HOW TO REUPHOLSTER AN OTTOMAN
My first attempt to recover a piece of furniture was a hot mess.
Ask my friend Michelle who came over to salvage my efforts to reupholster a faux leather bench.
It was all she could do not to haul it into the back of her car.
You can see the finished bench here. It is our Bernese Mountain dog’s favorite spot.
Elliott does not judge.
BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO REUPOLSTER
I wanted a second chance and found hese square ottomans on clearance at Marshall’s.
I was not looking for ottomans, but isn’t that how these finds happen?
Isn’t that why Marshalls and Homegoods survive because we can look past the glass tabletop with a coat of spray paint or even a cement top?
If a project involves measuring and army-like tight corners I resort to duct tape. So imagine my surprise when I reupholstered a pair of matching ottomans.
Today I want to share my mistakes and lessons on the power of fabric.
Here is a basic beginner’s guide on how to recover an ottoman.
I wanted a second chance, and these matching ottomans on clearance at Marshalls
Sidenote: I cannot find the original fabric-covered ottomans. They had matching off white fabric which is likely why they were on clearance.
The light fabric blended into the walls.
But these ottomans had great bones with sturdy frames and cushions.
The day I purchased these ottomans was the same day I bought this hutch.
TIPS TO RECOVER OTTOMANS WITH FABRIC
OTTOMANS
I specifically wanted swuare ottomans because they had ninety e angles with defined edges.
My back up plan was to use electrical tap to secure the fabric to the ottomans.
ISteps:
- Remove the legs or base with a screwdriver or a drill.
2. It is like wrapping a box- with legs.
3. Just remove the legs to ensure tight corners.
THE TOOL
When I found these matching ottomans on clearance at Marshall’s, I knew I had to step up my fabric and upholstery skills. I consulted with my Tool Man Husband and he suggested I use our air compressor staple gun.
I ditched this handheld staple gun.
FABRIC
I used a navy window treatment that had lost its mate a few seasons back. Not wanting to toss it or donate one window panel drape I knew it would be the perfect color and weight to cover these matching ottomans.
Tip: Check the clearance bins for upholstery fabrics.
TAPE MEASURE
In the end, I used a tape measure before cutting the window treatment. However, I relied heavily on my “gut feeling” on where to cut the fabric.
It took all of my husband’s willpower to stay quiet.
REMOVE SEAT CUSHION FROM FRAME
This is easy peasy! Just make sure your screwdriver has an extended bit to reach the screw.
Also, in both of my reupholstery projects, I used furniture with 90-degree angles.
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It took longer to cut the fabric than it did to cover the ottomans.
The stronger staples held the corners together and gave it a great finished look.
I have one ottoman in my office and my husband has one in his office.
Marshall’s may not be your first thought when you think of furniture, but if it has good bones, it might be the perfect piece to cover with new fabric.
If you need a more detailed review read this article.
Looking for other furniture flips?
Check out this 1940’s dresser.
Or this handmade mid-century bookcase my grandfather made.
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First of all, that doggy face is adorable. I am definitely going to pass this tip on to my daughter who has an ottoman she has been putting off recovering. Hugs, Laura