Ottoman Empire: How To Make An Ottoman

Posted by Blueprint

Ottomans -- those lumpy footstools most often associated with the title sequence of The Dick Van Dyke Show (he trips over one) -- have become a sort of decorating punch line. They just can't seem to shake their fusty, '70s living room set reputation. The first step to overcoming their burnt sienna corduroy roots is to choose a modern graphic pattern. The second step is to make them versatile. So we created an easy-to-make ottoman from two floor cushions (which can still be used on their own), and then added wheels for mobility.

Our thoroughly modern ottoman

Ottoman How To

1. Choose two cushions. You could use regular sofa cushions but for a more streamlined look (and for them to stack more evenly) box-edged floor cushions work the best. Our cushions are from Roberta Roller Rabbit. They're the 24" box floor cushions in Blue Clara fabric, $95 each.

2. Measure the cushions.

3. Have a piece of wood cut to the size of your cushion at your local lumber store.

4. Choose a paint color for the ottoman's wood base. (We used Benjamin Moore's 'Dove White.') Then paint the wood and let dry.

5. Choose your casters -- you'll need four. The ones we used can be found at Wood Worker's Supply. They are the solid beech 2" casters with no brake, $6.19 each.

6. Drill four holes in the wood – all approximately 2" in from each corner – and screw the casters into the holes.

7. Flip over so the casters are on the floor, and stack both cushions on top of the wood platform. 

8. Put your feet up and admire your work.

A few tips: Since silky fabrics can slip around a lot, we recommend choosing heavier weight canvas or cotton for the cushions so that they stay in place.  For added friction and staying power, cut a piece of felt slightly smaller than the area of the wood and, using a craft glue like Fabri-Tac, glue felt to the wood.

Comments

[Sarah]

Here is an idea for keeping the cushions from slipping without attaching them. Why not use a rug no-slip pad under the cushion? You can get them cheap in small sizes (or cut to size) and then you don't have to have velcro attached when you remove the cushion for use on the floor.

[Allison]

How can you make these cushions? I've looked for foam squares everywhere and no luck. What else can you use?

[Janina]

I found floor box cushions at Cost Plus World Market, they were on sale and I think I paid $20 or so for the pair? Maybe $25, anyway, way cheaper than the $95 each of these shown! If you are someone who likes to sew, you could easily purchase foam squares at a fabric/craft store like JoAnn or Hobby Lobby or Michaels and then cover with the fabric of your choice. I would expect a project like that to run about $15 or so per cushion depending on the quality/style of fabric you buy. Very easy sewing project by the way, and if you wanted to have piping on the edges to reinforce the seams, you can buy ready made welting in the fabric store too if you aren't into making your own piping (which is the hardest part of a project like this, although still rather easy once you get the hang of it).

[Janina]

I found floor box cushions at Cost Plus World Market, they were on sale and I think I paid $20 or so for the pair? Maybe $25, anyway, way cheaper than the $95 each of these shown! If you are someone who likes to sew, you could easily purchase foam squares at a fabric/craft store like JoAnn or Hobby Lobby or Michaels and then cover with the fabric of your choice. I would expect a project like that to run about $15 or so per cushion depending on the quality/style of fabric you buy. Very easy sewing project by the way, and if you wanted to have piping on the edges to reinforce the seams, you can buy ready made welting in the fabric store too if you aren't into making your own piping (which is the hardest part of a project like this, although still rather easy once you get the hang of it).

[Talley Sue]

"a piece of wood"--I have a question.

What did you use? Pine? It's hard to find wood stock *wide* enough. As wood planks get wider, they start to bow (bcs wood grows in circles).

If I were going to do this, I'd use plywood--it's very strong, and it's very sturdy.

I'd want a thick edge, so probably I'd have 3/4-inch-thick plywood cut to size, and then I'd have 1.5-inch-wide lattice strips cut to cut around the plywood (remember that on 2 sides, you need the lattice long enough to cover the plywood, AND to cover the ends of the lattice strips on the perpendicular sides).

