Upholstering Your Ottoman on a Budget

What can hold your feet or your posterior, can be pushed under a table or to the middle of the room, can be round, oval, square or rectangular with affecting it's performance, can fit into anyone's budget, and can be made by even a novice? Give up? It's an ottoman, of course! And it's one of the most versatile furniture pieces you can buy. You can easily find one at second hand stores, yard sales, or thrift stores.

But if you can't even afford to buy it second hand, you can make it yourself (if you want to know how, visit my article on ottoman instructions). And best of all, there are dozens of ways you can upholster your used or newly made creation. Let me give you a few ideas for potential covering for potential work of art:

1. Leather Skirt. An ottoman is small enough that you can use a skirt to cover the surface with soft, quality leather. You can find many good leather examples at thrift shops. Look at the skirt construction and work with the seams to create the best design on the ottoman's top.

2. Rug. Braided or chenille rugs can be a durable covering for an ottoman, especially for a family room. For a more upscale look, use a kilmn or southwestern rug. But take care that the rug isn't too thick to easily attach to the bottom with staples. An alternative method would be heavy duty glue (Tack the bottom until the glue dries).

3. Bedspread. Have a vintage chenille bedspread? It would make a great covering for an ottoman, especially if it has a design in the center.

You can feature the design for a fabulous original ottoman.

4. Towel. Another durable covering for a family room or other high use area is a towel. It is easily cleaned and is soft and cozy. You can even afford a brand new one for the project - especially if you shop at the dollar store.

5. Tablecloth - Fabric or Vinyl. Whether fabric or vinyl, tablecloths can be a colorful and stylish covering for your ottoman.

Vinyl would be good for a high traffic area. It can be washed clean easily with just a wipe of a cloth. Fabric is less easily cleaned, but still a good choice - especially one treated with stain repellent.

6. Drapes. Brocade or velvet drapes from thrift shops are perfect for covering your project. The fabric is usually elegant and long wearing. The fabric is perfect for a living room or bedroom. And you can find braid remnants at your local fabric store which can be used to add a tailored look.

7: Sweater. A heathered wool sweater would make a gorgeous covering for an ottoman. Think of using it in a den or family room.