I have always loved the idea of having a cozy and stylish living room. A place where I can put my feet up and enjoy a cup of coffee while relaxing on a comfortable ottoman. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of having an upholstered ottoman coffee table. Not only does it serve as a stylish centerpiece in the room, but it also provides the functionality of a coffee table and the comfort of an ottoman. Intrigued by this idea, I embarked on a journey to learn how to make my very own upholstered ottoman coffee table. In this article, I will share with you the steps and tips I gathered along the way to help you master the art of making an upholstered ottoman coffee table.
Gathering the Materials
The first step in creating your own upholstered ottoman coffee table is to gather all the necessary materials. Here is a list of things you will need:
1. A wooden coffee table frame:
Start by measuring the desired size of your ottoman coffee table. Head to your local hardware store and have them cut a piece of plywood to your desired dimensions. This will serve as the base of your ottoman.
2. Foam padding:
Look for high-density foam padding that is at least two inches thick. This will ensure comfort and durability for your ottoman.
3. Batting:
Batting is a layer of cotton or polyester used to provide a smooth surface and extra padding. You can find it at your local craft store.
4. Fabric:
Choose a fabric that complements your existing furniture and matches the style of your living room. Make sure to get enough fabric to cover the entire ottoman, with some extra for wrapping around the edges.
5. Upholstery nails and a rubber mallet:
These will be used to secure the fabric to the wooden frame.
6. Staple gun and staples:
You will need these to attach the fabric to the plywood base.
Now that we have gathered all the necessary materials let’s move on to the next step.
Building the Base
The first thing you need to do is assemble the wooden frame. Attach the legs to the plywood using screws or brackets. Make sure the legs are sturdy and secure.
Next, sand the edges of the plywood to prevent any splinters or rough areas. You can use sandpaper or an electric sander for this step.
Padding and Batting
Once you have the base ready, it’s time to add the padding. Measure the dimensions of the plywood and cut the foam padding to fit. You can use a serrated knife or an electric carving knife to cut the foam.
Place the foam padding on top of the plywood and make sure it is centered. You can use adhesive spray to secure the foam to the wood, or you can skip this step if the foam is thick enough to stay in place.
After adding the foam padding, it’s time to add the batting. Place the batting on top of the foam and make sure it is evenly distributed. Pull the batting tightly around the edges of the ottoman and staple it to the underside of the plywood. This will create a smooth and cushioned surface.
Upholstering the Ottoman
Now comes the fun part – upholstering the ottoman. Lay your chosen fabric on a clean and flat surface, wrong side up. Place the ottoman frame on top of the fabric, making sure it is centered.
Start by pulling one side of the fabric tightly and staple it to the underside of the plywood. Move to the opposite side and repeat the process, making sure to stretch the fabric to avoid any wrinkles or sagging.
Continue stapling the fabric to the remaining sides, alternating between opposite sides to keep the fabric taut. You can trim any excess fabric if needed, but make sure to leave enough to fold over the edges.
Finishing Touches
To add a decorative touch, you can use upholstery nails to secure the fabric to the wooden frame. Place the nails evenly along the edges, about an inch apart. Use a rubber mallet to gently hammer the nails in, making sure they are flush with the wood.
Finally, flip the ottoman over and check for any loose fabric or uneven edges. Trim any excess fabric if necessary, and make sure all the staples are secure.
Conclusion
Making your own upholstered ottoman coffee table is a rewarding and enjoyable project that allows you to customize your living space. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a beautiful and functional piece of furniture that will be the envy of your friends and family. So grab your materials, unleash your creativity, and let’s start crafting!