How to Upholster a Square Ottoman: A Step-by-Step Fabric Covering Guide

Transforming a plain square ottoman into a stylish and inviting piece of furniture is an achievable DIY project that can significantly enhance your living space. Covering it with fabric not only adds a pop of color and texture but also protects the ottoman from wear and tear. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cover a square ottoman with fabric, ensuring a professional finish that you'll be proud to display.

Before you begin, gather your materials: a square ottoman, fabric of your choice, scissors, staple gun, staple remover, measuring tape, fabric marker, and a pencil. Also, consider the fabric's pattern repeat and the size of your ottoman to ensure you have enough material.

Preparing the Fabric and Ottoman

Start by measuring your ottoman's dimensions: length, width, and height. Add an extra inch to each measurement to account for the fabric's overlap and staple allowance. Cut your fabric according to these measurements, ensuring you have enough material to wrap around the ottoman's sides and bottom.

Before covering the ottoman, remove any existing fabric or protective layer using a staple remover. This will give you a clean surface to work with and prevent any unevenness under your new fabric cover.

Covering the Top Surface

Lay your fabric face down and place the ottoman upside down on top of it. Align the fabric's center with the ottoman's center, then fold the fabric over the ottoman's edges, pulling it taut. Use a staple gun to secure the fabric to the underside of the ottoman's frame, starting from the middle and working your way outwards. Ensure the staples are evenly spaced and not too close to the edges to avoid tearing the fabric.

Once the top surface is secured, trim any excess fabric from the edges using scissors. Be careful not to cut the fabric too short, as you'll need some overlap to staple the sides and bottom. If your fabric has a pattern, make sure to adjust the staples accordingly to maintain the design's continuity.

Wrapping the Sides and Bottom

Now that the top surface is covered, flip the ottoman right side up. Begin by stapling one side of the fabric to the ottoman's frame, pulling the fabric taut as you go. Work your way around the ottoman, stapling each side in turn. Ensure the fabric is smooth and wrinkle-free, and the staples are evenly spaced.

Once all sides are stapled, move on to the bottom. Fold the fabric up and over the ottoman's edges, then staple it to the underside of the frame. Start from the middle and work your way outwards, ensuring the fabric is pulled taut and the staples are evenly spaced. Trim any excess fabric from the bottom edges, being careful not to cut the staples.

Finishing Touches

With the fabric securely stapled in place, it's time to add the finishing touches. If your fabric has a pattern, ensure it's aligned correctly and the design flows smoothly across the ottoman's surface. Use a fabric marker to draw a line along the ottoman's edges, then carefully trim the excess fabric using scissors or a sharp knife.

To create a clean, professional finish, fold the fabric's edges over the staples and secure them in place using a staple gun. This will hide the staples and prevent the fabric from fraying. If desired, you can also add decorative trim or piping along the ottoman's edges to enhance its appearance.

Adding Cushioning (Optional)

For an extra touch of comfort, you can add cushioning to your fabric-covered ottoman. Purchase foam padding that matches your ottoman's size and shape, then staple it to the underside of the fabric. This will provide a soft, plush surface for seating or resting your feet.

If you choose to add cushioning, ensure the foam is securely attached to the ottoman's frame and doesn't shift or move when in use. You can also add a layer of batting between the foam and the fabric for added softness and insulation.

There you have it – a beautifully covered square ottoman that's ready to take center stage in your living room. By following these steps and taking your time, you'll achieve a professional-looking result that you'll be proud to show off. Happy crafting!