Then I'd smear Elmer's Glue-All (great stuff--no need for carpenter's glue or wood glue) along the edge of the plywood, and nail on the lattice (or screw it on, but drill pilot holes first).

Then paint.

The 3/4-inch lip that the lattice makes would keep the cushions stable on the base, and make the platform look visually thicker.

(Or, center the lattice, and have a smaller lip covering the bottom of the cusions, but also have a lip that partly covers the casters)

The other solution to getting a nice-looking edge on plywood (which I think comes 1 inch thick as well) is iron-on edge banding; Home Depot carries it, and it's really easy to use--and you can honestly iron it on w/ your home iron--I did!

[Alexandra]

I know someone already asked, but would it be possible to get sources for the other items in the picture like the rug, the lamp, and the table, etc? It's a FANTASTIC picture!

[jm]

I am in love with the side table in this pic. Does anyone know where I could find it or one that is similar?

[michele]

Now, that's the coolest and thriftiest idea I've seen all week!

MM
colorthemes

[karyn]

Hi Bluelines:
Thanks again for addressing my earlier concern with pillows slipping off.
cheers,
K.

[Carrie]

and when you don't have the cushions on the platform you can have scooter races :)

[Allison]

As I said below, I saw similar cushions at my local Tuesday Morning. I haven't been back to check prices yet, but I'd guess they are still pretty cheap! You also might check T.J. Maxx or their counterpart, Home Goods.

[Anna]

Love this idea! I'd love if - for DIY projects like this - you had a downloadable PDF version with all the directions and photos. It would make it easier for me (and others who keep "idea" binders) to keep for future reference.

[Stacy]

I love the landline phone. Cordless is so dated (radiation = bad).

SAVE THE PRINT EDITION OF BLUEPRINT!

[Heather]

I love this idea but I think it's kinda funny that the article states, "They just can't seem to shake their fusty, '70s living room set reputation." Then the stylists choose to illustrate the room with a '70s-style phone and lamp. C'mon, it's okay to admit you like the 70s.

[Heather]

I have found cushions like this at most mass retailers (crate & barrel, pottery barn, pier one, etc.) for around $35-40 each.

[Leah L]

I love this! But can you suggest any more places to buy boxed edge floor cushions, reasonably priced? I am having a hard time finding them. Thanks.

[maria]

Yes, please keep more ideas like this coming! It's easy, practical and chic. Perfect.

[JILL]

I love this idea! It is simple but completely polished. Thanks for all of the great ideas. I love Blueprint!

[Allison]

Oh my goodness! One more reason why I love Blueprint. What a coincidence! I just saw cushions like these today in a fantastic yellow and thought they were fabulous. I have also been looking for an ottoman or some additional seating. This is perfect! Hopefully I can get my fiance to help!

[Arran]

Fantastic idea!! When you asked what we would like Bluelines to be in the future - this is it! Keep up the good work, I'm definitely going to stay with you all, no matter in what format : )

[rachel]

Inspiring idea. Need to figure out where to find some cute, affordable floor cushions. Also, where is the rug in the photo from?

[Blueprint]

Hi Karyn,

We decided not to attach the cushions because we loved the idea of still being able to use the cushions on the floor -- without the wheels. Also we played around with it and found that the cushions stayed in place on their own. If you know that you'll want to always use it as an ottoman and feel that it needs more security, we'd suggest using Velcro to attach the bottom pillow to the felt on the wood platform, and to secure the cushions.
Thanks for the feedback!

[karyn]

The cushions are not attached to the rolling platform in any way? Seems like a design flaw on an otherwise intriguing diy.

[Ophelie]

That looks so cute. Super practical, too!
(keep articles like these coming, they help with the fear of withdrawal!)

[bh]

Could you please list sources for other elements in the photograph as you did with the magazine?