How to Build an Ottoman

Ottomans come in a variety of shapes, sizes and patterns. You can match or contrast them to your existing furniture and use them introduce a fabric or color into your décor. Ottomans can serve as coffee tables, extra seating, storage and footrests.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 inch plywood
• Drill
• Drill bits
• Screws
• Screwdriver
• Wood glue
• Latex paint
• Foam padding
• Polyester or cotton batting
• Fabric
• Staple gun
• Casters or finials
• 2 piano hinges

Construction

1. Cut the plywood pieces with a saw. Use two 16 x 16 inch pieces for the front and back, two 16 x 19-inch side pieces, a 15 x 19-inch bottom piece and a 16 x 20-inch lid. The piece for the lid should be larger than the bottom piece.

2. Measure and drill holes for the screws.

3. Join with wood glue and screws.

4. Paint the interior of the box and the bottom of the lid. When you open the lid, you will see the color of paint you chose. This probably will require more than one coat of paint. Let the paint dry between coats.

Covering and Finishing

1. Cut foam for the lid. Overhang by 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch. This foam will add comfort for seating or resting your feet. Glue the foam to the top of the lid.

2. Use a piece of 28 x 32-inch batting to cover the foam and wrap the edges of the lid. Wrap the side of the ottoman body with the batting. This will take a piece of batting at least 19 x 72 inches. Cut larger and trim the extra.

3. Wrap the side of the ottoman body with the batting. This will take a piece of batting at least 19 x 72 inches. Cut larger and trim the extra. Secure the batting with staples.

4. Cut a 19 x 72-inch piece of fabric for the ottoman body and a 28 x 32-inch piece of fabric for the lid. Stitch the 2 sides of fabric together. Slip over the ottoman body.

5. Staple the top and bottom or the fabric to the inside of the box. Wrap the lid and staple.

6. Attach casters to the bottom of the box about 2 inches from each corner. You can also use curtain finials for the feet of your ottoman.

7. Install the hinges by drilling holes on the lid. Attach to the back edge of the top first and set on the ottoman. Then mark and drill holes on the ottoman body and add the screws.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use latex spray paint for the inside of the ottoman also.

• To cover any staples, add ribbon with a hot glue gun.

• You can cover the entire ottoman with fabric or just the lid. You can add decorative touches by gluing on baseboard pieces around the bottom or by painting on a design.

• Look for existing materials that you already have to make an ottoman. Try using table legs to attach to your ottoman top. Start with an old drawer or shelf for the body. Flip over a planter for a square or round shape. Cut down the legs on an old table. Cover the table with foam or fabric.

• Measure your ottoman before cutting the fabric to ensure you won't be short on fabric.