written by Melissa Dalton | illustration by Kristiina Almy
An upholstered ottoman (or bench) brings a touch of decorative panache, and doubles as seating. Purchase the turned legs from a big box store, online or from a woodworkers’ supply shop. Just make sure they’re the right height (15 inches for an ottoman, 18 inches for a bench).
1. CUT THE TOP
Start by cutting a piece of %-inch plywood into the desired shape for the top, keeping in mind how the fabric will cover it. (As in, how the pattern will display, making sure there are no seams across the ottoman top, and there’s enough to also cover the cushion.)
2. BUILD THE FRAME
The frame for this project consists of four premade turned legs and an “apron,” the latter made of 1x4s that span between the base of the legs. Line up the legs so that one is flush with each corner of the plywood top. (Do not attach yet; at this stage, the plywood top is just the template for building the frame.) Line a 1×4 up with the long edge of the plywood, cutting it to fit between the leg at either end. Repeat for the opposite edge. Use two metal L-brackets for each corner, and attach the apron sides to the top of the leg. Repeat the process for the short sides.
3. MAKE THE CUSHION
Cut a piece of 3-inch foam to fit the top of the plywood. Attach it with spray adhesive. Cut a piece of batting to cover the top of the foam, as well as the sides, so that it can reach the underside of the plywood. Pull it taut, and staple the batting in place, making sure the plywood edges are covered and none of the staples are seen.
4. UPHOLSTER THE CUSHION
Repeat the above process with the upholstery fabric. Lay it on the ground, pattern-side down. Lay the batting/foam/plywood sandwich on top, with the plywood facing up. Pull the fabric taut and staple to the underside of the plywood, being careful to fold, or pleat, the corners neatly. Finish by stapling down a layer of dust cover fabric to cover the fabric edges.
5. FINISH THE APRON AND LEGS
Stain or paint the frame, including the apron and legs, to your desired finish.
6. ATTACH THE CUSHION TO THE FRAME
Lay the cushion on a clean surface, plywood facing up. Place the frame on top, with the legs aligned with each corner and the apron sides flush with the edge of the plywood. Attach the apron sides to the plywood using metal L-brackets, with one metal side against the 1×4 board and one against the plywood. Be sure to use %-inch screws, so the ends don’t protrude on the finished side of the apron. Use two brackets for the long side and one bracket for the short side.
