinterest and am very inspired! I plan on doing this project in my living room to store all of my daughter's toys. Thank you for the step by step guide!
ReplyDeleteWow, great idea! Thanks for the inspiration! I think it might be a great fix in my tiny studio apartment.
ReplyDeleteWhere did you get the cushion? It looks like it fits perfectly. I looked at the Ikea site but couldn't find it.
Hi Colleen!
DeleteHere is the tutorial for the bench cushions: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/04/playroom-progress-sweet-seating-part-1.html
xoxo,
Jen
I HEART this project! I was daydreaming this exactly same thing for my kids' new playroom, but hadn't figured out how to do it yet! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm in love! Tottaly loving this ideas! And because i love it i convinced my hubby to do it and make it TODAY! Hahaha! Great job!
ReplyDeleteAre the benches sturdy enough for adults to sit in?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! We sit on them all the time with the boys.
Deletexoxo!
Jen
This is fabulous! Looks like I have a new organizing project for this weekend...woo hoo! :) someone asked for a cheaper alternative to the foam and I have used mattress pads from Walmart in the past, you have to cut to size but they work great and the price is right :) Thanks for the inspiration!!!
ReplyDelete~Dani C
This is exactly what I wanted to do in my dining room/playroom. It looks great!! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteLiza
Tottaly loving this ideas!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! I couldn't find the expedition benches on the idea site...was their a bench module or did you use the shelving unit and put it on its side? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHere is the link to the white Expedits I used {on their sides}: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70116276/
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Jen
Jen,
ReplyDeleteI am working on copying your bench idea but cannot figure out how much foam and fabric I need. I read your comments where you said you ordered 3 yards of fabric but when I went to Joanns they said I needed 7 yards!! That's a big differenc material and price wise! Any help you can offer would be great!!
Hi there!
DeleteIt may depend on the fabric you are selecting and the overall width of that fabric. With the fabric I used, I was able to get both benches done out of one width {hope that makes sense, I placed them side by side on the fabric} so I only needed the length {yards} to be able to cover the length of the longest bench seat.
xoxo,
Jen
Amazing! Where did you get the cushions made? I'm kind of obsessed with these IKEA pieces.
ReplyDeleteHere was part one of the process which shares the process of the cushions:
Deletehttp://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/04/playroom-progress-sweet-seating-part-1.html
Thanks!
Jen
Are these benches sturdy enough for adults to sit on?
ReplyDeleteWe have all sat on it without problems, but I personally can not state how much total weight should be placed on the Expedit {or how much it can support}.
Deletexoxo!
Jen
I have the same question as listed above, works for adults too?? I love the way this looks and stumbled upon the picture while searching on google.
ReplyDeleteWe have all sat on it without problems, but I personally can not state how much total weight should be placed on the Expedit {or how much it can support}.
Deletexoxo!
Jen
Now that some time has passed, can you tell me a bit about how the playroom has held up? My husband has some reservations about the comfort of the benches. He thinks he won't be able to lay on them. I told him it is a room for the kids not him . :) What woudl you change about the room if you could now looking back? I love it and can't wait to start painting!
DeleteThe benches are comfortable, but for adults, very upright and not all that wide for laying down for long periods of time {they are not couches after all}. Absolutely meant for kids, our use them when watching movies, reading or playing Wii. We can all fit on the benches, and the kids have a lot of play-dates that the benches have worked well for. Everything is holding up just fine, nothing looks any different today than the day we installed things. I wouldn't change a thing. :)
Deletexo,
Jen
Love this idea! I really want to buy my foam this Friday on the black Friday special at Joann's. Just wondering if the 2" has been comfy enough or if it would be wise to up the thickness. And wondering how many yards you purchased ( found the dimensions of the shelf...but not sure how much I'd need for the overlap portion). Many thanks. You're brilliant! :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this idea and am going to try it for a huge empty space in our kitchen. Quesiton though...How did you make the cushion??
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
Hi Kathleen!
DeleteYou can find the tutorial to the bench here: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/04/playroom-progress-sweet-seating-part-1.html
xo,
Jen
Hi Jen,
ReplyDeleteI love this bench and am attempting to re-create it on my own for my boys and was wondering if I would need to separate the foam from the fabric with another type of cloth to prevent catching?...I was told that the foam seems to grab whatever is next to it. I appreciate your advice, since I am sure it has been well-tested at this point. Thank you! P.S. I just found your blog and am LOVING it!! ~Rae
Hi Rae!
DeleteI had never heard that, and ours is holding up fabulously! Still loving it daily!
xo,
Jen
I can't find those baskets anymore, so I was wondering if you could let me know what the measurements of those baskets are so I can look for some that are similar that will fit. Thanks so much and I love this idea!
