How can I attach a trunk and pillow to make a bench?

Question

I'm trying to figure out a way to attach a pillow to a trunk to make it a bench. Any suggestions?

Nur3199750 · Answer

Velcro works well .

Jean Myles · Answer

I agree Velco is probably the best way to go. If for some reason you don't want to go that way. You could sew elastic 1 to 11/2 inches wide, same colour as the trunk to the dog pillow a couple of inches in from each end and long enough to go all around the trunk, minus a inch or two, sew the ends together .They should be a little tight. Then it is easy to wash if needed. Good luck..

Valerie · Answer

I agree with the Velcro suggestion. You can get a 'peel and stick' variety, so that would be the easiest option.

Susan Bechamp · Answer

If this is permanent, attach the cushion to a piece of plywood cut to size and secure to the lid from inside. You won't feel the metal straps on the lid through the wood and cushion. 
If this is temporary, try making a cover for the cushion that includes the lid of the trunk, like a fitted sheet. Use elastic at the corners to keep it from slipping. A no slip shelf liner mat might work as well.

Spe3227020 · Answer

I agree with the velco but I would use the industrial kind, you can find it at Sam's Club or Harbor Freight. You also would put the stiff velcro on the trunk and the fuzzy one on the pillow so you could wash it and stuff would not stick so easily to the pillow. This is self stick type.

Diana Deiley · Answer

How about a rubber mat instead? I wouldn't want to take the chance of damaging the trunk surface using something that would stick to it, but the Velcro suggestions are good ones. Good luck. Thanks for sharing.

Elaine Simmons · Answer

I did a bench that way using heavy duty Velcro. It never slips.

Liz Guest · Answer

Since the trunk won't open, consider attaching the cushion using upholstery tacks all around the outside. They come in different styles so you have a lot to choose from. It would also add a nice look to the bench.

Polly Zieper · Answer

Great ide to get a dogbed!!!already you have the foam and fabric, thanks for that idea!

Liz Straughn · Answer

Sew simple straps on each long side...two or three on each side at the bottom seam (against the trunk).  Add Velcro to each end.  Add Velcro to corresponding place inside of trunk lid (along sides of lid).  That should hold it on.

Diana Deiley · Answer

Love the trunk.

Janice James · Answer

Using plywood cut to size for top, place foamrubber on plywood then fabric on foam ...pull sides so you can staple to plywood ..if you want run screws from inside the trunk lid into the wood to attach permanently.

Elaine Simmons · Answer

I used the self stick and it will say on the outside of the package that it is heavy duty. If I remember right, the fabric stores sometimes carry it or places like Lowes or Home Depot might carry it also.

Marci N · Answer

I wonder if the super sticky velcro from the hardware store would work for this.

Michael Swigert · Answer

Did any of you read where the trunk WON'T open?

Crystal · Answer

Use  velcro

Heather Bussey · Answer

Marci that was my thought, too. Then you could remove for washing. If you're going to paint the trunk, don't paint the top under the pillow, so the velcro can grip.

Liz · Answer

Upon further inspection...the trunk is not a reproduction and does open!

Sonja Hansen · Answer

If it opens, you can sew/glue some strap of some sort, perhaps even leather, to the underside of the pillow. Then feed it under the lid and attach it inside. I have done this with a cedar chest. I have used snaps, but like just using a large safety pin because then I can adjust where I attach the two together.

Marylou Murdock · Answer

use old leather belts to attach pillow around chest buckle not on pillow top anywhere else would be fine.

Sarah A. Victory · Answer

Ditto on the Velcro! Or make some pretty sash ties. Or a covered elastic band attached to the cushion and underneath the lid of the trunk. Hey, I need to use one of these ideas myself on a bench seat. Good luck! Sorry I didn't notice you said the lid doesn't work!

Sandra · Answer

Is this an old trunk?  Have you had anyone give you an idea of how much it's worth?  The reason I ask is it may not be something you want to stick something to or put holes into.  Since it opens I would make long ties from either nice ribbon or with fabric that either matches the fabric you are using on the pillow.  Measure how long it would be to attach the pillow under the top.  I would just it it. It should have to be a couple inches so it gives a bit when you close it.  I am sure I am telling you things you know, but I like to be thorough.  Lol.  It's certainly a beautiful chest.  I hope you post your finished project.

Lulu · Answer

Use stick on industrial velcro to attach cushion to trunk.

L · Answer

You might try three long strips of self stick velcro on the trunk matching three strips on wrong side of the cushion. This technique will keep the cushion in place.

Snooks1948 · Answer

You can lay the pillow on a piece of plywood cut the same size as the Trunk top, cover it with Material stapled to the back of the plywood then use short screws from inside the trunk to attach the whole thing to the trunk.

JC Sipes · Answer

Since the 'trunk' is a reproduction and does not open, please verify that the decorative piece (not a trunk) is strong enough to function as a bench. Hope it works out for you and your DIY bench ends up gorgeous and functional.

Kayestes · Answer

Could you find two leather belts and strap the cushion down about 6 inches from the end on each side with the buckles showing on the front next to the clasps.  If it is strong enough, you might want to find something and make some chunky size short legs to raise it up a little.  Hope you find what you need and it will look good as well as funtional. Good luck on your project.

Deb K · Answer

Hi Liz, hope this helps you out.

Place an anti-slip mat between your cushions and the bench seat itself. Pre-cut mats can be purchased from your local hardware store.
Attach furniture grippers, or even double sided tape, to all four corners of your cushions and secure to your bench seat.

Mogie · Answer

If you want to be able to take the pillow off and wash it use velcro if you want it to be permanent use hot glue.

Bianca · Answer

You can clean it

How can I attach a trunk and pillow to make a bench?

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How can I attach a trunk and pillow to make a bench?

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