How to Make a Mushroom Ottoman

Building the Base

• A mushroom ottoman's base must sit level on a variety of flooring surfaces, including carpet and hardwood. It must also be able to support the weight of a user for an extended period of time. You can build a mushroom ottoman base with legs using prefabricated wooden feet or pedestals you turn on a lathe. Nail the four feet to a square or rectangular piece of plywood or fiberboard, then construct a basic wooden box using the plywood at its bottom. Another type of mushroom ottoman uses a hollow cylinder for its base instead of feet. Glue or nail on a lid for the cylindrical base to provide support for the cap.

Building the Cap

• The cap of a mushroom ottoman provides support for your feet while seated in a chair or a seating surface for sitting directly on the ottoman. The height of the base, plus the thickness of the cap, equals the total height of the ottoman; so, consider both measurements in your planning. A mushroom ottoman is typically between 1 and 2 feet high. The cap can be a simple piece of plywood with a cushion or several inches of foam batting on top, wrapped in fabric. A square mushroom ottoman with feet usually has a cap that is the same length and width as the base, while a round mushroom ottoman may have a round cap with a larger diameter than the base.

Finishing and Assembly

• Finishing a mushroom ottoman depends on the materials you use and the look you want to achieve. For an ottoman with a pedestal base, you can simply wrap the base in fabric, stapling or gluing it to the inside of the cylinder. A wooden base with feet should be suitable for sanding and staining or painting. To assemble the two pieces, nail or screw up through the base's lid and into the bottom of the cap. Be sure to use nails or screws that are shorter than the combined thickness of the base lid and cap structure so that they won't be felt during use.

Reupholstering

• Another way to construct a mushroom ottoman is by reupholstering an existing ottoman or found objects. A wooden spool, plastic barrel or metal pail are all options for salvaging material to build your ottoman's base. The cap can be made of a piece of scrap wood and an old couch or chair cushion. Wrap each piece in material, such as fleece, felt, faux leather or microfiber. Old blankets with frayed edges are an option for salvaged upholstery since their damage won't be visible once they're wrapped tightly around the mushroom ottoman's form and the base and cap are attached.