Reupholster Ottoman Ideas

Fabric and colour ideas

The fabric choice does most of the work in an ottoman makeover. A few directions to consider:

• Performance or stain-resistant fabrics. If the ottoman is used as a footrest or by children and pets, a tightly woven, durable fabric is more practical than a delicate one. Look for fabrics rated for upholstery use.
• Textured neutrals such as boucle, linen blends or woven weaves add depth without a strong colour (see texture in interior design).
• Velvet for a richer look; it shows pile marks, so consider how it will be used.
• Leather or faux leather for a classic, wipeable surface.
• Pattern. Stripes, geometrics or a bold floral can make a small ottoman a focal point. Large patterns need more fabric to centre them (see below).
• A contrast with the sofa. An ottoman in a complementary colour or texture can tie a room together, as long as it shares a tone with something else, such as a cushion or rug.

For more on fibres and care, see fabrics and textiles in interior design, and for what is currently popular, interior textile trends. Before committing, take a fabric sample home and look at it in your room in daytime and evening light.

Style upgrades: tufting, piping, nailhead and legs

Beyond new fabric, small details change the character of the piece:

• Piping or welting in a matching or contrasting fabric gives a tailored look.
• Button tufting adds a classic or glam feel, though it is more advanced to do yourself.
• Nailhead trim along the base adds definition.
• New legs. Replacing short or dated legs with tapered wood, metal or turned legs can change the style from traditional to modern. Many legs attach with simple hardware plates.
• A fresh base colour. Painting or staining existing wooden legs to match the room is a quick update.

How to cover an ottoman with fabric

The exact method depends on the ottoman, but a basic outline for a simple, padded one is:

1. Remove the legs and base cover if they are separable, and take photos to remember how it went together.
2. Strip the old fabric carefully, pulling out staples. Keep the old pieces to use as patterns.
3. Check the padding and frame. Replace foam or batting that is flattened or crumbling, and repair loose joints.
4. Cut new fabric using the old pieces as templates, allowing extra to pull and staple.
5. Add batting over the foam for a smooth, rounded finish.
6. Pull the fabric taut over the top and staple underneath, working from the centre of each side outward and keeping any pattern straight.
7. Fold and finish the corners neatly and trim the excess.
8. Cover the underside with a dust cover and reattach the legs.

For a no-sew approach, stapling the fabric is the usual method. A slipcover, which is sewn, is better if you want the option to remove and wash the cover. Tutorials for both exist, and it is worth watching one for your particular type of ottoman before you begin.

How much fabric you need

There is no single number because ottomans vary in size and shape. A practical way is to measure the widest points: the length and width of the top, plus the height of the sides and extra to wrap underneath for stapling. Add a margin for mistakes, and more if your fabric has a pattern that must be matched or centred, or if the fabric has a nap such as velvet. Round up to whatever the fabric store sells, and ask staff to check your estimate if you are unsure.

DIY or hire a pro, and what it costs

A simple, firm ottoman is a manageable first upholstery project, and your main costs are fabric, batting, foam if needed, staples and tools. Tufted, round or skirted pieces are harder.

For professional work, prices vary a great deal depending on your area, the size and complexity of the piece, the fabric, and the amount of frame repair. A reliable single figure is not possible, so get a quote from a local upholsterer and ask what is and isn’t included, since fabric is sometimes charged separately. Compare it to the cost of a new ottoman. For a well-made frame, recovering often makes sense; for a flimsy or damaged one it may not.

Ottoman height vs sofa

A common guide is for an ottoman used as a footrest to be roughly the same height as the sofa seat, or slightly lower, so that it is comfortable to put feet on. If it is used as a coffee table, matching or sitting slightly lower than the seat height is typical, so that items on top are within easy reach. These are rules of thumb, not fixed requirements, so try sitting with your feet on a stack of books or a similar item to test a height before buying or building one. Our guide to the importance of furniture in interior design covers scale and proportion more broadly.

Turning an ottoman into a coffee table

A large, firm ottoman works well in place of a coffee table, particularly in smaller rooms or families with small children, as it has no hard corners. To make it practical:

• Add a tray with a rigid base, so that cups and books sit level.
• Choose a firm top rather than a soft, deep cushion, or the tray will tip.
• Pick forgiving fabric, such as a performance weave or leather, in case of spills.
• Check the size. Aim for it to be in proportion to the sofa, with room to walk around it.

If you like the look of a wooden table, consider the principles in mixing and matching dining room furniture, as the same idea of repeating a material or colour applies in the living room.

Mistakes to avoid

• Reusing old foam that is flat or crumbling under the new fabric.
• Choosing a thin or loosely woven fabric that stretches or frays.
• Not centring or lining up patterns before stapling.
• Pulling too tightly in one area, which distorts the shape.
• Ignoring the frame: a wobbly base should be fixed before recovering.

If you are working with a vintage piece, check first whether it might be valuable. Our guide to identifying mid-century modern furniture explains what to look for before you strip anything.