We used a few quick and easy upholstery techniques to add softness and texture to a store-bought bench in our family room. The makeover was simple, fast, and it arrived just in time for the holidays—making the space feel even cozier for gatherings and quiet evenings alike.
We picked up this woven bench at HomeGoods because the size was perfect and we liked the textured weave. Once it was home, though, the netted underside felt less than ideal as a seating surface. It didn’t hurt, but it felt like you were sitting on a series of ropes. We initially tossed a couple of leftover sheepskin rugs on top, which helped—until they kept slipping off the seat, especially with our kids wiggling while they watch TV.
The sheepskins looked great but were always sliding to the floor. Since this bench has become a favorite spot, we decided to create a more permanent, low-effort solution that would keep the sheepskin in place while preserving the woven bench’s look.
Upholstering a Seat Cover
We aren’t professional upholsterers, and this project is intentionally simple so anyone can do it. Think of it like a basic upholstery hack rather than a full reupholstery job. You’ll need basic tools—a circular saw or a jigsaw to cut a board, a heavy-duty stapler, and scissors. Instead of traditional fabric, we used a sheepskin rug, which gives great texture and warmth without complicated sewing.
Step 1: Cut an MDF base to size
Start with a thin piece of MDF—1/4″ worked well for us. Trace the outline of the bench seat onto the board and cut it to shape, keeping the board slightly smaller than the seat perimeter. Leaving a little inset ensures the finished cover sits neatly on the bench without hanging over the edges.
Step 2: Wrap the sheepskin around the MDF and staple
Position the sheepskin rug face down, center the MDF on top, and wrap the edges of the rug around the board. Pull the sheepskin taut and staple it to the underside of the MDF, spacing staples about every 3–4 inches. Hold the material tight as you work to avoid buckling. Once the perimeter is stapled, trim any excess material for a clean edge.
This step takes a little effort to hold everything tight, but it’s straightforward and fast. The sheepskin’s thickness masks small imperfections and looks luxurious without complicated finishing work.
Step 3: Place the finished top on the bench
We simply set the finished sheepskin-covered MDF onto the bench. It was heavy enough and the woven bench surface is textured, so the top stayed put without additional fasteners. If your bench surface is slick or you prefer a permanent attachment, use glue, screws, or small nails to secure the MDF—just be careful not to let fasteners poke through the sitting surface.
The whole process took about a dozen minutes from start to finish for us. Compared with the repeated fuss of re-folding loose rugs every day, this simple upgrade felt like a total life hack. The finished seat is comfortable, warm, and looks intentional rather than tacked-on.
If you want extra cushioning, add a layer of foam or batting between the MDF and the sheepskin before stapling. The sheepskin we used was plush enough on its own, but standard fabric will feel better with added padding. Just trim the foam slightly smaller than the board so the edges stay smooth when you wrap and staple.
Update: After more than a year of regular use the cover has held up really well. The sheepskin occasionally needs a little fluffing, but it hasn’t shifted, stained, or deteriorated. Because the padded board is removable, it’s easy to lift off and vacuum both the bench and the cover—making maintenance simple.
Note: some products and examples shown were used for illustration. Choose materials and attachment methods that suit your bench’s construction and your household’s needs.