DIY: BENCH OR OTTOMAN



I've been wanting a bench for the end of our bed for a long time now but I couldn't justify (or convince my husband) to spend 200 dollars for it. And so I figured... why not make one myself?


To start, I thought I would find the perfect coffee table. I didn't want to spend too much as I knew I would need to spend money on fabric and foam as well. 


Here is a list of the materials I bought: 

  • Coffee Table- Kijiji  $20.00
  • Adhesive Spray- Michaels $10.00
  • 2 Metres of Fabric- Fabricland $12.00 (depending on the fabric you choose it can get quite expensive).
  • Buttons- Fabricland $6.00
  • Upholstery Needles- Fabric Land $2.00
  • Upholstery Thread- $1.00
  • Foam- Michaels $11.99
  • Batting- Michaels $4.99
Total Cost: $67.98

Here is a list of things that I already had:
  • Paint
  • 24 x36 inch Backing of a Picture Frame
  • Staple Gun
  • Clear Finishing Spray

Here we go!


1. Paint the parts of the table that will not be covered by fabric. 
2. Let dry for at least 24 hours.



3. Lay your table face down on top of your foam. 





 4. Trace your table. 



 5. Cut off the excess foam.




(I used the extra foam to fill the sides of my table as it had a curvy shape)



6. On some form of board (plywood, picture frame backing etc.) mark where you would like your buttons.


(Very hard to see my x's in the picture below)



7. Use a spray adhesive to attach your foam to the board. (Not the table just yet)





 8.  Now it's time to make the holes for your tufts. I used a screwdriver but you can use a drill if you've got one. 



(I used a hammer to pull out the screw to make a wider hole)



9. Cover your foam in batting.
10. Drape your fabric over top.


( You'll need access to both sides of your foam.
I let mine rest between my couch and my coffee table)



11. Get your buttons ready. I made these with a button making kit.



12. Put your upholstery thread through your needle.
13. Put your needle through the bottom of your board (through the hole you made) and up through the foam and fabric.
14. Put your button through the needle.
15. Thread the needle back through your hole. 



16. Tie a knot at the bottom of your board with something in place so that your knot doesn't slide back up through the hole. Make sure you pull the thread as tight as you can. 
For example: below you can see that I used a screw to hold everything in place. 

*THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT*




17. Repeat with all of your buttons. I used 6.




18. Now you can use the spray adhesive to attach your foam and board to your table. 


 19. Time to staple your fabric to the table. Make sure you tug the fabric really tightly and fold the ends underneath.



20. Find a great spot for your new bench or ottoman and enjoy! 




2 comments:

  1. great job Jackie! I totally want to try this idea on a headboard. btw I think I have the same decor pillow, Cynthia Rowley?

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    1. I had always wanted to do the same thing to my headboard but thought it would be wayyyy too difficult. I couldn't believe how easy this actually was. I really hope you get to do it.

      Pillows are from Bouclair;).

      xo Jac

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