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Pottery Barn Knock-Off Caden Bench

No one can deny that Pottery Barn offers a classic style in their housewares, home decor and furniture. Problem is not everyone can afford it. That’s when I peruse the catalog and say, “We could build that!” Let me show you how we created a wonderful rustic Pottery Barn knock-off on a budget.

It’s Themed Furniture Makeover Day and our focus is all about STORAGE and ORGANIZATION. We can all use a little of that in our lives, right? Here’s what my hubby and I choose for our knock-off project:

The Pottery Barn Caden Bench

Why pay big bucks for Pottery Barn when you can DIY? For less than half the retail cost, we built a knock-off of the PB Caden leather bench. Come see how we did it! by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

*this post is sponsored by The Leather Hide Store (see full disclosure)

It’s rustic, leather goodness just kept calling my name. We had considered recreating this piece back in our Pottery Barn Theme in April, but went for a trunk project instead. However, when The Leather Hide Store asked us to give their product a try, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. I give JC props for taking the woodworking end of this and figuring out all the specs. It’s fun to analyze this type of furniture puzzle.

Building Custom Leather Bench | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpiecesDIY TIME

He figured out all the angles and how to do a mortise and tenon joint on an angle – mind you, he’s never done this before. Look at that cut…

Making Mortise and Tenon for Bench | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Then, he chiseles out the mortises and got everything ready for me to tackle the finishing end – even to the point of working on our shop floor in the dark with a lamp because we have so much going on – whew!

Hand-Building Pottery Barn Knock-Off Bench | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Once we have the structure cut and rough assembly, it’s time to put on the finishing touches. (enter in ME)

Rough Layout of DIY Caden Bench | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Anyone in our line of work can understand how this is my perpetual living room rug and how my living room pretty much looks all.the.time. One day we will have a shop where I can go back to having a normal house. In the meantime, I am blessed to be able to do what I love.

First, to create a rustic base, I went for my favorite stain, Early American Varathane by Rust-Oleum, that we used in our bedroom, our bathroom, and on several other projects, including our other PB Trunk knock-off.

Early American Stain for Pottery Barn Knock-Off Bench | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

LEATHER

Once the base was finished being assembled using our Kreg Jig (one of my all-time favorite tools), it was time for the upholstery. I have done several upholstery projects, like my channel back chair and my feed sack chair to name a few, but have never used leather in this capacity. Just look at this gorgeousness.

Gorgeous Leather from The Leather Hide Store | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

It’s called Restoration Wicker and is leather sourced from the same tanner that Pottery Barn uses as well. woot! You can find this and more upholstery leather at The Leather Hide Store.

I was a bit nervous to cut this beauty, but I was so excited to see our finished project, that I quickly put my nervousness aside.

Cutting Leather Upholstery | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Once I have my pieces cut, I sew them together and then attach it to the base of the bench. Finally, all that I need to do is add the trim and nails.

Leather Trim for Pottery Barn Knock-Off Bench | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

THE REVEAL

Are you ready for our reveal? I am!!

Larissa of Prodigal Pieces DIY Leather Caden Bench | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Not too shabby, eh? I love this bench for its rustic appeal and the storage it offers. Also, we not only tried to recreate the Pottery Barn bench, but also make it better. Instead of a 3″ foam on top, I choose the 4″ to give long-lasting effect and use.

Gorgeous Knock-Off of PB Caden leather bench by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Top View Caden Leather Bench by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

And how about that leather…I’m drooling I tell ya. So, instead of a $899 price tag, you can build your own for $299. Cha-ching! If you love it too but are not the DIY type, you can find it in my online shop.

Shop Prodigal Pieces Furniture, Vintage Finds, Handmade Goods, & Supplies for your home | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Amazing Leather from The Leather Hide Store for DIY Bench by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Handmade Leather Caden Bench by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

I hope you enjoy our Pottery Barn knock-off project. In addition, pin and share our work for others to enjoy and inspire them too. Don’t forget to head below to see what storage and organization furniture my blogger friends have for you!

Why pay big bucks for Pottery Barn when you can DIY? For less than half the retail cost, we built a knock-off of the PB Caden leather bench. Come see how we did it! by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!

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Also, more of my DIY projects like this Pottery Barn Knock-off:

Pottery Barn Josefa Trunk Knock-Off by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpiecesFrom curbside underbed drawers to a rustic farmhouse workbench for kitchen or console. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces loves taking trash and turning it into #trashure . Come see the DIY details at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #furniture #homedecor #shopping

Comments

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Lindsay! There’s nothing like a custom piece, right?

  1. Wendi @ H2OBungalow says

    Wow!! What a super project and I’ll go for your version all day long my friend! What a sweetheart too, for your hubby to join in a help…to the extent he’s on the floor while it’s getting dark. Your bench is beautiful!

    • Larissa says

      Woot! Thanks, Wendi! He does good work and wish he could work with me all the time. 🙂

  2. Amy | Canary Street Crafts says

    This is absolutely beautiful. You guys did an amazing job. And I totally know what you mean about your house looking like a workshop! Thankfully my husband just rolls with it and doesn’t mind when there’s a half painted dresser in the middle of the kitchen :).

    • Larissa says

      Thanks, Amy! We had fun amidst the mess. I think I need to take a week to catch up my house, though! I hear ya on the patient family. I am blessed. 🙂

  3. Sharon says

    The bench is absolutely beautiful.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you so much, Sharon. We are very pleased with the result. Now to make one for ourselves, right?

    • Larissa says

      Woot! Funny thing was, when we do it together it doesn’t seem that hard. We just need more time – doesn’t everyone?

    • Larissa says

      hee hee…thanks, Jeanette! We have fun and love to share our passion.

