How to upholster "fixed" window seat?

Question

I have a fixed (ie no hinges) window seat 9ft x 2ft, that goes from wall to wall (all 3 surrounding walls are of cedar timber panelling).

The obvious way to upholster it would be to remove the lid, place foam on top and staple the material underneath it....but I cannot remove the lid as its been screwed on in a hundred places (I know because I watched the carpenter make it) and the lid is comprised of 2 x 12" wide planks.

I'm am unsure of how (or where) to staple the material to...eg on the wall panelling or on the lid? The lid does have a 1" lip, so I can staple under that to finish it off neatly. Do I start at the front, sides or back of the window seat?

And.....would it be better off longterm to go for leather, velvet (velour) or some other material....as its exposed to light most of the day but not direct sunlight? I'm not keen on cotton, fake leather or patterns.

If we have an upholsterer on board, I'd appreciate the input. Cheers, Tracy!

Answer 1

Without removing the lid, you have quite a chore. Spend the time taking out the screws. Borrow an electric screwdriver if you need to. Then lay on foam cut to size, cover foam with batting, (fabric store can help you choose which one), staple batting in place (start with one staple in the middle of one side, pull taunt, secure opposite side. Repeat with the other ends, then begin working your way from the inside to the corners, flipping sides and ends throughout, and keep tension even. Then cover with fabric of your choice following the same procedure. Fold corners neatly and tuck under and secure. Finish with braid or anything decorative, if desired.

Fabric choices? Leather is expensive, but it can be re-dyed or waxed (like with shoe polish) if the sun fades it. Velour/velvet you cant do that. Maybe look at Sunbrella fabrics and see if you might like something anyways, since that is made for that sort of situation and it is easier to work with than leather. Good luck!

Answer 2

Not real sure how to upholster, but you might just try to make a cushion out of foam and cover it with the fabric of your choice. At least it would be more comfortable than sitting on bare wood. good luck