There have been tons of online hacks showing how to for years use Dollar Tree pool noodles to create cute and adorable decor on a budgetand now you can also craft a fun piece of furniture. Annika Hinds (@blondesigns) is an avid DIYer and shared a TikTok video showing how these foam pool toys can be transformed into gorgeous tufting. By constructing a wooden frame, Hinds used the pool noodles to create elegant rows of fluff that wrap around the bench to form a unique and expensive-looking piece. With three wooden squares, a wider wooden board, some wood glue, four angle brackets, screws, about six pool noodles, a staple gun, and fabric, you’ll have everything you need to make your own version of the Hinds stool. Depending on the materials you are working with and the style you want, you may also consider using quilt batting.
In a Video on YouTube about the project, Hinds explained that she saw a similar bench in a store for $474, but was able to complete this DIY noodle for about $30. To get a sleek, luxurious look like the Hinds bench, you’ll want to use a fabric that has a smooth, velvety quality and rich color. For a different aesthetic, consider a more neutral fabric with a hint of texture. Although the video of this DIY demonstrates a small stool with a footrest, you can make a larger bench to perfectly fit your needs and decor.
Constructing the wooden base of your tufted bench
Before you start thinking about your pool noodles, you need to make the frame for your unique DIY bench. In her videos, Annika Hinds uses three oriented panels of plywood cut into 15-by-15-inch squares. Glue these pieces together to form a U shape that will be the base of your bench. For those with woodworking experience, you can build your own custom bench or use different sizes before tufting with the Hinds pool noodle method. Otherwise, the small frame of this bench makes it the perfect ottoman for your small space.
Although the glue will hold the shape of your pouf, it won’t be very strong on its own. To give the bench seat a little more support, place two angle brackets on each side of the seat opposite the legs. Secure them with ½ inch screws. Nail your shorter, thicker board into the middle of the U-shape for support, but don’t attach it yet. This will need to be done after upholstery. It looks like Dollar Tree Pool Noodles are the secret tool for making a luxurious DIY accent chair. or bench, although some steps of this project may be more difficult to complete. Building the frame of your furniture will be the easiest part of this DIY, but attaching the pool noodle with fabric can be especially difficult.
Create a tufted look with foam pool noodles
With your frame upside down, drape a large piece of fabric over the bottom. While Annika Hinds places the fabric directly on the wood, placing quilt batting in between can help add thickness to your bench and tufts. This is especially useful when working with thinner fabric. Once the batting and fabric are lined up, staple the material in place, pulling it tight to prevent wrinkling as you work. Wrap the support board in the same fabric, slide it back into the bench and screw it into place.
Arrange your foam noodle over the middle of the seat, making sure the sides of the noodle are long enough to reach the bottom of the stool legs. If you don’t like how tall the strands are, cut the noodles in half lengthwise, placing the flat edge against the bench. Place the end of a very large piece of fabric over the edge of your bench and staple it in place. Now flip the fabric over on the bench, pulling it over the noodle. Staple the material to the top and sides of the furniture, holding it tight and fixing the foam all around. A more stretchy fabric can make this step easier. Repeat with each noodle before securing the loose fabric to the ends of the foam. Keeping the noodle perfectly straight as you work is critical to achieving the look of this piece of furniture.
