Abstract Modern DIY Low Bench

BySugar & Cloth Last Updated on

Follow our step-by-step DIY Low Bench tutorial to build an abstract modern design that’s perfect for small spaces and big style.

An Abstract DIY Modern Low Bench by Lifestyle and DIY blogger, Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth

You might be asking yourself, “What exactly is a DIY modern low bench… and did we just make that up?” Fair question. When I first shared the idea to the Sugar & Cloth team, I got a few raised eyebrows. But trust me. This simple project is both stylish and practical!

A modern low bench is one of the most versatile pieces of DIY furniture you can make. It works beautifully as extra seating for guests without blocking windows, a cozy reading nook bench, a colorful kids’ bench, or a stylish seat for a low floor table (like this DIY). Best of all, it’s perfect for small spaces. When not in use, you can easily slide it under the bed or tuck it away until you’re next gathering.

This DIY bench tutorial will show you how to customize your design to fit your style, whether you prefer a clean, minimalist stained-wood look or a bold, abstract pattern with modern gold hairpin legs. With just a few materials and basic tools, you can create a functional, space-saving piece that adds a touch of modern flair to your home.

An Abstract DIY Modern Low Bench by Lifestyle and DIY blogger, Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth
tools needed for DIY Modern Low Bench

Materials and Tools

  • Pre-finished boards: Already cut to size at the home improvement store for convenience. Since the boards are pre-cut and pre-finished, this project is quick and beginner-friendly.
  • Wood stain and paints in the color of your choice
  • Hairpin legs: Choose the finish that best matches your style. The original ones purchased for this project or sold out but you can find similar black heavy duty hairpins legs online. We also love this gold trapezoid hairpin legs.
  • Permanent metallic gold adhesive paper: Optional for extra decorative flair.
  • Gold wood screws: Your hairpin legs may already come with screws.
  • Drill and drill bits
  • Wood glue
  • Clamps
  • Painters tape: Optional, but perfect for creating clean painted lines and shapes.
DIY Modern Low Bench

How to Make An Abstract Modern DIY Low Bench

1 — Glue the boards together:
To give the bench a thicker, more substantial look, use wood glue to attach the two pre-finished boards together. Clamp them securely and let dry completely.

Modern Low Bench DIY
materials need for DIY Modern Low Bench

2 — Smooth the edges:
Once dry, sand the edges and any rough spots until you have a smooth, even surface.

An Abstract DIY Modern Low Bench by Lifestyle and DIY blogger, Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth

3 — Mark and attach the legs:
Measure and mark the placement for each hairpin leg in the four corners. We placed ours 1.5 inches from each edge.

DIY Modern Low Bench
DIY Modern Low Bench
materials needed for DIY Modern Low Bench

Using a drill and gold wood screws, secure each leg plate in place.

4 — Add your abstract design:
If you want to paint or stain a pattern, use painter’s tape to outline your design. We chose a bold, modern abstract pattern with a mix of painted and stained sections. We wanted one edge stained and pink, blue and orange painted sections.

An Abstract DIY Modern Low Bench by Lifestyle and DIY blogger, Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth

5 — Add metallic accents:
Once the paint and stain are fully dry, apply shapes cut from metallic gold adhesive paper to the painted sections for a unique, modern touch. For our design, we applied abstract gold shapes the the pink painted portion.

And voilà! Your Abstract Modern DIY Low bench is complete! Style it with potted unique houseplants, colorful throw pillows ( like this DIY pattern throw pillow or DIY watercolor throw pillow), or next to a DIY low table for floor seating.

DIY Modern Low Bench with pillow

Tutorial Notes and Tips

  • Test your stain and paint first: Wood can absorb color differently, so do a quick test on a scrap piece to make sure you’re happy with the final shade.
  • Protect your finish: If your bench will see heavy use, seal it with a clear topcoat to protect against scratches and spills.
  • Think about versatility: Keep the design simple if you want your bench to work in multiple spaces over time, or go bold if it’s meant as a statement piece.
DIY Modern Low Bench with throw pillow

More Living Room Decor Ideas

For more unique and budget friendly home decor projects and ideas, check out a few of our favorites below —

Low DIY Bench
An Abstract DIY Modern Low Bench by Lifestyle and DIY blogger, Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth

DIY Modern Low Bench

Print
5 from 5 votes
Extra guests? Cozy reading nook? Holiday display? This DIY low bench is ready for all of it that you can make it in a weekend.
Prep Time1 hour 30 minutes
Dry Time2 hours
Total Time3 hours 30 minutes
Course DIY
Category Seating

Equipment

Materials

  • 2 wood board pre-cut and pre-finished
  • 4 steel hairpin legs
  • Paint colors colors of your choice
  • Wood stain colors of your choice

Instructions

  • Glue the boards together: To give the bench a thicker, more substantial look, use wood glue to attach the two pre-finished boards together. Clamp them securely and let dry completely.
  • Smooth the edges: Once dry, sand the edges and any rough spots until you have a smooth, even surface.
  • Mark and attach the legs: Measure and mark the placement for each hairpin leg in the four corners. We placed mine 1.5 inches from each edge. Using a drill and gold wood screws, secure each leg plate in place.
  • Add your abstract design: If you want to paint a pattern, use painter’s tape to outline your design. We chose a bold, modern abstract pattern with a mix of painted and stained sections.
  • Add metallic accents: Once the paint and stain are fully dry, apply shapes cut from metallic gold adhesive paper to the painted sections for a unique, modern touch.
Cost: $50
KEYWORD: DIY bench

Please note that we may earn a commission for some of the above affiliate links. However, products featured are independently selected and personally well-loved by us!

5 from 5 votes (1 rating without comment)

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