Creative Meets Functional: A DIY Guide on How to Build a Storage Ottoman
Furniture that merges creativity and functionality can transform any living space. One such piece is the storage ottoman—a versatile and stylish addition that not only serves as a comfy seat but also provides discreet storage for your belongings. This DIY guide walks you through the steps to create homemade chic large ottomans for home decoration. With a bit of creativity and some basic tools, you can craft a piece of furniture that’s both aesthetically pleasing and incredibly practical using the steps below.
- Measure and Cut
Start by measuring and marking the dimensions of your ottoman on the plywood. Typically, ottomans are square or rectangular. Use a circular saw or jigsaw to cut out the top and bottom pieces, ensuring they match in size.
- Upholster the Top
Cut the foam padding to the same size as the top piece of plywood. Then, wrap the foam with batting, securing it with staples along the edges. This will create a comfortable cushion for your ottoman’s top. A well-fitted form will pave the way for a firm wrapping of the fabric and will make it easier to obtain your desired shape when it’s time to wrap your desired fabric.
- Wrap with Fabric
Now, cut a piece of fabric that’s large enough to wrap around the foam cushion and plywood top. Place the fabric face-down on a flat surface, position the foam and plywood on top, and pull the fabric tightly over them. Use a staple gun to secure the fabric to the plywood underneath, creating a neat and tight upholstery.
- Build the Storage Compartment
To create the storage compartment, you’ll need to build a simple wooden box. Cut four pieces of plywood for the sides, ensuring they are the same height as your ottoman. Use wood glue and screws to attach them, forming a box without a top or bottom. This box will fit inside your ottoman’s base.
- Attach the Hinges
Attach the hinges to one side of the storage box and the corresponding side of the ottoman’s base. This will allow the top of the ottoman to lift, giving you easy access to the storage space inside. In this case, you’ll be able to utilize your Ottoman as an additional space for storing your gadgets, in addition to having it as a piece of your living room seating furniture, leveraging its versatility.
- Legs and Finishing Touches
Attach the wooden legs to the bottom of your ottoman base using screws. Make sure they are securely fastened for stability. If you desire a tufted look, you can also add decorative buttons to the upholstered top by sewing them on with a matching thread.
Conclusion
This DIY guide is a great starting point, but feel free to get creative with your ottoman’s design. You can choose different fabrics, and colors, and even add unique embellishments to make it truly your own. So, roll up your sleeves, get your tools ready, and start building a storage ottoman that’s both a functional marvel and a creative masterpiece. Your living space will thank you for it!
