Reupholstering

Hey everyone! Remember my post about reupholstering that $25 round ottoman I snagged from Goodwill? Well, the DIY project is in full swing, and I've learned so much already that I just had to share some tips for anyone thinking of trying to recover an ottoman themselves! First off, don't be intimidated! My number one piece of advice is to be patient and take lots of photos. Seriously, before you touch anything, document every angle of your original piece. These photos will be your roadmap when it comes time to put everything back together. When you start taking it apart, be gentle. Use a staple remover or flat-head screwdriver to pry up all those old staples. Keep the old fabric pieces, as they’ll serve as perfect templates for cutting your new fabric. I even labeled mine so I knew exactly where each piece went. Now, about the stuffing! My original ottoman had some pretty sad, flattened padding. I initially thought about foam, but like I mentioned, it can get pricey. That's why I went with batting! It's a fantastic, budget-friendly alternative that still gives you a plush, comfortable feel. I layered my white batting smoothly over the frame, making sure there were no bumps or gaps. A little spray adhesive can help hold the batting in place temporarily while you get ready for the outer fabric. It’s amazing how just fresh batting can instantly bring life back to an old piece; my round ottoman is already looking so much fuller and inviting! Choosing your fabric is a fun part, but also a practical one. Think about durability, especially if your ottoman will see a lot of use. Measure generously, giving yourself extra fabric for pulling and stapling. When it comes to securing the fabric – which is my very next step! – I’ve picked up some key tricks from all those YouTube videos. You'll definitely want a sturdy staple gun (an electric one is a game-changer!). Start by securing your fabric in the center of each side, pulling it taut. Then, work your way out, stapling every inch or so. For a round ottoman, dealing with the curves is where the real art comes in. You won't have sharp corners to fold, but rather you'll create smooth gathers or pleats. The trick for how to fold corners when upholstering an ottoman (or indeed, curves!) is to evenly distribute the excess fabric. Pull the fabric tight, then create small, neat pleats that radiate outwards from the center of the curve. Keep them consistent, and staple each pleat securely. This ensures a clean, professional finish without unsightly puckers. Don’t be afraid to pull out staples and re-adjust if it doesn’t look right the first time. It's all part of the learning process! Finally, don't forget the finishing touches. Once all your fabric is stapled down, you can add a bottom dust cover fabric to hide all those staples and give it an even more polished look. It’s a bit of extra effort, but it truly elevates the whole reupholstering an ottoman project. This DIY reupholstery journey has been challenging, but so incredibly rewarding. Seeing my thrift store find transform into something beautiful and functional that fits my home’s vibe is the best feeling. If I can do it, you can too!