An upholstered storage ottoman is a living room superhero! It effortlessly blends style and function, serving as a cozy footrest, a convenient coffee table, and a secret stash for blankets, games, or anything you need to tuck away.
But finding the perfect ottoman can feel like an impossible quest. Trust me, I’ve been there! That’s why I decided to take matters into my own hands and build a DIY storage ottoman that’s both beautiful and practical.
And the best part? You can too!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through each step of building a simple yet stylish storage ottoman. Get ready to unleash your inner DIY enthusiast!
Gathering Your Supplies: Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before we dive in, let’s gather our tools and materials. Don’t worry; you won’t need anything too fancy.
For Building the Ottoman Box:
- Lumber (Refer to the detailed plans below for specific dimensions)
- Kreg Jig (or countersunk wood screws if you don’t have a Kreg Jig)
- Miter Saw (or circular saw)
- 1 ¼″ Pocket hole screws
- Wood glue
- 30″ Piano hinge
- 2 Center mount toy box lid supports
- Sandpaper
For Upholstering Your Masterpiece:
- Batting
- ¾″ Foam (Using remnants from old projects is a great way to save money!)
- Polyfill (Repurposing filling from old pillows is an eco-friendly option!)
- 2.5 yards of Fabric for the ottoman exterior (Choose a pattern and texture you love!)
- 2 yards of Fabric for the lining (A durable, inexpensive fabric like sofa liner works well)
- Staple gun and staples
- Spray adhesive
- 5″ Doll needle
- Thick upholstery thread
- Fabric covered button kit (If you want to add a touch of tufted elegance)
Building the Ottoman Box: A Foundation of Strength
Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and start building!
Step 1: Measure Twice, Cut Once
Begin by carefully measuring and cutting your lumber according to the provided plans. A miter saw will give you clean, precise cuts, but a circular saw will also work.
Pro Tip: Lightly sand all your cut boards for a smooth, splinter-free finish.
Step 2: Pocket Holes for a Secure Structure
Using your Kreg Jig and a depth collar set at ¾″, drill pocket holes in the side pieces according to the plans. If you’re using countersunk wood screws, you can skip this step.
Step 3: Assembling the Ottoman Box
- Attach the 2×2 boards to the aprons using wood glue and 1 ¼″ pocket hole screws. If you’re not using a Kreg Jig, countersunk wood screws will do the trick.
- Secure the long sides to the short sides using the same method, forming the box structure.
- On the underside, cut out a square for the leg and attach a ¼″ sheet of plywood using wood glue and finish nails or staples.
Step 4: Adding a Touch of Style
Paint or stain the legs to your liking. I opted for an oil-rubbed bronze finish to match my existing furniture.
Remember: Don’t worry about covering the entire box with paint, as it will be hidden by the upholstery.
Upholstering Your Ottoman: Bringing Your Vision to Life
Now comes the fun part – transforming your wooden box into a stylish statement piece!
Step 1: Creating a Smooth Foundation
- Wrap the entire ottoman frame in batting, securing it in place with staples.
- Next, carefully wrap the frame with your chosen exterior fabric.
- When you reach the end of the fabric, create a neat overlap, fold in the raw edge, and secure it with fabric glue for a polished look.
Step 2: Adding a Luxurious Liner
- Cut the lining fabric to size, leaving extra material to fold in around the edges.
- Apply spray adhesive to the inside of the ottoman frame.
- Carefully smooth the liner fabric along the inside, ensuring a snug fit.
- In the corners, fold the extra fabric inward like a gift wrap. Fold in the raw edge of the liner and secure it with staples.
Step 3: Upholstering the Ottoman Top
- Cut a piece of foam ¼″ larger than the plywood top on all sides. You can use spray adhesive to attach it to the plywood for added stability.
- Layer polyfill on top of the foam for extra cushioning.
- Wrap the foam and polyfill with batting and secure it to the underside of the plywood with staples.
- Cover the top with your chosen exterior fabric, stapling it securely to one of the long sides.
Step 4: Optional Tufting for an Elegant Touch
If you want to add a touch of sophistication, tufting is a beautiful way to go!
- Follow the instructions on your fabric-covered button kit to create your buttons.
- Mark your desired tufting points on the top fabric.
- Using a long upholstery needle and thread, carefully pull the buttons through the foam and plywood top.
- Secure the buttons on the underside of the plywood and staple the remaining fabric around the top.
Step 5: Finishing the Top
- Cut a piece of lining fabric to cover the back of the ottoman top, ensuring it’s large enough to fold in around the edges.
- Fold in the raw edges and secure the lining to the sides of the top using staples.
Step 6: Attaching the Top
- Attach the upholstered top to the storage box using the piano hinge.
- Install the toy box lid support hinges on either side of the piano hinge to support the weight of the lid.
Congratulations! You’ve officially built your very own DIY storage ottoman!
Sharing Your Creation
I encourage you to share pictures of your finished ottomans and let us know what fabric and finishes you chose. I can’t wait to see your creative takes on this project!
And be sure to explore Robert Kline Art for more inspiring DIY projects and unique handmade gifts.