The Perfect Accent
Do you have a storage ottoman that’s looking beat up or just doesn’t go with anything you’ve got? Bring it back to life by wrapping it in some new fabric. The fabric was dated on this secondhand treasure, but the structure was in good shape. When thrifting, look for pieces that have good bones; the fabric and paint color can always be changed.
Pro-Tip
Before beginning the project, remove any hardware or notions from the ottoman. Ours had a cord, tassel, and hinges. We also removed the small wooden legs to make the job easier.
Step 1: Start on Top
The top of the ottoman is the easiest part. Layout the fabric (right-side down) and place the top of the ottoman (top-down) on the fabric. Decide how much fabric is needed to cover the top. (No need to measure, just fold it up to determine what you’ll need.) Allow a couple of inches of excess fabric so you can fold it over before stapling it down.
Step 2: Fold and Press
Cut the fabric to size and make a 1-inch fold around all four sides. Iron the edges to make a clean seam. Place the ottoman top on the fabric and staple it all around, pulling the fabric tight as you go.
Step 3: Wrap It Like a Gift
The corners may be a bit tricky. Fold them in a way that is similar to wrapping a present.
Step 4: Lay Out the Fabric for the Bottom Piece
For the base of the ottoman, determine how much fabric you need. Lay the fabric right-side down on your work surface. Place the ottoman on its side on top of the fabric. Make sure there is enough fabric to cover it. You can wrap it around the whole ottoman to make sure it fits, or measure one side and multiply by 4. Again, add an extra inch or so all the way around for seam allowance. Fold and iron a seam on all sides.
Step 5: Fasten the Sides
Layout the fabric and place the ottoman on its side. Begin stapling the top and bottom of one side. Now you have a secure side to pull the fabric nice and tight around the rest of the ottoman. Continue stapling around the sides and on the bottom. When you get to the end, staple the fabric from the inside or add a dab of fabric glue to hold the seam closed.
Step 6: Put the Feet Back on, Then Put Your Feet Up
Re-attach the feet flip it over and enjoy.
