Homemade Ottoman

A Quick and Easy Ottoman

• Make a super simple yet attractive ottoman with next to no woodworking skills. Purchase two square or rectangular box-style cushions. Select colors and fabrics that work with the style of your room, but avoid silks, satins and other slippery fabrics. Measure your cushions and visit your local home improvement store. Have a piece of sturdy MDF or plywood cut to the size of your box cushions at the store, then bring it home, sand and paint. Screw casters into each corner. Stack both of your box-style cushions on this base and enjoy your new easy ottoman. You may find it helpful to glue a piece of felt to the base to keep your cushions from sliding or put a piece of non-grip shelf liner on the base. Use as an ottoman or remove the cushions to relax on the floor if desired.

Create a Tufted Ottoman

• If you want an elegant look at a low price, make your own beautiful tufted ottoman. Start with a coffee or end table that is structurally sound, but not so pretty. Look for sturdy legs that can stand up to weight. Sand and paint or stain the legs and base of the coffee table as desired, then drill holes at regular intervals for your tufting. Choose a spacing for the tufting that works well with the size of your table. Cut 2 inch foam to fit your coffee table and attach with a spray adhesive. Add foam along the table apron if necessary. Cover the table with batting and then with your desired homemade ottoman fabric. Tuft by sewing buttons through the foam, batting and fabric at each drilled hole using a covered button or other pretty button on the topside and an inexpensive one on the underside. Once the tufting is complete, staple the fabric snugly into place and trim away the excess on your ottoman.

A Storage Ottoman

• Craft a sturdy lidless box using 1/2 inch plywood, gluing and screwing each joint. Cut a piece that will fit on top of the box as well. Place feet, short purchased legs or casters on the bottom of your box, drilling and screwing them into place. You can paint or upholster the outside of your storage ottoman. Cut foam to fit the top of your box and use spray adhesive to hold it in place. Wrap the entire lid piece with a single piece of fabric, stapling neatly into place. Hot glue ribbon or trim onto the ottoman lid to hide the staples. Attach a piano hinge to the ottoman and lid. Depending upon the size and materials you choose for this ottoman, a homemade ottoman with storage can be a practical and attractive addition to any room in your home.