As part of our breakfast nook makeover, I wanted to create a built-in-style dining bench cabinet. Dining benches are not only charming and cozy but also a practical way to save space. Using IKEA cabinets, I was able to build a bench that looks built-in, yet remains movable. Let me show you how to create your own simple dining bench seat using kitchen cabinets!
Isn’t it adorable?! I’m really proud of how this little project turned out, especially the top of the bench—it looks great and was surprisingly easy to build. I did most of it myself, though my husband helped by using his big nail gun to secure the base.
The rest of the process was super simple. To create this DIY bench seat, I used two IKEA refrigerator wall cabinets, each measuring 30″ wide by 15″ high. The width was perfect, as it nearly fills the wall in our breakfast nook. The 15″ height worked out great, too—once I placed the cabinets on a base, they ended up almost the same height as a standard bench or chair (18″).
HOW TO MAKE A DIY BENCH CABINET USING IKEA KITCHEN CABINETS
- To create a stylish and functional dining bench, I started by assembling two IKEA refrigerator wall cabinets according to the instructions and adding the cabinet doors.
- For the base, I used 2×4 lumber and a miter saw to create a frame that matched the dimensions of the bottom of the cabinets—thankfully, the math was easy! I added some braces for extra sturdiness.
- Next, I set the cabinets on top of the base, attached them in the center with screws to prevent shifting, and secured them to the base with a finishing nail gun. To give the base a polished look, I added baseboard trim, filled the nail holes with caulk, and carefully caulked the seams.
- After painting the trim white with two coats, it perfectly matched the cabinets and gave the bench a professional finish.
DIY BENCH CUSHION
For the cushion, I found some 2″ foam on Amazon, cut it to size, and made a simple bench cushion cover from durable, water-resistant indoor-outdoor fabric. I sewed it by hand without a zipper, making it easy to clean and protect the foam from spills.
WHY I LOVE THIS BENCH
This bench is a perfect match for our kitchen’s style, offering a cozy seating area for the kids while doubling as extra storage for dishware and kitchen essentials. The cabinets are the ideal depth, designed for kitchen use, which makes them super practical.
The neutral fabric color is another bonus—it allows me to easily switch up the look with different pillows, giving the space a fresh feel whenever we like.
ADDING CHARACTER TO THE SPACE
To finish off the breakfast nook, I revamped the wall behind the bench using peel-and-stick board and batten and shiplap-look panels. It adds texture and interest to the room, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out. This little DIY project not only gave us more seating but also transformed the entire nook into a stylish, functional space.