How to Make an Ottoman Out of a Round Table

Find wooden coffee table with legs that match your décor. Color is not important since most coffee tables are easily painted, but the style should be consistent with the rest of the room. The tabletop does not need to fit the décor, because you'll be recovering it anyway.

Measure the chair or sofa that you intend to use the ottoman with for sizing guidance. Generally speaking, you'll want the ottoman to be about 6 to 9 inches below the sofa---of course, you can also size your ottoman for other, alternate heights for your own personal comfort.

Use a table saw to cut the wooden legs on the old coffee table. Since you'll be using a 6 inch cushion, subtract about 5 inches from the desired, final height---the 1 inch discrepancy is to compensate for cushion sagging as people sit on it.

Prime and paint the coffee table legs to match your décor. Spray primer and spray paint is generally easier, especially for legs with intricate groove patterns. Always make sure to protect clothing and the surrounding environment from paint with smocks, drop-cloths, and painter's tape. Wait for the paint to dry before continuing with the next step.

Trace the top of the coffee table onto a 6 inch piece of foam, available at most fabric stores.

Use a razor blade to cut the traced-on circle from the foam.

Glue the foam to the coffee table top using regular Elmer's glue.

Drape thick fabric over the cushion and table top. Pull the fabric snugly and wrap it underneath the coffee table.

Turn the table over and staple the taut fabric to the bottom of the coffee table with heavy duty wood staples, cutting off excess material. Occasionally, you will need to use a pliers to remove selected staples to smooth out wrinkles around the table's edges---when the wrinkles are smoothed, re-staple the area.

Turn the table back over and enjoy your new ottoman.