DIY Ottoman Storage

Storage ottomans are the multitaskers of the furniture world, serving not only as footrests and hidden storage, but also as makeshift coffee tables, end tables or even emergency seating. Making your own DIY ottoman with storage allows you to customize your ottoman's size, shape and color, creating a custom piece that will seamlessly integrate into your room's existing design scheme. Additionally, building ottoman storage is often far less expensive than purchasing an ottoman off the shelf. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure and cut four pieces of pine to 1 foot by 1 foot. Measure and cut two more pieces to 13 inches by 13 inches; set aside these two pieces.

2

Run a small amount of glue along one of the smaller boards' 1-inch-wide edges. Attach another one of the 1-foot board's edges to that glued edge; you'll create a 90-degree "L" shape with the two boards. Clamp this configuration in place.

3

Attach another pine piece again by gluing and clamping; now you have a "U" shape. Add the final piece, this time gluing and clamping in two places. Your box now looks square.

4

Along each edge that has a wooden side beneath it, mark a dot every 2 inches, about inch from the edge. Drive nails into each mark by lightly tapping them with the hammer. Wipe off any oozing glue with a dampened towel. Leave your clamps on and allow the glue to dry for at least 24 hours. Remove the clamps.

5

Run a line of wood glue along the 1-inch-wide bottom edges of your square. Place a 13-inch piece of pine over these glued areas, matching all edges. Drive nails into the edges about inch from the outermost edges; place a nail every 2 inches.

6

Paint your box at this point. You can also paint or seal the wood, depending on your preferences. Allow your paint, stain or sealer to completely dry.

7

Cut your upholstery foam to match your remaining 13-inch by 13-inch piece. Set it atop your unattached pine piece. Wrap that piece and the foam on top of it with a layer or two of batting. Glue it all in place with spray adhesive.

8

Cut your fabric to a size at least twice as large as your wrapped piece. Place the fabric face down. Put the wrapped piece over the center of the fabric, placing the heavily padded side face down. Wrap the exposed edges of fabric around the piece. Staple these edges to the underside of the piece. Trim any excess.

9

Mark two equidistant spots on the stapled side of your upholstered piece; place these spots on the edge of the piece where you'll install hinges. Hold the hinges over these places and mark the screw holes.

10

Measure your screw-hole locations so you can transfer them to one edge of your box. Drill pilot holes where you marked your screw holes. Attach your hinges using their attached hardware and the pilot holes you just drilled. By attaching your two hinges, you'll connect the box with its lid, completing your DIY ottoman storage project.