Mastering Ottoman Art: Step-by-Step Guide to Cover a Rectangle Ottoman

Transforming a plain rectangle ottoman into a stylish and functional piece of furniture is an exciting DIY project. With the right materials and a bit of creativity, you can cover your ottoman to match your room's decor or simply give it a fresh new look. Let's dive into the world of upholstery and explore how to cover a rectangle ottoman step by step.

Before you start, gather your materials. You'll need fabric, scissors, staple gun, staple remover, screwdriver, utility knife, and a pencil. For this guide, we'll assume you're working with a wooden rectangle ottoman with removable legs.

Preparation and Measurement

Start by removing the legs from your ottoman using a screwdriver. Measure the length, width, and height of the ottoman. Also, measure the depth of the sides. These measurements will help you determine how much fabric you need.

Next, choose your fabric. Consider the pattern, color, and texture that will complement your room. Don't forget to factor in the pattern repeat if you're using a patterned fabric. Once you've selected your fabric, purchase enough to cover the ottoman with a little extra for mistakes or adjustments.

Covering the Top

Lay your fabric flat on the floor, right side facing down. Place the ottoman upside down on top of the fabric. Center the ottoman on the fabric, then pull the fabric taut over the top. Cut the fabric to size, leaving a few inches of overhang on all sides.

Fold the overhanging fabric under and staple it to the underside of the ottoman using a staple gun. Work your way around the top, pulling the fabric taut as you go. Use a staple remover to remove any staples that are too long or sticking out.

Adding Trim (Optional)

If you'd like to add a decorative touch, consider adding trim. Measure and cut the trim to fit the length and width of the ottoman top. Staple the trim in place, following the same process as the fabric.

Once you've added the trim, your ottoman top should be looking great. Move on to covering the sides.

Covering the Sides

For each side, lay the fabric right side facing down. Place the ottoman on its side, with the edge you want to cover facing up. Wrap the fabric around the edge, pulling it taut. Cut the fabric to size, leaving a few inches of overhang on the top and bottom.

Fold the overhanging fabric under and staple it to the underside of the ottoman. Work your way around the edge, pulling the fabric taut as you go. Repeat this process for all four sides.

Finishing the Corners

Covering the corners can be a bit tricky, but with a little patience, you can create a clean, professional look. Fold the fabric into a miter at each corner, then staple it in place. Use a utility knife to trim any excess fabric.

Once you've covered all the sides, your ottoman should be looking fantastic. The final step is to reattach the legs.

Reattach the legs using the screwdriver, ensuring they're tight and secure. Now, step back and admire your handiwork. Your rectangle ottoman has been transformed into a stylish, personalized piece of furniture that you can enjoy for years to come. Happy upholstering!