Woman Uses Pool Noodles To Turn An IKEA Bench Into Cozy Seating On A Budget:
IKEA hacks rule the DIY world, and there are hundreds of online ideas that transform minimalistic furniture into luxurious home accents. By using expensive furniture collections as inspiration, you can easily create stylish dupes that are just as fashionable. In this case, TikTok creator restorereviverepeat, Kim Amery, shared a handmade IKEA upgrade that looks like furniture from a high-end collection for a genius way to transform pool noodles into chic home decor.
This TikToker created a fluted, plush bench using just four materials: pool noodles, a large bolt of fabric, a staple gun, and a simple bench. According to Amery's budget breakdown, the combination of supplies cost under $33 (roughly AU$46 in the creator's home currency). Amery thrifted the IKEA bench to keep costs low; however, you can also find a reasonably-priced, new option such as the $99.99 IKEA ALHULT Bench. Luxury fabrics can be pricey, so stick to a faux fleece bolt that looks expensive, such as the Hahafelt Ivory Sherpa Fabric for $41 on Amazon. Make sure you order enough fabric to completely cover the bench and pool noodles for a seamless look.
The finished project should have a soft surface and gentle curves for a cozy modern aesthetic. The plush, chunky look is reminiscent of retro trends, like '90s boucle armchairs. The finished look is comparable to far pricier benches on the market, like the $420 Ebern Designs Sandro Beige Boucle Bench and the $750 EttaMillay Channeled Boucle Waterfall Bench. Amery's DIY version of these benches is far more budget-friendly, customizable, and doable in a day.
How to DIY affordable cozy seating out of an IKEA bench and pool noodles
The biggest draw of this project is that it doesn't require staining and painting like most furniture upgrades. All it takes is a staple gun, which provides instant results. Start with a pool noodle, line it up to the outside of a table leg, and staple it in place. Continue to curve the pool noodle around the bench and add the other noodles in parallel rows directly beside it, stapling as you go.
@restorereviverepeat IKEA bench hack! I found this IKEA bench last year at my local charity shop but it needed a little makeover! I really wanted to create a boucle effect so I found some material and some pool noodles and got to work! This was such a fun project that anyone can try! ☺️ #ikeahack #diyproject #upholsterydiy #upcycledfurniture #diyfurniture
The next step is to drape the large piece of fabric on top. Be sure to use a neutral-colored fabric to maintain a modern chic aesthetic like the original DIY. In contrast, you can also choose a more vibrant color to create a statement piece that pops. Staple the fabric closely to the pool noodle to create a fluted shape. Repeat the steps around the entire bench. Cut or staple any excess fabric to the underside, and the bench is complete and ready to style.
There are more ways to reuse these classic pool accessories. In fact, there's another DIY that turns noodles into cozy single-seater stools on a budget. Pair these single seaters next to your bench for a soft, chic sitting area to entertain guests. The finished bench is minimalistic enough to befit bedrooms, hallways, entryways, and living rooms that are in need of extra seating. Leave the bench bare for a clean look, or style it with carefully placed coffee table books, throw pillows, or a decorative tray with assorted decor. Be mindful that the pool noodles won't be well-balanced, so don't use this bench to stow any fragile items. It also doesn't provide any extra or hidden storage, making it a better fit for homes that aren't looking to maximize storage space.