How to Redo an Ottoman

Turn the ottoman upside down to expose its legs and the staples or tacks that hold the upholstery to its base plate.

Remove the legs. Depending on the type of assembly, you may need to unscrew or pull the legs and set them aside. Also take note of how the fabric is folded over the corners and to the base, so you fold the new upholstery fabric in the same way.

Slide the claws of a staple remover under the staples or tacks that hold the fabric to the base plate of the ottoman. Pry the staples to remove the fabric from the plate. Collect the staples or tacks in a container or bowl as you work. Do not discard the old upholstery, but place it aside to use as a template for the new fabric.

Spread the new fabric wrong-side up on a table. Lay the old fabric template over it. Insert pins along its edges to hold both the fabrics. Outline the template on the new fabric with colored chalk and cut around the lines with fabric scissors. Remove the pins and set the old fabric aside.

Center and lower the ottoman plate over the fabric. Pull the fabric along one side of the ottoman and extend it to cover the side and base. Insert a staple along the edge of the fabric to secure it. Fold the fabric at the corners the same way as the previous fabric and staple in place.

Pull the fabric taut across the opposite side and repeat the process to fold and staple it in place. Continue to secure the fabric at the other corners.

Mark spots on the fabric along the base plate of the ottoman where you will insert its legs. Run your fingers over the fabric near the corner and feel for an indentation or dip under it. Form a mark over the exact spot and puncture through the fabric with the tip of your scissors. Repeat the process along the remaining three corners.

Insert one of the legs of the ottoman into a hole you made in the fabric and push or rotate it to secure it to the base plate. Repeat the process for the other three legs.