What’s the Best Technique for Crafting a DIY Ottoman with Hidden Storage?

April 15, 2024

Designing your own handmade furniture can be a rewarding experience. An item like a DIY Ottoman with storage allows you to customize something to fit your exact needs and design preferences, in addition to providing a practical solution for storing items. This detailed guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on creating your own upholstered Ottoman that features hidden storage.

Selecting Your Materials

Before getting started on any DIY project, it’s essential to ensure that you have all the necessary materials. For this Ottoman, you will need a piece of wood for the base and sides, fabric to cover the ottoman, foam for padding, and a few additional items.

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  1. Wood: The base and sides of your Ottoman will be made from wood. Choose a type that’s sturdy, such as plywood or MDF. You’ll need to cut four pieces to create the sides and one piece for the base of your Ottoman.

  2. Fabric: This is what will cover the exterior of your Ottoman, so choose a material that matches your decor but is also durable. Upholstery fabric is a good choice as it’s designed to withstand wear and tear.

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  3. Foam: This will be used to pad the top of your Ottoman. Choose a foam that’s firm but comfortable to sit on.

  4. Additional Items: Other items you’ll need include a staple gun, wood glue, screws and a screwdriver, fabric scissors, and a sewing machine if you plan to sew your fabric instead of stapling it.

Cutting the Wood

Once you’ve gathered all of your materials, the first step of this DIY project is to cut the pieces of wood for your Ottoman. Depending on the size you want your Ottoman to be, the measurements will vary. As a reference, for a standard-sized Ottoman, you might want a base that’s 16 inches by 16 inches and four sides that are 16 inches by 18 inches.

First, measure and mark your cut lines on the wood. Then, carefully use a saw to cut along these lines. Once you’ve cut out your pieces, sand the edges to make sure they’re smooth. This will prevent any possible damage to the fabric when you cover the sides later.

Assembling the Ottoman

After all your pieces are cut, it’s off to the assembly process. You will need wood glue and screws to secure the sides to the base. Apply wood glue along the edges of your base piece and attach each of the side pieces.

Once you’ve glued the sides on, reinforce them with screws. This will ensure that your Ottoman is sturdy and can hold up to daily use. Remember to wipe away any excess glue before it dries.

Upholstering Your Ottoman

Upholstering your Ottoman involves covering the sides and the top with fabric. Before you start, measure your Ottoman’s sides and top, add a few extra inches to your measurements. Cut out your fabric according to these measurements.

For the sides, wrap your fabric around the sides of your Ottoman and pin it in place. Make sure the fabric is tight and straight, then use your staple gun to secure it. Repeat this process for each side.

The top is a bit more involved as it incorporates the foam padding. Firstly, glue the foam to the top of your Ottoman, making sure it’s centered. Then, place your fabric over the foam, ensuring it covers the entire top and overlaps onto the sides. Pull the fabric tight and staple it onto the sides of the Ottoman, just like you did for the side pieces.

Creating The Storage Component

The final step is to create the hidden storage component within your Ottoman. This can be done by hinging the upholstered top to the Ottoman’s base.

To do this, position your hinges along the back side of your Ottoman. Screw the smaller part of the hinge onto the side, while the larger part will be attached to the underside of the top piece. Ensure the hinges are properly aligned and that the top opens and shuts smoothly.

With these instructions, you should be well on your way to creating a DIY Ottoman with hidden storage. Remember, the key to a successful project is patience, precision, and creativity.

Adding the Finishing Touches

After attaching the hinges, the next step in making your DIY Ottoman is the finishing touches that will emphasize your personal style. This includes painting or staining the wood, if you wish, and adding any additional details like trim, buttons, or tassels to the upholstered ottoman.

For those who desire a more polished look for their ottoman coffee table, you might consider painting or staining the wood. This can help to hide any raw edges and make the ottoman blend more seamlessly with your living room decor. Before painting or staining, make sure to cover the upholstery fabric with plastic or newspaper to protect it from accidental spills.

After your paint or stain has dried, you might want to add trim or buttons for an extra touch of elegance. Trim can be hot glued on, while buttons can be sewn into the upholstery foam. Remember to use a strong thread and a long needle for this task.

Some people might also want to add feet to their ottoman. This can be accomplished with four small pieces of wood screwed into the bottom corners of the ottoman. It not only adds to the style but also keeps the ottoman elevated off the floor.

Maintaining Your DIY Ottoman

Now that you’ve dedicated time and energy to create your beautiful DIY ottoman, maintaining it will ensure its longevity. Regular cleaning of the storage ottoman is essential, especially if it’s placed in a high-traffic area like your living room.

Vacuum your upholstered ottoman regularly to avoid dust and dirt from settling into the fabric. If your fabric is not water-resistant, consider applying a fabric protector spray. This can help to keep your ottoman looking fresh and clean.

For wooden parts of your ottoman, wipe them regularly with a clean, dry cloth to remove dust. If you’ve stained or painted your ottoman, consider a conditioning spray or polish to bring out the shine and maintain the color.

In the case of any minor damages like loose buttons or ripped fabric, make sure to repair them promptly. A staple gun, hot glue, and your sewing kit will be your best friends here.

Conclusion

Crafting a DIY Ottoman with hidden storage is a rewarding and practical project that enhances your living space. Not only does it provide a stylish coffee table or footrest, but it also offers a storage solution in your living room. From selecting quality materials to adding finishing touches, every step adds worth to your DIY project. Remember that the key to a successful DIY project is patience, precision, and creativity. So, whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner, this guide should provide you with the necessary steps to create your very own ottoman DIY. Happy crafting!