Craftsman Bench with Leather Seat

Finding a unique piece of furniture that carries history and character can be exciting!. Last year, I came across a small Craftsman style bench with a leather seat at a local auction. The bench had serious signs of wear, particularly to the leather seat.

Discovering the Bench at Auction

Auctions often offer hidden gems for furniture enthusiasts. This particular bench caught my eye because of its classic Craftsman design—simple lines, sturdy construction, and a warm wood tone. The leather seat, though well worn, torn and faded, definitely needed to go. The bench was small enough to fit in various spaces, but I had a particular spot in mind. In my own home. I have a small Craftsman desk in my living room and I thought it would tuck nicely under it and provide additional seating.

When bidding, I considered the potential for restoration. The wood was dusty and lacked luster, but there were no major cracks or structural damage. I knew that with some effort, this bench could regain its vintage charm.

Assessing the Condition and Planning the Refurbishment

Before starting, I carefully examined the bench to decide the best approach for restoration. Here’s what I found:

• Wood frame: Covered in dirt and old finish that dulled the surface. No loose joints or broken parts.

• Leather seat: Cracked, faded, and stained. The padding underneath and the leather needed replacement.

• Hardware: Screws were intact but slightly rusted.

  
  

The plan was to clean and refinish the wood to bring out its natural beauty and reupholster the leather seat.

Cleaning the Wood

The wood restoration process began with a thorough cleaning. I used a mild wood cleaner and a soft cloth to remove years of dust and grime.

I was filthy!!! After going through a couple more cloths, I was confident it was clean. The wood’s natural grain and color beneath the dull surface was beginning to emerge!

Replacing the Leather Seat

I started by removing the old leather carefully, preserving the seat’s frame.

The padding was old and needed to go as well.

Choosing the right leather was important to maintain the bench’s vintage feel. I looked at several options online. It is amazing to me how many faux leather products are marketed as leather. I selected a durable, full-grain leather in a rich brown tone that complements the wood’s warmth. Full-grain leather ages beautifully and develops a patina over time, adding character. The piece I chose smelled like leather, but am I 100% sure it is leather? No. It was pretty stretchy when I upholstered it.

I added a layer of new padding. It wasn't as thick as the old padding, but I didn't have a lot of width on the leather to work with so I kept it to a minimum.

To attach the new leather, I cut it to size, allowing extra material to wrap around the edges of the seat frame. Using a staple gun, I secured the leather tightly underneath the seat.

The new leather seat not only looks fresh but also feels comfortable and sturdy.

Final Touches and Placement

Now that the leather seat had been replaced, the bench needed to shine. I used Restor-a-Finish to make this shine. It really gives new life to old wood. If you have never used it, I recommend giving it a try!

The bench is now tucked under the desk in my living room! Finally! After about a year of putting it on the back burner to focus on other projects.

It actually fit perfectly! I never actually measured it prior to working on it. It tucks under there nicely and is eacy to pull out when needed.

It's a lovely addition to my home, if I do say so myself!

Tips for Refurbishing Vintage Furniture

If you’re inspired to restore a vintage piece like this Craftsman bench, here are some practical tips:

• Inspect carefully before buying to avoid costly repairs.

• Test cleaning products on a small area to prevent damage.

• Choose finishes that enhance rather than cover the wood grain.

• Select replacement materials that match the original style.

• Take your time with each step to ensure quality results.

  
  

Bringing History Back to Life

Refurbishing this small Craftsman bench was a rewarding project that combined respect for craftsmanship with hands-on restoration. The process transformed a worn auction find into a beautiful, functional piece that honors its vintage roots.

Below are some links to products I used in this project. Disclaimer: Junk is My Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

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