Make And Do the Design*Sponge way: Rolling storage bench

07-09-2011
Make And Do the Design*Sponge way: Rolling storage bench

Get moving on your vintage obsession with this beautiful storage box/bench.

Image: Johnny Miller

Designer: Grace Bonney

Cost: Depending on price of vintage container, plus about €30 for extra materials

Time: 2 hours

What You’ll Need

  • A large wooden container, crate or box from a flea market or vintage shop
  • Casters and mounting screws
  • Screwdriver
  • Measuring tape or ruler
  • Sturdy, medium-weight plywood for the lid
  • A saw
  • Sandpaper
  • Foam (use at least two-inch foam for a comfy seat)
  • Box cutter or Stanley knife
  • Batting
  • Scissors
  • Fabric
  • Staple gun and staples
  • Safety hinges (optional)

How To

  1. Flip the box upside down and attach the casters to the four corners. Use screws that are short enough not to come through to the interior of the box.
  2. Turn the box upright and measure it from edge to edge for your lid. Cut the plywood (or have it done at a hardware shop) lid to fit neatly on the box edges, and sand the edges.
  3. Lay the foam on the floor with the lid on top. Trace around the edges of the lid and cut the foam to size. 
  4. Repeat step three with the batting, leaving a three-inch border of batting on all sides so you can pull it over the foam and staple it to the back of the lid.  Repeat this process with your fabric
  5. Lay the fabric face down on the floor, centre the batting and place the foam on top. Place the lid on top of these three layers and pull the batting and fabric over the edges of the lid. Secure them with a staple gun. Work your way around all edges, securing tightly as you go.
  6. Trim away any excess fabric. For a more polished look, cover the underside of the lid with fabric too and staple it in place.
  7. Install the hinges for safety – especially if little fingers will be using it – to prevent it from slamming shut. 

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