Stepwise Guide and Tips for DIY Ottoman

I want to share how to DIY an ottoman. This project changed how I see furniture making – it’s not as hard as you think!

Making your ottoman lets you pick the exact size, fabric, and style that fits your room. Plus, it costs less than buying one from a store.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through each step of building an ottoman, from picking materials to adding the final touches.

Even if you’ve never built furniture before, you can do this. I’ll share the tricks I learned, point out what to watch for, and help you make something you’ll be proud to have in your home.

Understanding Ottomans and Their Features

Standard ottomans serve double duty. They work as footrests during quiet times and become extra seating when guests arrive. Their simple design fits most room styles.

Storage ottomans solve space problems in busy homes. The hidden space under the lid keeps blankets, toys, or books out of sight but easy to reach. They’re perfect for small homes where every inch matters.

Poufs add a casual touch to rooms. Their soft, low shape makes them ideal for children’s spaces or relaxed seating areas. Poufs also move easily between rooms when needed.

Coffee table ottomans combine comfort with function. Their firm, flat tops hold drinks and decor while keeping the room’s soft look. They work well in places where sharp corners aren’t wanted.

Key Points to Consider:

• Main purpose – seating, storage, or both
• Room size and layout
• Shape that fits the space
• Height that works with nearby furniture
• Style matching other room elements

Stepwise Guide for DIY Ottoman

Materials

• 4 wood boards cut to your size (we used 24×24 inches)
• 4 corner posts (4×4 inch blocks)
• 1 center support board
• Plywood for the top
• High-density foam
• Batting for padding
• Your choice of fabric
• 4 ottoman legs
• Screws: 1.5-inch and 3-inch sizes
• Staples for fabric

Tools

• Power drill
• Staple gun
• Measuring tape and pencil
• Sharp scissors
• Basic saw

Before Getting Started

Planning Your Ottoman

• Draw exact plans: length, width, height
• List every cut needed for the wood
• Write down your final measurements
• Pick a spot where it will fit well

Safety First

• Keep all fingers 6 inches from the saw blades
• Put on safety glasses before any cutting
• Clean your work area fully
• Check all tools work properly

Building Process

Step 1: Making Your Base

• Connect side boards with three screws per corner
• Set 4×4 blocks in each inside corner
• Put a support board in the middle
• Use a level to check all sides

Step 2: Creating The Top

• Line up foam edges with plywood
• Cover fully with batting material
• Pull the fabric from the center to the edges
• Put staples close together, 1/4 inch apart

Step 3: Side Coverage

• Start batting at one corner
• Pull the fabric tight while wrapping
• Fold corners like gift-wrapping
• Keep staples in straight lines

Step 4: Last Touches

• Screw in all four legs tightly
• Check that the ottoman sits flat on the floor
• Add trim to hide staple lines

Common Problems with Ottoman and How to Fix Them

Fixing Frame Issues

• Loose frame? Add more screws at joining points
• Uneven bottom? Put shims under legs
• Squeaky parts? Tighten all corner blocks
• Is the frame not square? Measure corner to corner, adjust until equal

Making Fabric Look Right

• Wrinkles showing? Remove staples, pull tighter
• Bunched corners? Undo and fold like an envelope
• Loose fabric? Add more staples closer together
• Is the pattern not straight? Start fresh from the entry point

Dealing With Legs

• Wobbling? Check screws are tight
• Still shaky? Add washers for better grip
• Uneven floor? Use adjustable leg pads
• Scratching floors? Put on felt protectors

Keeping It Clean

• Spot clean spills right away
• Brush fabric weekly to remove dust
• Test cleaners on hidden spots first
• Vacuum seams to prevent dirt buildup

Making It Last

• Turn the ottoman often to wear evenly
• Keep out of direct sun to prevent fading
• Check legs monthly for tightness
• Fix small issues before they grow

Conclusion

This guide has walked you through creating your custom ottoman. Let’s recap what we’ve covered.

Key Takeaways:

• Planning and measuring carefully saves time and materials
• Safety comes first – proper tools and workspace matter
• Building happens in clear stages: frame, top, sides, finishing
• Regular maintenance keeps your ottoman looking good
• Simple fixes can solve most common issues

Remember, DIY furniture making lets you create exactly what you want while saving money. Your custom ottoman will be a practical and personal addition to your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference Between an Ottoman and a Footstool?

Ottomans are typically larger and more padded than footstools. They often serve multiple purposes – seating, storage, and decor – while footstools mainly support feet.

How Many Yards of Fabric Do I Need to Upholster an Ottoman?

Buy 2 yards of fabric for a standard 24×24-inch ottoman. If using patterned fabric to match designs, add an extra half yard.

Can I Build an Ottoman without Sewing?

Yes! This no-sew method uses staples to secure the fabric. Clean folds and careful stapling create professional-looking results.

What is the Standard Height for an Ottoman?

Standard ottomans are 16-18 inches high, matching the height of a typical chair seat. Coffee table ottomans can be 14-16 inches lower.