DIY Plans to Build a Lilley Bench

A Simple, Sturdy, and Stunning Bench

I think the style of this bench is really neat… It has a sort of Greek Key/Asian flair to it! The DIY plans to build a Lilley Bench are really simple and inexpensive to construct. The seat is upholstered and can also be tufted based on your preferences. This is a great piece that can also double as an upholstered coffee table!

Materials:

• 2″ pocket hole screws
• 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
• 3″ thick upholstery foam at 36″ x 60″ (two layers of 1-1/2″ foam will work as well)
• Upholstery batting
• 2 yards of 54″ or 60″ wide decorator fabric
• 1″ screws and washers, and buttons to cover, if tufting the seat
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Lumber:

• 9 – 2×2 at 8′
• 1 – 4′ x 8′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood

Cut List:

• 4 – 2×2 at 18″ – Legs
• 2 – 2×2 at 57″ – Side Frames
• 4 – 2×2 at 20-1/2″ – Side Frames
• 4 – 2×2 at 9″ – Side Frames
• 2 – 2×2 at 36″ – Side Frames
• 4 – 2×2 at 3″ – Side Frames
• 4 – 2×2 at 33″ – End Frames & Seat Supports
• 4 – 2×2 at 10-1/2″ – End Frames
• 4 – 2×2 at 9″ – End Frames
• 2 – 2×2 at 18″ – End Frames
• 4 – 2×2 at 3″ – End Frames
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 36″ x 60″ – Seat

Click on the drawings for a larger view!

Step One

Cut the pieces for the legs and the side frames. With the pocket hole jig set for 1-1/2″ material, drill pocket holes in each end of the 57″ pieces, the 20-1/2″ pieces, and the 36″ pieces. Drill pocket holes in one long edge of the 57″ pieces to attach the seat when the bench frame is assembled. Drill pocket holes in one end only of the 9″ pieces. Assemble the side frames as shown using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the end frames and seat supports. Drill pocket holes in each end of the 18″ pieces (there are six of them) and the 10-1/2″ pieces. Drill pocket holes in one long edge of the 18″ pieces to attach the seat when the bench frame is assembled. Drill pocket holes in one end only of the 9″ pieces. Assemble the ends as shown using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Three

Cut the piece for the seat. Cut the 3″ foam to the same size as the seat. Wrap the foam with the batting and the fabric, then staple to the underside of the board for the seat. If tufting the seat, do so using the 1″ screws and washers before stapling the fabric and batting to the underside of the seat piece.

Finish the frame as desired. Position the seat on the frame securing in place using 2″ pocket hole screws.

This would be a great bench at the foot of a bed or as mentioned above, a fabulous upholstered coffee table. Leave a comment below if there are any questions about the DIY plans to build a Lilley Bench!