Center the fabric on the stool.
I was recently searching for a small, simple stool that was reasonably priced and was surprised that I wasn't able to find many options. So I did what many of us do and decided to make one myself. The cost is pretty small and it comes together in no time, making this a great starter project for someone who is looking to dip their toes into the world of recovering furniture. I was thrilled with the results!
What You Will Need:
- stool
- primer and paint (or stain if you prefer)
- foam
- cotton batting
- fabric
- iron
- staple gun
- staples
Instructions:
- Find a stool with a shape and size that works for you. Craft stores have unfinished ones but if you'd like something with a little more character, stools needing a little love are often easy to find at antique or thrift stores.
- Prime and paint (or sand and stain) the legs of the stool and allow to dry completely.
- Cut a piece of foam to size.
- Cut a piece of cotton batting large enough that it will wrap around the stool and foam.
- Staple the batting to the underside of the stool on all four sides, pulling tight as you go. Tuck the batting in and fold over to make clean corners. Staple the corners then staple the batting all around the stool, making sure it is pulled evenly all around. Cut off any excess batting.
- Iron your fabric to get rid of any wrinkles and folds. I prefer to fold over the sides of the fabric for a cleaner, finished look but make sure you leave enough fabric so that it will wrap around the stool and cover the batting on all four sides.
- Center the stool on the fabric.
- Staple each side of the fabric to the stool, pulling tight as you go.
- Just as you did with the batting, tuck in the corners of the fabric and fold over and staple. If there is excess fabric you can cut it off. After all four corners are finished, staple the fabric all around the stool, making sure it is pulled tight.
- Flip the stool over and fix any bumpy spots then stand back and admire your perfect little stool.
Images: Kate Wangsgard
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Great tutorial - thank you! I love the paint color and fabric you chose!
I like it. Being obsessed with ottomans and stools, I find you fabric pattern and leg combo very fun and interesting. Now, just increase the size and you have a big upholstered coffee table or a bench for the end of the bed. The ideas are endless!!!
shelly
www.modhomeec.com
I wonder if this would work to make a lack coffee table http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00095036#/00095036/ look more like this west elm bench http://www.westelm.com/products/printed-ikat-essex-bench-g350/?pkey=cchairs-ottomans-benches?
@Ms. Lynee - I don't know if it would work very well, considering the very different look of the two pieces.
Also, for all you staple gun wielders out there, does this method work if you have presswood or MDF? I'm just imagining the staples not holding as strongly if it's not solid wood.
Ms. Lynee, I'm sure it could come close!
How did you know that I've been looking for a footstool and so far, hadn't found one I like? Now, I'm going to make one and I know I'll find a perfect fabric to cover the stool. Thank you! Thank you!
How freaking cute is that thing.
Love.
this is a really great, simple tutorial that can work on chair seats too. nice job!
I love the color combo and appreciate the tutorial. Thanks for posting.
Looks easy! I will have to try this out!
@Ms Lynee - it would not be hard to make one like the West Elm one and you don't need a Lack table. You need a piece of mdf or plywood the size you want your ottoman to be, a piece of foam the height you want it to be, some pine boards to frame the bottom of the piece of mdf or plywood (to fasten the feet to and anchor the staples better) and some decorative feet - find them online or even at Home Depot/Lowes.
Then follow the instructions above.
Have courage! Just do it!
... I was gonna say what dulcibella said, but since she beat me to it—assuming you do own this table and bought it new, $20 isn't a huge loss, and you can probably get a little bit of it back on CL anyway. But you could use the lack top as your base if you want.
After seeing your photos I feel like I could actually do this. Thanks.
This is a great idea! I envision making one for my outdoor area, to kick back with feet up, relaxing on a cool summer night.
great tutorial and such a simple update.
Thanks for the inspiration, AT!
Here's my thrifted and reupholstered footstool. I love it!
http://thenestinggame.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/fringe-footstool-makeover/
looks amazing! good work, kate!