How I turned an $8 thrift store ottoman from drab to fab

Let's be clear - I love a challenge. My favorite phrase is "Pshh, I can make that!" lol. I became a self-proclaimed do-it-yourself-er in my college days when I realized the my expensive taste did not match my budget. As a result, I learned to tap into my creativity. Before long, I had made my own curtains, pillow cases, lampshades, coasters, and more.

This project was no different. I had just moved into a new place and ottoman prices were just off the charts! My strategy was to buy one second hand at the thrift store, and then make it my own. And it did just that. The project was quite easy and only took a few steps. Here is what you'll need:

Tools:
Upholstery foam (sized to fit your ottoman)
Fabric (make sure you get a little extra to tuck under)
Upholstery staple gun and staples
A box cutter or scissors
Screw driver

Step 1: 
I started with a simple padded top storage ottoman that I bought for $8 at the thrift store. The fabric was obviously not appealing, but sometimes you have to look past the appearance and see the potential. This ottoman had great real wood legs and had a storage pouch. I could envision it sitting in front of my couch so I could put my feet up and store cozy blankets in it. Ahh...ok back to business.

Step 2
Strip off the old fabric and the padding with a box cutter or scissors. All that should be left in the wooden top and the legs/body of the ottoman. If you have a storage ottoman, unscrew the hinges top of the ottoman with a screwdriver. This will remove the top of the ottoman from its base.

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Step 3:
Then lay out your new fabric and upholstery foam on a flat surface. Place the top of the ottoman (that you just unscrewed) on top to that, keeping the face that would represent the inside of the ottoman up. (You have the option of redoing the inner black lining, but I was being lazy and chose not to.) Pull the sides of the fabric as taut as you can over the foam and over the edges of the flat top. Hold that portion of the fabric down with one hand, and staple it down with your other hand (watch your fingers!). Repeat until the entire perimeter of the flat top is covered.

Step 6: 
Finally, return the upholstered top of the ottoman back to its legs and screw the hardware back in. And you're done!! Not too shabby for an amateur! It's not perfect, but the finished product is a beautiful, crisp looking piece of furniture!! LOVE it!  

What pieces of furniture have you attempted to upholster? Tell me in the comments below!!

​-T