I've been wanting an upholstered storage ottoman for a while now... I've been keeping my eyes open for one that's the right size, the right colors and of course, the right price. I wanted one big enough to fit all our blankets in, and big enough to fill the space as our coffee table. Most are too small and too short (we have to be able to prop our feet on it just right! That's how we roll in this house.)
I haven't one that's just right. What's a girl to do? Make it of course! And this time, I remembered to take tons of pictures so you can all build it too!
Shopping list
-1 1x12 @ 4 feet long
-1 1x12 @ 6 feet long
-2 sticks fun trim
-4 bun feet and 4 plates that they screw into
-2 pieces of 1/2 inch plywood 36"x24"
-2 hinges and a lid support
-Screws, glue and finishing supplies (sandpaper, and stain or paint)
-fabric (2 yards)
-foam (the same size as your plywood, 24"x36")
-batting (enough to go over your foam and cover your edges)
Here we go! There are a LOT of pictures. Just warning you!
I started with the 1x12s from Lowes, and cut 4 pieces. I cut 2 pieces at 36 inches and 2 at 22.5 inches.
Then I drilled pocket holes in the ends of the short boards, and screwed it all together to make a big box.
Then I just nailed the bottom on (your trim will cover the edge), and mitered my trim to put all the way around. I wish I could write you a tutorial about mitering, but in the interest of full disclosure, I'm not very good at it. I just glued my trim on and then put a few nails in to make sure it stays.
Then I stained it all. I also stained my bun feet at the same time. And when it was dry, I flipped it over, screwed my plates into each corner and then screwed my ben feet into the plates. (Sorry, totally forgot to take a picture of that part, but it's not rocket science, you got this!)
After that, I painted the inside and painted one side of the other piece of plywood (which, come to find out, was unneccesary!) My current favorite color is Ivory Bisque, a Rustoleum spray paint. It matches my walls and trim perfectly, so I had the hardware store break the cap and match the color to make me a can. I was going through it so fast, and at $4.99 a can, it adds up!
Yep, those are dog toys all over my house. And Kona trying to help.
I laid out my fabric, then put down my batting, then my foam, and finally my piece of plywood. Starting on the long side, I folded up my fabric and put in a staple. Then I went to the opposite side and put in a staple, pulling my fabric tight, but not too tight.
I worked my way around, bouncing back and forth, and then did the same on the short ends. When I got to the corners, I was very scientific about it. I wrapped it like a present!
Then I trimmed off all the excess fabric, especially at my corners. Next, I cut a big piece of fabric that was about an inch bigger on all sides than my plywood, and folded the edges under to create a fake finished edge. I stapled that on too.
I attached the lid to the box using just plain silver hinges. and put the lid support in.
Then I flipped it on it's feet and sat down on the couch and stared at it! I love how fancy it looks and how well it compliments my nesting end tables! And it fits all my blankets inside, and they're so close I don't even have to get off the couch to get one. Awesome :)
Now that it's been sitting in my living room for a few days, I'm thinking about adding trim around the top too. I think it would give that top edge a complete look. If I do it, of course I'll share pictures with you!
Thanks for hanging out!
Autumn
