How to Fix a Wobbly Ottoman

Set the ottoman on a flat work surface. Place your hand on the top of the piece of furniture and wiggle it back and forth. This helps determine which side and portion of the footrest is causing the problem.

Turn the ottoman upside down on the work surface. Check the leg in the wobbly area of the piece. Look at the bottom of the leg to see if the tip or furniture glide is missing. This is a round plastic, metal or felt piece that allows the legs to be moved easily across a floor surface.This may be a simple problem that requires the installation of a new glide.

Measure the four legs to determine if the wobbling leg is shorter than the others. The wood at the bottom of the leg may have become worn and uneven.

Turn the ottoman or hassock upside down and place a wooden shim under the wobbling leg if it is shorter than the other pieces. Move the shim until the furniture piece stops wobbling when you put pressure on it. The thickness of the shim changes the length of the leg.

Trace around the leg tip to create a pattern on the surface of the shim. Cut out the pattern with a hole saw or similar tool. Smooth the outer edges of the wooden disc with sandpaper.

Set the wooden disc on the bottom of the ottoman leg. Place a furniture glide on top of the disc and secure it to the leg using a power drill or hammer. Add furniture glides to each of the three remaining legs to balance the unit.