ReplyDeleteI would double check with your local Target now. I know mine (Oregon & Washington) just got them in for the spring storage. They come in green, teal blue, white & black. I'm getting the teal& white ones for my laundry room.
DeleteNot sure if you've answered this or not... but do you recommend doing the same thing with the 8 cubie (4 on top of 4), or would that particular one not make a good bench? I have the new Thirty-One Cubes that will fit perfectly in here, but unfortunately all we have right now are the cubes from Target and they're too small. We don't really have space to lay 2 or 3 of them flat for seating right now, but we may when we move this summer. But we could fit the 4x2 on its side where our Target cubie system is sitting. Advice?? Does this make any sense?? Please respond!! We don't have an Ikea anywhere near us... I appreciate your help! sjmurrayfamily@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteYou would have to measure and determine what will work best {and check out the dimensions on the IKEA website}, but I would imagine the 2x4 cube Expedit would be a bit too high to be used as a bench. But, they make great storage, so if that is what you are after and your Thirty-One cubes fit, then it may be the perfect solution for you.
Deletexo!
Jen
I love this idea. I've been wanting to do the same as a seating for my kitchen table. My only concern is if it will hold up over time, especially with heavy people sitting on it. How sturdy has this been for you?
ReplyDeleteThey have held up great so far, and we have had a few adults on them at a time, and kids a plenty as well.
DeleteA few things to note however:
We didn't add legs, which I believe allows the bench to be sturdier. We also added the MDF with the cushion to the top of the Expedit, which I also believe has given it strength.
I am unsure how much weight it can truly support, as the Expedits were really never intended for this hack.
xo,
Jen
What are the dimensions of your playroom? I absolutely love it! I have four girls eight and under and we need an organized space! I thought my playroom was organized till I saw this!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so in love with this bench! I recreated it over the weekend for our playroom (but didn't have room for two benches, only one) and the kids LOVE it! I was even lucky enough to find what I thought was a similar fabric at JoAnn, but it was exact! It turned out very professional looking, and I am an inexperienced DIYer. Thanks for sharing this awesome idea.
ReplyDeleteHey! I am in the process of doing this in my son's nursery as a bench seat under the window. I was wondering how much fabric of the same material would I need for just one bench? Thanks so much! I absolutely LoVe your ideas!!
ReplyDeleteHi Christina!
DeleteI used about three yards total, but I was able to get both benches out of the single length. I recommend that you measure the length of your bench and determine the necessary fabric based on that. We made the one bench a bit longer than the other, and the three yards was plenty.
xo,
Jen
Love this project! I just made one of these benches for my classroom, and I chose a PUL fabric for the cushion in hopes that the lamination will keep it waterproof/durable over time. I also added some wide metal corner braces on the interior of each side to add a bit more stability. Thanks for the tutorial, I'm so excited to use the bench this school year! :)
ReplyDeleteKatie -- can you give any detail on the corner braces you got/how you installed them? Thanks!
DeleteLove the benches. Can I ask what size drill bit and screws did you use to affix the cushions to the Expedit?
ReplyDeleteThanks
Just found your blog when looking for playroom storage ideas on Pinterest, and absolutely LOVE everything you've done here! Thanks so much for sharing the details...think we're gonna give this a shot!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Reading through the comments and have to say you are a VERY patient person. Sometimes I wonder if people even READ the post before asking a question? :) Love your blog and so glad to have come across it!!
Hi there, I just love this bench idea, and I pinned it last year and have completed it in phases...I'm sui excited about how it's looking
ReplyDeleteQuestion: my hubby's not handy and this is my first attempt at something like this. Do you have detailed instructions on how he made that corner support? I'm not sure where to start, and I don't want to do the ledge idea (not a fan of holes in the walls either)
Thanks :-)
Hi Jen, the other option is to leave the corner open and have a basket that fits there so that you can keep all things tall like pretend play swords, racquets etc. That way you won't have to find somewhere else to put them as they won't fit in the cubbies.
ReplyDeleteHello there, I keep thinking that we will do something similar, but then we are always stopped by a worry that as a bench the furniture would not be sturdy enough. Now that you have had this for a couple of years, has it stood the test of time? Is it sturdy enough to support people sitting on it? Thank you in advance, Helen
ReplyDeleteHello! I am happy to report that we haven't had any issues with the sturdiness and durability of our bench project, even years after it has been sat on by both children and adults. I will caution, however, that IKEA has since switched the design of the bookcases and re-branded them under the KALLAX line. I can't speak to the strength or quality of the KALLAX as we used the original EXPEDIT version.
Deletexoxo!