Turning a Suitcase Into a Footstool

Prep the Suitcase and Furniture Legs

• 1

  Remove the top of the suitcase from the bottom. If the suitcase is joined by hinges, remove them with a screwdriver. Or snip connective latches with heavy-duty wire cutters. Only half of the suitcase is needed for one pillow-topped footstool. Use the half of the suitcase that has the handle attached to it so it doubles as a design accent.

• 2

  Gut the inside of the suitcase for making a cushion-topped stool. Remove the lining and straps with fabric sheers. Create enough room inside the suitcase so you can fit an accent pillow in it later.

• 3

  Eliminate any mold or mildew from the suitcase. Dip a medium-bristle brush in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water; then rub the brush over the grubby areas of the case. Dab a dry rag with rubbing alcohol and wipe off any remaining mold.

• 4

  Scrub the outside of the suitcase with a rag saturated in soapy water. Use spot cleaner on a canvas or fabric-based suitcase that has stains. Clean handles and shine brass and metal locks efficiently, as they will be focal elements of your footstool.

• 5

  Select a craft or spray paint that matches the suitcase and its fabric-covered pillow. Paint the wood legs before attaching them. Stand the legs on top of newspaper. Apply the craft paint with a medium-sized brush or mist them with the can of spray paint. Let the legs dry completely.

Add Mounting Plates and Legs to Suitcase

• 6

  Turn the suitcase section upside-down. Position a mounting plate in each corner of a square- or rectangular-shaped suitcase. For a small or round case, install the plates equal distance apart. Only attach mounting plates and legs to the flat portion of the case.

• 7

  Draw pencil marks as placeholders to measure the distance needed between the plates before you attach them permanently. Line up the first mounting plate on the suitcase.

• 8

  Begin power drilling the screws into the holes. For a thick or plastic suitcase, predrill pilot holes first. Continue adding each screw into the plate until it's secure. Attach the other three plates the same way.

• 9

  Screw the first wood leg into the plate's central hole until it's firmly attached. Attach the rest of the legs into the remaining three plates. Turn the suitcase right side up. If it's not level, adjust the screws and the legs to stabilize the stool. If one leg is screwed in tighter than the rest, it may throw off the stool’s balance.

Make a Pillow for the Footstool

• 10

  Cut a block of thick upholstery foam the width and length of the suitcase plus 1/2 inch. The foam should fit snugly inside the suitcase half and extend at least 4 inches higher than the case's rim. If necessary, layer additional blocks of foam inside the case.

• 11

  Cut a section of upholstery fabric that will cover the top and sides of the foam, plus 2 inches in both dimensions. Lay the fabric out, right side down. Turn the foam pillow right side down and apply fabric glue on the bottom surface. Bring the edges of the fabric up around the foam and press to adhere. Let the pillow dry completely.

• 12

  Place the pillow inside the suitcase. Scrunch the pillow down into the case. If the pillow is a bit loose, add a dab of fabric glue to the inside bottom of the case and press the pillow down. Smooth your hands over the top of the pillow to eliminate any uneven material or bumps.