Making an Ottoman From a Coffee Table

Preparation

Making an ottoman from a coffee table is one example of eco-friendly decorating. All you need to complete this project are fabric, foam padding, batting, spray adhesive and a staple gun. If your padding needs to be cut, an electric knife makes the job easy. Select a fabric that not only coordinates with your home, but is durable, too, such as upholstery fabric, vinyl or leather. Your ottoman may take more abuse than your coffee table, and selecting fabric that will not wear down easily is in your best interest. You can find upholstery fabrics and padding at specialty fabric stores, and the batting, spray adhesive and staple gun at your local discount store.

Alterations

The size of your coffee table will determine the size of your ottoman, but you can change the design. If your coffee table has a glass top, replace it with wood. Glass is not a good base for seating. If you would like to upholster the entire coffee table rather than just the top, you may need to add braces to fill in the openings around the perimeter of the table. Cut sections of wood planks that fit between the top shelf of the table and the bottom shelf and place them every foot or so around the table. This will provide support for the batting and the fabric around the sides of the ottoman. If you would like the ottoman to roll, drill holes underneath the legs of the coffee table so you can add casters.

Construction

Once your coffee table is prepped, it's time to add the padding and the fabric. Cut the foam to fit the top of your coffee table, and then cut a section of fabric and batting to cover the foam and the table. If you plan to cover the sides of the coffee table, cut enough batting to wrap around once and enough fabric to cover from the top down. Spray adhesive on the wood around the sides of the table and wrap the batting, if needed. Place the fabric face down on a flat surface. Lay the batting for the top on the fabric. Spray adhesive on top of the foam padding and lay it face down in the center of the batting. Spray adhesive on the top of the coffee table, flip it and lay it upside down on top of the foam. Pull the fabric and batting up over the table and staple it underneath with a staple gun. Flip the coffee table over, and you have an ottoman.