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How to make an ottoman

Use easy upholstery techniques to give an old coffee table new life.
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Don’t ditch that dated dark-stained coffee table, make it over instead. By simply using paint, foam and fabric, you can upcycle it into an ottoman with a vintage vibe. Who knew upholstery was so easy? A versatile piece that looks great in a hallway or at the end of your bed, its firm yet padded top can be a seat or a table. No unloved tables lying around? Find one for $40 or less in charity shops.  

Gather your supplies

  • Coffee table
  • 9mm MDF
  • Medium-density foam
  • Fabric and wadding
  • Upholstery buttons

You’ll also need

Sandpaper; primer; spray paint; circular saw; brown paper; pencil; drill; spray adhesive; scissors; staple gun; upholstery needle; strong thread; screws

Here’s how

Spray painting timber coffee table

STEP 1 Lightly sand timber table, apply primer, then 2 coats of spray paint.

STEP 2 Cut MDF to size of table top using circular saw. This will be the base of the new padded seat.

STEP 3 Cut brown paper to size of table top, then draw a grid in pencil, marking the locations of buttons on seat.

Drill holes in MDF

STEP 4 Position grid on MDF and make holes in paper to mark button locations on seat base. Drill a small hole at each mark.

Glue foam and wadding to MDF

STEP 5 Cut foam to size. Spray MDF seat base with adhesive and position foam on top. Cut wadding to go over foam and fold under the base.

Cut wadding on padded bench seat

STEP 6 Snip off excess wadding at corners. Staple wadding to base.

Stapling fabric to MDF seat base

STEP 7 Cut fabric piece large enough to go over padded seat. Fold under long sides first and, working from the centre, staple to base, stopping before you reach the ends. Fold under short sides, tuck and cut fabric to form neat corners, then staple in place.

STEP 8 Position paper grid on padded seat and mark through holes onto fabric. Thread upholstery needle and, from underneath, push needle through base, foam and wadding, and out through marked fabric hole.

Thread upholstery button

STEP 9 Thread a button and take needle through seat again, pulling taut so foam depresses. Keeping thread taut, tie off and staple to base.

STEP 10 Flip over coffee table and position on seat base, then screw together.

Padded ottoman bench seat
A bare hallway can be uninviting, but it’s also not a space you should crowd. Create a tableau with an ottoman bench, styled simply with cushions and a throw that pick up the colours in the artwork above. (Credit: Chris L Jones) (Credit: Chris L Jones)

For more decorating and DIY projects, pick up a copy of the latest issue in selected newsagents and supermarkets or buy online today!

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Tara Dennis Interiors and design

On Channel Seven’s Better Homes and Gardens, Tara Dennis shares her interior style and design secrets, showing viewers how to transform their homes for less.

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