How To: Build Your Own Ottoman

Step 1: Make Your Base

The first step of this project is to cut the pieces for the cube base of the ottoman. We’re using medium-density fiberboard (MDF) to save on costs, but you can replace with another wood if you prefer. To start, take your 2’ × 4’ half-inch MDF and saw it lengthwise into two 12” pieces. (Time saving tip: when purchasing the MDF, you can ask a store associate to make this cut for you.) Then, cut the boards so you have:

• Two boards for the top and bottom measuring 12” × 16” each
• Two boards for the sides measuring 12” × 15” each
• Two boards for the ends measuring 12” × 12” each

Your next task is to assemble the cube. Start by predrilling holes for the screws. Use your power drill to create holes where you plan on connecting the side, end, top, and bottom boards. Then, use #6 1 1/2” screws in the predrilled holes to attach each piece. At this point, you should have a full cube. Now that we have the functional part down, let’s move onto the fun stuff!

Step 2: Sew Your Slipcover

Before you start, remember: measure twice, cut once! Now that we have that out of the way, you’ll need a strip of fabric long enough to cover one side, the top, and down the other side. Give yourself an additional half inch of fabric all around to account for the seam. With the recommended cube dimensions, this should measure approximately 17 inches wide and about 44 inches long. We recommend draping the fabric over the wood to be sure you have enough before cutting. Then, proceed to your next two pieces of fabric, which will cover the two ends of the ottoman. These should measure about 13 inches wide and 16 inches long.

Next, use your needle and thread to sew the slipcover together. First, sew the seams along the length of the 44-inch-long fabric. Then pin the two smaller pieces of fabric to the larger piece to form a plus sign. Sew the seams of the “arms” to the larger fabric piece. Bring the remaining unfinished seams together and sew the material into a box-shaped slipcover.

Step 3: Apply the Foam

Cut a strip of foam large enough to cover the top and sides of your ottoman (similar to how you cut the fabric for the slipcover). Leave enough room for the foam pieces to curl underneath the ottoman. (Not only will this prevent it from scratching your flooring or snagging on the slipcover, but it is also where you will be stapling the foam to attach it to the MDF.) Use your Arrow T50ACD compact electric staple gun and Arrow T50 staples to attach the foam to the bottom of the ottoman. If necessary, trim excess bits of foam (like at the corners) so that the ottoman sits flat. Then, adhere the foam to the sides, ends, and top of the cube with spray adhesive.

Step 4: Dress Your Ottoman

It’s time to place the slipcover on your base. Pull it over your ottoman and check that the seams line up with the edges and that the foam is smooth. Flip the newly dressed ottoman upside down, pull the slipcover tight, and use your Arrow T50ACD compact electric staple gun and Arrow T50 staples to attach the fabric to the underside of the ottoman. Now it’s on to the final touch!

Step 5: Create Your Ribbons

Your ribbon material should be slightly wider than three inches. Measure enough ribbon to go from one end of the ottoman, over the top, and down the other side. Do this twice. Keep in mind that you’ll need enough extra ribbon to attach the ends to the underside. Sew the seams of the ribbons so they won’t fray over time.

Step 6: Attach Your Ribbons

Heat up your Arrow GT30Li cordless glue gun to affix the ribbons in place. (Tip: For a more professional look, sew the ribbons to bias tape before gluing to the ottoman. This prevents the hot glue from seeping through your ribbon material and into view.) Slowly apply the glue down the edges and middle of the ribbon strips, smoothing the ribbon onto the ottoman as you go. Once that’s done, turn off your Arrow GT30Li cordless glue gun, and grab your Arrow T50ACD compact electric staple gun once more to attach the ribbon bottoms to the underside of the ottoman.