How to Transform Living Room Storage Cubes to Seating

Empty the cube and examine how it is constructed. If any side is made of cardboard-type materials, the cube won't be strong enough to sit on. Check the joints to see that they are well attached and add additional bracing and brackets to the inside if you feel the cube needs to be stronger. Brackets are sold in most building supply stores and they may be L shaped or corner-shaped metal brackets. Follow package directions to install these brackets.

Measure the width of the lid and add 4 inches. Measure the length and add 4 inches. Cut 3-inch foam to these dimensions. Spray the top of the lid with spray adhesive. Place the lid centered, glue side down, over the foam and press the lid into the foam. Allow the adhesive one hour to dry.

Cut around the outside of the lid (cutting through the foam) with an electric knife. This is the type of knife used in kitchens to cut turkey at holidays. If you don't have an electric knife, use a knife with a serrated edge.

Cut a 24-inch square of your finished fabric and quilt batting. Place the finished fabric face down on the work surface. Place the batting over the fabric. Position the lid foam side down over the batting and centered. Pull the fabric over the foam and to the underside edge of the lid. Staple with two or three staples in the center of each side. Make sure your fabric is tight and even. Staple every inch or two toward each corner. Fold and ease your corners. Trim off any excess fabric. Set aside your lid.

Measure the perimeter of the cube (the width of all four sides combined). Add 1 inch for seam allowances. Measure the height and add 10 inches. Cut quilt batting and fabric to these dimensions.

Spray the sides of the cube with spray adhesive. Attach the quilt batting starting at one corner and centered in height. Press the batting into the glue from one panel to the next until the sides are covered and you are back where you started. Trim off the excess batting.

Fold the fabric in half so that the short sides are face sides together. Sew a 1/2-inch seam along the short side of the fabric. Turn the fabric right sides out and fit it over the batting of the cube. It should be snug. Center the top and bottom fabric. Tuck the top fabric and batting toward the inside of the cube and staple. Tuck the bottom side toward the underside of the cube and stretch the fabric smooth. Staple from the center of each side toward the corners. Fold and ease your corners. Trim off excess fabric.