  4. Bessie says

    WOW !! THIS IS GREAT . I bet this is one piece you keep and don’t change for a very long time.

    • Larissa says

      Thanks, Bessie! That was what drew me to this piece. So classic and doesn’t go out of style.

    • Larissa says

      Thanks so much, Marie. The two of us could do so much, but time is always a factor. Maybe one day!

    • Larissa says

      hahaha…we sort of already are. 😉 Thank you, Mary! Now if I could just get my husband to stay home full-time.

  5. Patty says

    It is beautiful. Gotta love those husbands!!!

  6. Sherry Fram says

    Awesome knockoff!! I like your stain better! Did you use a regular sewing machine to sew the leather? Kudos to JC & his carpentry skills! Great job to both of you!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Sherry! Yes, a regular machine with a leather needle. My husband has some of his grandfather’s awesome woodworking skills (his grandfather would carve life-size carosel horse and animals, among other things). He doesn’t even have to try hard. 🙂

    • Larissa says

      Oh yes, leather is divine! Thank you for the love, Kimm.

  7. Breanna says

    What a talented hubby you have! This turned out fantastic!

  8. Kathy Nielsen says

    Larissa, Both you and your hubby did a wonderful job on this bench. You make me want to try and use leather as a fabric.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you from the both of us, Kathy. 🙂 You should give it a try!

  9. Paula@SweetPea says

    Amazing! Your version is absolutely beautiful! I’m drooling over that beautiful leather and also the storage under the bench. This is going to be perfect in someone’s home. I’m definitely showing this to my husband as I want one for our house!

    • Larissa says

      Leather is so rich and we’re pleased with the results of our efforts, Paula. You and your husband would love it in your beautiful new home.

    • Larissa says

      Hahaha…thanks, Lucy! A title I will hold near and dear to my heart. 😀

  10. Colleen says

    Larissa, this is just gorgeous! I’m so happy to see it turned out so well, because I have a similar project in my future. Awesome, awesome job!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you so much, Colleen! I wish you the best with your project. 😉

  11. mary jo says

    Love it !! you are sooooo talented !!! love your blog !!! peace love and happiness always !

    • Larissa says

      Thank you for giving me a good start to my morning, Mary Jo. 🙂 It’s wonderful to be appreciated.

  12. Jessica says

    This bench is perfect…I really love that leather! I found your blog via Hometalk and think it is fantastic…I’ll be following 🙂

    Jessica @ Finding Purpose Furniture

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Jessica! I’m happy to hear you’re from Hometalk. I’ll have to look you up. 😉

  13. Lori Whitaker says

    I’m a fan of Prodigal Pieces, Larissa. I started following you about 6 months ago and I admire your talent and love the projects you do. I’m refinishing a similar bench that I pulled out of someone’s garbage and am so excited to get working on it. Anyway, a question: Do you have a sewing machine for leather, or are you able to use leather needles and thread on a regular machine?

    • Larissa says

      That is awesome to hear! Thanks for the love. 🙂 I used my standard machine with a leather needle and a heavy-weight poly thread.

  14. Julie says

    I have had this torn out and on my island for weeks. Decided to see if anyone had DIY’d it and found your site. Good job. However, this piece is now listed in the PB catalog for $1099. Super overpriced, so I may be DIY’ing my own. 🙂

    • Larissa says

      Just ridiculous, really. We were selling ours and people kept offering offensive amounts. They have NO IDEA what this project entails. I hope you get one made for yourself to enjoy. 🙂

      • Julie says

        Offensive high or offensive low? People have no clue how much work goes into craftsmanship or artistry.

  15. yvette says

    Sorry if this is a duplicate reply. First I want to say I’m really am in awe of your talent to re-purpose and recycle so many things that would’ve ended up in landfills. I came to your site via Build Something dog bed you made for your sweet pup. The PB bench you built is spectacular (and I would agree better) and would to make one as well. Do you offer the “how-to” instructions and directions for the bench project?

    Thank you,
    Y

    • Larissa says

      Yvette, thank you for taking the time to support my work. I truly have fun and enjoy sharing what I do. As for the bench, I do not have the plans for that at this time since we were custom building them for my shop. I need to make one for me! 😉

      • yvette says

        Okay, I understand. Thank you. Looking forward to see more of your projects.

  16. sherry says

    excellent workman{&woman}ship!!!
    beautiful .. just beautiful.

  17. Rebecca C says

    Love it! My Husband works for a leather supplier….I am thinking I need to visit him at work very soon-lol. That bench is fabulous!!

    • Larissa says

      Score!! We love this thing and wish I had room to keep it. Sigh…one day I will have my own. 😀

  18. Kaitlyn says

    Love this baby I have been drooling over the Caden ottoman for ages, and plan on reupholstering my coffee table. Question–what did you use for the trim under the nailhead? Thanks!

    • Larissa says

      I can see why. They’re gorgeous pieces. The trim is strip of leather. 🙂

  19. Kimberly Davis says

    Wow! You nailed it! And I love that you used thicker foam for the seat. It just looks nicer and I’m sure it feels nicer, too. Awesome job!

    • Larissa says

      You are so kind. We think we improved it four-fold and are happy to hear you see the difference. Thanks!

  20. Michelle says

    Hi , Is the Knock off bench from Pottery Barn available for purchase?

    • Larissa says

      Hi Michelle. 🙂 We are not currently making those at this time. My apologies for the disappointment.

  21. Matthew says

    Hi,
    Do you have plans for this item? Thanks

    • Larissa says

      Not at this point as we sell the benches we build. Thanks for asking. 🙂

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I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

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2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

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I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

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