How to Make a DIY Dressing Table Stool

With craft materials so easy to find online and in craft shops, it's easier than ever to start upholstery projects. Many are drawn to upholstery crafting because furniture can be made to an exact specification – a certain height, shape and comfort level. This guide shows how to make a DIY dressing table stool with a foam pad.

Which materials?

Two main materials can be used for the stool, but the easiest is wood. Plastic is an option, though pieces usually need pre-ordering in your shapes, which can be expensive if custom-made. Solid wood or reinforced MDF is therefore the simpler, more cost-effective choice, as it's easily cut and modified at home with a few basic tools.

Which foam?

Foam is the perfect material to make your stool comfortable and can be cut to size and shape. Given the compact nature of a dressing table seat, we'd recommend a high-density foam, which provides as much support as a thicker, lower-density sheet. Reconstituted foam sheets are also a good, durable option, commonly used in items such as bar stools and public transport seats.

How to build the stool

For a wooden stool you'll need four leg pieces (cut to height), a square or rectangular flat seat piece, heavy-duty hardwood glue, foam cushioning, a staple gun and cover fabric.

1. Cut the four leg pieces to length with a hand saw. To fit under a standard dressing table, we recommend about 40cm, assuming a 3cm-thick seat piece – around 46cm is a popular overall height (40cm legs, 3cm seat, and 3cm spare for the foam topping and cover).
2. Mark four equal corners underneath the seat piece, 3cm in from each edge.
3. Cut a foam piece to the exact dimensions of the seat and use a universal spray adhesive to attach it to the top of the wood.
4. Cut your cover fabric with 5cm spare around the edges. Place the seat on top, flip it over so the wood faces up, fold the fabric over the edges and secure with a staple gun – keeping the four marked leg points clear.
5. Using heavy-duty wood glue, glue the top of each leg and secure them one by one. Keep the stool upside down to dry, with a weight such as a couple of hardback books on each leg.
6. For extra support, secure metal corner braces between the legs and the seat with screws.

For more DIY seating projects, see our guides to restoring tub chairs and dining chair foam pads. If you need any help ordering foam for your project, please contact us today.

Frequently asked questions

What foam is best for a dressing table stool?

Given the compact seat, we'd recommend a high-density foam, which provides as much support as a thicker, lower-density sheet. Reconstituted upholstery foam sheets are also a good, durable option, as used in bar stools and public transport seats.

What height should a dressing table stool be?

Around 46cm overall is popular. As an example, that's 40cm legs plus a 3cm seat piece, leaving about 3cm for the foam topping and cover fabric.

How do I attach foam to a stool seat?

Cut the foam to the exact seat dimensions, attach it to the wood with a universal spray adhesive, then cover with fabric cut 5cm larger all round, folded over and stapled underneath.