HOW TO BUILD A BENCH SEAT FROM IKEA CABINETS

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.

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FUN AND ENGAGING BODY PARTS ACTIVITIES FOR PRESCHOOLERS

Did you know teaching body parts to preschoolers can be both fun and engaging with the right activities?

Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Here’s a list of creative and exciting body parts activities to try with your little one.

Keep reading to discover the best preschool activities focused on learning about human body parts.

Looking for even more fun ideas for exploring the human body?

Importance of Teaching Body Parts to Preschoolers

Teaching body parts to preschoolers doesn’t have to feel like a chore. In fact, it can be an enjoyable and interactive experience when you incorporate creative activities! Here are some fun ideas to help your little one learn about their body:

SING SONGS ABOUT BODY PARTS

Songs are a simple yet effective way to teach body parts. Classics like “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” are timeless favorites, but there are also other catchy tunes that introduce additional body parts. Singing along helps children remember the names of body parts while improving coordination and rhythm.

CREATE PLAY DOUGH OR CLAY MODELS

Get hands-on by making a person out of play dough or clay. Encourage your child to mold different body parts and label them as they go. This activity promotes both creativity and learning, turning anatomy into a fun, artistic project.

PLAY BODY PARTS GAMES

Games are another exciting way to teach body parts. Consider board games designed for young learners that focus on anatomy or create your own using flashcards with images of body parts. Interactive play makes learning more dynamic and memorable.

These activities are so engaging that your child will be learning without even realizing it! Keep reading for more exciting body parts activities for preschoolers!

Recommended Human Body Books

Your little one will discover so much about how the human body works with these amazing books designed just for young readers! These books are perfect for introducing preschoolers to the fascinating world of anatomy in a fun and engaging way.

Recommended Human Body Activity Kits

JUNIOR SCIENTIST SCIENCE STUDY: HUMAN BODY

Love this human body activity? Dive deeper into the fascinating world of anatomy with the Junior Scientist Science Study: Human Body! It’s packed with hands-on, engaging activities that will make learning about the human body even more exciting.

HUMAN BODY SCISSOR SKILLS ACTIVITY BOOK

This fun and educational activity book lets kids explore the human body while practicing their scissor skills. It’s the perfect combination of creativity and learning!

RECOMMEDED EDUCATIONAL HUMAN BODY TOYS

Enhance your homeschool human body lesson with these amazing educational toys! These interactive toys make the topic come alive, giving your little one a hands-on way to learn about the human body. Who doesn’t love a fun toy that also helps them learn? It’s a win-win!

Body Parts Activities For Preschool

If you want hands-on and engaging activities for your preschooler to learn about their body, you have to try the activities on this list! I am sure your little one will have so much fun!

If you’re looking for a fun and interactive way to teach your kids about the parts of their bodies, these coloring pages are perfect! They offer a creative and hands-on approach to learning while keeping your little ones engaged and entertained.

Teaching kids about their bodies is an important part of growing up, and if it’s something you haven’t explored yet, you’re in luck! These worksheets are a great way to open up conversations and make learning about the human body fun and informative for both you and your kids.

Let your kids try this mouth and tooth craft, which makes a great representation of a human mouth! This fun activity helps children learn about teeth and oral health in an interactive way, all while creating their own model of a mouth.

Learning about the nervous system? Create your own spinal cord with this simple craft! It’s a fun and interactive way for kids to visualize how the spinal cord connects to the brain and the rest of the body, making the nervous system easier to understand.

Create a colorful brain model using playdough! As you shape each part, you can explain the different regions of the brain and their functions. This hands-on activity is a fun way to help kids understand how the brain works while allowing them to get creative with colors and shapes.

This fun STEM project for kids lets them create a model of the spine! It’s a hands-on activity that helps children learn about the skeletal system and the importance of the spine, all while engaging their creativity and building skills.

With these activities, your child will learn about their own body in a fun and educational way!

Don’t forget to take advantage of all the different resources available to teach body parts—you’ll both enjoy the process, and it’ll make learning even more engaging and memorable!

conclusion

In conclusion, teaching your child about their body can be a fun and enriching experience with the right activities and resources. Whether it’s through hands-on crafts, interactive games, or educational books, there are endless ways to make learning about body parts exciting and memorable. By exploring these activities together, you’ll not only help your child understand how their body works but also foster a love for learning that will last a lifetime!