DIY Foam Ottomans

Build your own soft ottoman.

An ottoman isn't just a place to rest your feet, it's also extra seating in a pinch. It can also add that splash of color or fill up that extra space that needed something more. Foam ottomans are soft, making them perfect for a relaxing evening. Kids and pets can play on them without fear of injury and they're "DIYable." You don't have to shell out the big bucks for a fancy ottoman, all you need is inspiration.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Wooden orange crate
• 3-inch thick furniture foam
• Electric knife
• Wood glue
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Stick pins
• Sewing machine
• Staple gun

Instructions

1. Measure across the top and sides of a wooden orange crate. Add 3 inches to your side height and width measurements so the foam completely covers the sides and sits even with the foam on the top of the ottoman. For instance, if your orange crate measures 18 inches square, your side pieces will need to be 21 inches square.

2. Cut five rectangles of furniture foam to size with an electric knife, moving it slowly through the foam. An electric knife saws quickly, eliminating jagged edges and mistakes.

3. Apply glue to one side of your ottoman. Press a piece of foam into place. An extra 3 inches of foam should stick up from the top of the crate and out to one side. Apply the other three side pieces and top piece of foam the same way. Allow the glue to dry overnight.

4. Cut five squares of fabric 23 inches wide, in this case, or about 2 inches larger than the sides of your foam-covered cube. Pin the pieces of fabric together in the shape of a lidless box with the wrong sides facing out. Leave a 1-inch seam allowance.

5. Stitch along all of your pinned seams, removing pins as you go. Turn the ottoman cover right-side out and slide it down over the foam-covered orange crate.

6. Flip the ottoman over. Pull the excess fabric at the bottom of the ottoman tight around the bottom edges. Staple it into place with an industrial staple gun.

References

• Design Sponge: Shelly's Salvaged Spool Ottoman
• Young House Love: Kara's Amazing DIY Ottoman