Put Your Feet Up in Style

With a little creativity, you can turn your coffee table into a fun upholstered ottoman

I love to entertain. My other half and I host every Thanksgiving, every Super Bowl and countless pau hanas and dinners throughout the year. That’s why when it came time to buy living room furniture, we went big. Our sectional is roughly the size of two twin beds and has held up to eight people at once.

After dinner with friends recently we came back to our place and assumed our regular positions, sprawled out on the couch with our feet up on the coffee table. It had been a long day, so I propped mine up with a throw pillow. Then it dawned on me that an upholstered ottoman might make more sense than a hard coffee table. Not only is it more comfortable for resting your legs after a long day, but it can also serve as extra seating when needed. Luckily, I found out that converting a coffee table into an upholstered ottoman was easier than I thought.

First, determine your desired height and trim the table legs accordingly. If you want to change up the color, now is the time to paint the legs as well. Then, add wood to frame the ottoman around the sides so that the width all around matches up with the tabletop. This will ensure that it is straight all the way down.

Next, get 2-inch high-density foam and trim it to fit the top of the ottoman. A serrated knife works well for the cutting. Use spray adhesive to glue the foam directly to the top of the table. Repeat these steps to apply the foam around the sides of the ottoman as well.

After this, take a large piece of batting and cover the top of the table. There should be enough that there is excess around the sides. Staple the batting under the table with a staple gun, making sure to pull it tightly as you go.

Now you’re ready to add the fabric. Make sure to choose a pattern that complements your home’s style and that is also available in a durable material. Cover the ottoman with your desired fabric in the same way you did with the batting. Repeat the steps above, stapling the fabric underneath the table and pulling it taut. Top it off with a tray and you are good to go.