Making a Leather Ottoman From a Trunk

Remove all hinges, handles and locking mechanisms from the trunk with a screwdriver. The top of the trunk should lift right off instead of being swung open. The locks, handles and hinges will create unsightly bulges in the leather. Separate the lid from the rest of the trunk.

Measure each side of the trunk and the trunk's lid with measuring tape and note the measurements.

Cut a section of foam padding to match each side of the trunk and lid with the exception of the bottom, since it will not be padded. The foam you cut to cover the front and back sides of the trunk and lid should extend an inch farther on each side. This is so there are no gaps on the corners when you place the padding on the trunk.

Glue each section of padding to each side of the trunk and lid with the super glue. Press down firmly so that the padding is secure and give the glue several hours to fully dry. The trunk and lid should now be padded all the way around with the exception of the bottom.

Cut a sheet of leather to large enough wrap around the trunk. Repeat this with another sheet of leather more appropriate for the lid.

The sheet's length should be approximately as long as the length of the trunk plus twice the height and two extra inches to wrap inside the trunk. For example, if the trunk is 20 inches long and is 10 inches high, the sheet should be 42 inches long. The sheet's width should equal the width of the trunk plus twice the height and two extra inches, so if the trunk is 15 inches wide and 10 inches high, the leather sheet should be 37 inches wide.

Lay the large leather sheet face down and place the trunk in the center. Wrap the leather around the padded trunk and staple the edges of the leather sheet to the top of the inside trunk. Make several dozen staples for a secure fit. The leather should fit tightly around the trunk.

Repeat the same process with the lid and another, smaller sheet of leather. Staple the edges of the leather sheet to the inside of the trunk's lid.

Glue the stapled edges of the leather sheet down with the super glue for an extra secure fit in both the trunk and the lid. You should now have a padded leather ottoman with a lid you can lift on and off.