How to Make Stools From Wire Spools

A empty wire or cable spool is useful in making a padded footstool or even extra seating in your home. This is an excellent way to make an inexpensive piece of furniture or to teach others about recycling. The supplies are inexpensive and readily available. Empty wire or cable spools are available -- often, free of charge -- at construction companies, electrical supply or home supply stores. Ask the manager to save you one if there aren't any available when you call or drop by the store.

Newspapers
Feather duster or soft cloth
Paper plate
Acrylic paint and paintbrush
Sharp scissors
Thick foam batting
Tape measure
Fabric (approximately 1 square yard)
Heavy string or yarn
Sharpened pencil or fabric-marking chalk
Straight pin or safety pin
Heavy-duty staple gun
Cleaning cloth and mild dishwashing liquid (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Lay down newspapers to cover your work surface. Place the wire spool on top of the newspapers.
- 2
  Dust the wire spool with a feather duster or soft cloth to remove any dust, dirt or other debris and help the paint adhere better.
- 3
  Pour some paint onto a paper plate.
- 4
  Paint the wire spool with acrylic paint and a paintbrush. You do not have to paint the top surface of the spool since it will be covered later. Use a color that coordinates with the fabric or paint it a neutral color such as taupe or off-white. It may require two coats for adequate coverage. Allow the paint to dry in between coats.
- 5
  Spray the sealer onto the painted stool as directed on the label. Allow the sealer to dry thoroughly. This gives the stool a shiny, finished look.
- 6
  Lay the foam batting on the top of the spool. Cut around the edges with a pair of sharp scissors. The batting pads the stool and makes it more comfortable.
- 7
  Remove the foam batting and apply the spray adhesive onto the backside of the foam or on the spool top surface.
- 8
  Place the foam on top of the wood spool and press it into place firmly with your hands.
- 9
  Measure the diameter of the top surface of the spool. Add 6 inches to the diameter. Note this measurement.
- 10
  Fold a yard of fabric in half and then in half again. Place it on a flat surface with the folded corner toward you. The raw edges of the fabric should face away from you.
- 11
  Cut a piece of heavy string to half the measurement noted in Step 9. Attach the string to a pencil or a piece of fabric-marking chalk. Tie a knot in the other end of the string.
- 12
  Pin the knotted end to the folded corner of the fabric with a straight pin or safety pin.
- 13
  Stretch the string out in a straight line and draw an arc across the fabric to form the circle shape.
- 14
  Cut the fabric along the marking.
- 15
  Unfold the fabric and lay it right side up on the foam batting. Allow the extra fabric to drape evenly over all the sides.
- 16
  Staple all the fabric underneath the top edge of the wire spool. Fold the fabric when necessary before stapling to make it fit neatly around the edge.

How to Make a Slipcover for a Footstool

How to Reupholster a Rectangular Ottoman Footstool

Ottomans