How to Make a Foam Ottoman

Cut a 1-by-12-inch board into four 18-inch lengths. Use a hand saw or a circular saw to make straight cuts.

Set the boards on edge and arrange them into a box. Alternate the corners by making one end of each board the inside of a corner and the other end the outside of a corner to create a perfectly square box. Put the box together using three 2-inch-long wood screws, evenly spaced, along each side.

Measure the top of the box to verify the exact length and width measurements, which should be 20-by-20-inches. Cut a piece of 1/2-inch-thick plywood to fit this measurement.

Position the plywood on top of the box. Screw it in place to the wood box frame to form the top of the ottoman. Use a 1 1/2-inch-long wood screw in each corner, with two screws spaced evenly between the corners on each side.

Paint the exterior sides of the box with a gloss or semi-gloss latex paint, applying at least two coats. Alternatively, finish the wood with a stain and allow the natural grain to show.

Cut a 4-inch-thick piece of upholstery foam so it's 1/4 inch wider than the top of the ottoman. Use a carving knife to make a clean cut in the foam.

Place a sheet of fabric batting over the top of the foam, positioning it so it overhangs 2 inches over the box sides. Staple the batting along one side. Pull the batting tight and staple the opposite side in place. Repeat for the two remaining sides. Trim off the excess batting.

Cover the foam with a piece of upholstery fabric. Cut the fabric so it hangs below the foam cushion by 3 inches on all sides.

Fold under 1 inch of fabric along one side of the ottoman. Staple the fabric to the box close to the fold. Pull the fabric tightly over the cushion and staple the opposite side to the box using the same method.

Tuck the fabric in at the corners to create crisp corners, similar to wrapping a gift. Fold under the remaining sides and staple these in place.

Cut a 72-inch length of 1/2-inch-wide fabric ribbon. Choose a ribbon that matches or complements the ottoman fabric. Glue the ribbon around the box with fabric glue, covering the staples and the fabric's folds.