How to Design Your Own Round Ottoman

Search for photos of ottomans and write down the features of those that appeal to you. Determine which type of hassock will work best as an extension of comfort to the chair in your home. Magazines, books and furniture gallery sales websites will provide inspirational photos for you.

Make several simple sketches of the type of ottoman or hassock that you want to design. The piece of furniture may be based on a time period, a personal style. Add ergonomic upholstery foam and leg features to aid in the posture-friendly comfort of the future user.

Draw final designs on square graph paper to show the height and width of the ottoman. Detail the top of the round piece on a polar graph paper sheet. This specific graph is in circular form. These drawings should include the wooden foundation and the finished upholstered project. You will be able to plan the placement of upholstery buttons, trim, stitching patterns and fine details on the circular shape.

Write out a detailed list of the materials that you will need for the project. The list should include two wooden 5/8-inch-thick, 20-inch-diameter plywood rounds for the foundation. You'll need foam or filler for the comfortable top layer and upholstery fabric for a covering to finish the unit. List legs, interior wooden posts, storage unit hinges, upholstery tools, trim and buttons in your instructions.

Craft a mock-up of the ottoman with a piece of card stock. Make a copy of your detailed drawing to use as a pattern. Cut out the top, bottom and side panels or posts for a round ottoman from the card stock with scissors or a craft knife. An ottoman with a hollow storage area is made with two rounds and six to eight wooden posts to separate and support them. Another option is a foam-covered circular surface supported by a round finished wood shelf and leg foundation. Tape the paper pieces together with double-sided tape.

List the tools needed to complete the ottoman design for the builder of the project to use as a guide. The crafter can opt to build the piece from a discarded wooden electrical spool. He will require a power drill and hammer to take the spool apart without damaging the two round wooden discs. Tools to build an ottoman from scratch will include a jigsaw or circular saw to cut the rounds. A power drill will attach the support posts or legs and rounds together. List an electric knife to cut 3- to- 5-inch thick foam, upholstery shears for fabric and padding along with a tack hammer or staple gun to finish the piece with a cushioned top.