Vintage Art Deco Waterfall Headboard Bench With Embossed Leather Hide Seat

This is what the Vintage Waterfall headboard and footboard used to look like.  I just love the details on these pieces.

Step 4 - Attaching the seat frame and footboard sides to the headboard

Using the 16-inch high line we drew onto the headboard from Step 2, we attached the seat frame onto headboard using 2-inch wood screws.

Next, we lined each footboard flush with the frame of the headboard and the sides of the seat frame and clamped them in place, checking to make sure it was level and square. Again using 2-inch wood screws the sides were attached from the inside of the seat frame (as pictured below).

Step 5 - Filling the gaps

We filled any gaps, screw holes, and scratches with wood filler.

Step 6 - Attaching trim to the front of the seat

To hide the 2" x 4" board on the front of the seat frame, MDF trim was attached using a brad nailer. I had a photo but accidentally deleted it but you can see it in the very first photo at the top of this post.

Step 7 - Painting the bench

Now my favorite part, adding the pretty. Like chairs, painting benches with a brush is a heck of a lot of work. To speed up the process I used my HomeRight Finish Max Pro paint sprayer and applied four thin coats of diluted chalk paint in the color Arles.


I used 180-grit sandpaper to lightly distress the bench. To add depth to the color and inject some rustic charm, I waxed the bench with both clear and dark wax. Normally I would apply the clear wax first followed by the dark wax but instead, I blended the two waxes together on a paper plate using an Artist Pallet Knife. Working in sections, I applied the wax using a wax brush and wiped away the excess with a lint-free rag.


I love how the dark wax rests in all the crevices and joints of the bench.

Step 8 - Upholstering the Seat With Embossed Leather Hide

We cut a piece of 3/4-inch plywood to fit the top of the seat frame. Using an old electric serrated knife we cut 2-inch high-density foam the same size as the plywood. The foam was attached to the plywood using spray adhesive.


This is where that gorgeous piece of Embossed Leather Hide came in. Just love the Western Tool embossed pattern on the leather and the color of the hide. The Leather Hide Store offers a very helpful Furniture Reupholstery Guide that outlines how much fabric you need for specific styles and types of furniture.


We laid the seat onto the leather hide and cut it to size so it would wrap around the foam and onto the back of the wood. Using white chalk, I drew the four corners and cut a small dart where the two ends should meet when sewing the corners (see picture below).

Using a #18 Denim Needle and Quilters Gütermann thread, I sewed each corner together and cut off the excess for a snug fit over the foam.


The hide slipped over the foam like a glove. After pulling it taut, we stapled it to the back of the plywood.

The upholstered seat was attached to the bench from underneath with 3-inch wood screws.


I'm quite pleased with how it turned out. I think the Arles paint color pairs well with the color of the hide.



As promised, here is a detailed list of the supplies and tools used to make this project.

Materials List

Twin Headboard and Footboard
2" x 3" lumber
3/4-inch plywood
3/4" x 4" MDF trim
2-inch high-density foam
Embossed upholstery leather hide
#18 Denim sewing needle
Quilters Gütermann thread
Chalk paint in the color Arles
Clear and Dark wax
3-inch 2-inch wood screws
Countersink drill bit
1/8-inch drill bit
#8 Robertson Drill Bit
1 1/4" brad nails

Power Tools

Drill
Jigsaw
Table Saw
Miter Saw
Brad Nail Gun
Staple Gun
Sewing Machine


I had some fun with some of the leftover pieces of leather hide making this banner.


I want to thank the good folks at the Leather Hide Store for supplying the beautiful Western Tool Embossed Leather Hide for this piece.

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