Take a seemingly awkward space and turn it into the most original spot from which to soak up the sun. This easy (and portable) seating solution is just the thing for extending the invitation when hosting al fresco.

As the new Social Nesting HQ includes a deck, there was a scramble to get it summer-ready while working on all of the other redesign activities we have undertaken. And while there 20-foot expanse was a welcome addition, it was also ripe for the zhuzhing… especially this odd little structure.

Built to encase a light well to the floor below, the thin wooden surround is a low and narrow and not much use as is.

So off we set to create two custom cushioned seating pads that would lift and lighten the space and get four more places for guests to rest.

In our quest to forego any sewing, the decision was taken to make two long and narrow structured cushion the exact width of the top ledge of the light well using a thick, firm foam padding with an MDF base, upholstered, like our chair project, with outdoor fabric.

For this, we amassed:
– outdoor fabric (in two coordinating styles)
– a staple gun
– thin MDF
– 4-inch foam padding
also good to have but not crucial were:
– double-sided tape
– pinking sheers

We started by placing the MDF sheet onto the foam and running a strip of double-sided tape along the edge of the MDF – the tape acts as a way to hold the fabric in place once you fold it over but before you get to stapling, like so…

Trim the fabric with pinking sheers to minimize fraying and secure to the taped underside of the MDF. Staple in place all the way around the MDF base.

For the neatest edge, we secured the corners in the style of hospital corners on a bed.

And finally, the quickest and easiest way to line and protect the base was using adhesive felt cut to size.

And there you have it – a pretty padded bench for lounging…

…or extra dining places for when four become eight.