DIY Ottoman: Transform a Wooden Spool into a Stylish Piece of Furniture

Looking to furnish your home without breaking the bank? This fantastic DIY ottoman project is the perfect solution! By upcycling a discarded wooden spool, you can create a unique and functional piece of furniture that adds character to any room. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, from sourcing your materials to adding the finishing touches.

Materials You’ll Need:

Wooden Spool: Visit a hardware store that sells electrical wire and ask for a discarded wooden spool. These are often available for free or at a very low cost.
Fabric: Choose a fabric remnant that complements your home décor. Upholstery fabric is a great option due to its durability, but any sturdy fabric will work. Approximately 1 1/2 yards should be sufficient for a standard-sized spool. Consider extra fabric for matching patterns.
Foam: High-density foam will provide comfortable cushioning for your ottoman. The thickness of the foam is a matter of personal preference.
Batting: Batting adds an extra layer of softness and helps to smooth out any imperfections in the foam.
Bendable Cardboard: This will be used to enclose the open space in the spool and provide stability.
Wood Screws: For attaching the support posts.
1×1 Wood Posts: For supporting the ottoman (approx. 5 inches long).
Spray Adhesive: To secure the foam to the wooden top.
Staple Gun and Staples: For attaching the fabric and cardboard.
Drill: For creating pilot holes for the legs.
Furniture Legs: Choose legs that match your style and the height you desire for your ottoman.
Bottom Covering Fabric: Cambric or any other durable fabric to give the bottom of the ottoman a finished look.
Measuring Tape: Essential for accurate measurements.
Scissors or Electric Knife: For cutting the foam and fabric.
Sewing Machine: For sewing the fabric cover.
Marker: To draw patterns on foam.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preparing the Wooden Spool:

Begin by inspecting the wooden spool for any splinters or rough edges. Sand these areas down to create a smooth surface. If the spool has a middle section, remove it to create an open space. This will significantly reduce the weight of the final piece. Cut five-inch sections of the 1×1 wood posts and screw them into the inside of the spool to act as supportive beams. These will provide a sturdy base for the ottoman.

2. Creating the Foam Cushion:

Measure the diameter of the top of the wooden spool. Use this measurement to draw a circle on a piece of foam. Add an extra 1/2 inch all around the circle to provide some extra give. Use scissors or an electric knife to carefully cut out the foam circle. The electric knife is recommended for a cleaner cut on thicker foam. Lightly coat the top of the wooden spool with spray adhesive and carefully position the foam circle on top. Press down firmly to ensure a secure bond.

3. Enclosing the Open Space:

Measure the width of the open space in the wooden spool. Cut a piece of bendable, yet firm, cardboard to this width. Carefully staple the cardboard onto the inside of the spool, enclosing the open space. This will provide additional firmness and stability to the ottoman, preventing the fabric from sagging.

4. Creating the Batting Cover:

Cut a circle of batting that is the same size as the foam circle. Then, measure the circumference of the foam top. Cut a strip of batting that is slightly longer than this measurement and wide enough to cover the sides of the ottoman. Sew the strip of batting to the batting circle, creating a cover that fits snugly over the foam. Pull the cover down over the ottoman and staple it to the bottom edge of the wooden spool. This layer will help to create a smooth surface for the fabric cover.

5. Crafting the Fabric Cover:

Using the batting cover as a pattern, cut the fabric pieces for the outer cover. You’ll need a circle for the top and a strip for the sides. Add extra seam allowance to both pieces. Sew the fabric strip to the fabric circle, creating a cover that fits snugly over the batting. For best results, sew with the circle on the bottom. After stitching all the way around, clip the curve being careful not to cut through your stitching. After this, for a finished look, you can flip the cover to the right side and topstitch approximately 1/4″ from the seam.

6. Applying the Fabric Cover:

Carefully pull the fabric cover over the ottoman, adjusting it to ensure a smooth and even fit. Add extra batting to any hollow areas to create a more uniform appearance. Pull the fabric firmly, but not too tightly, and staple it to the bottom edge of the wooden spool. If you end up with extra fabric while attaching the bottom, you can “ease” the fabric as you are stapling, or you can add a little bit more batting to the bottom. Alternatively, stitch the side band just a hair tighter than it measures.

7. Attaching the Legs:

Measure and mark the desired locations for the legs on the bottom of the wooden spool. Use a drill to create pilot holes for the screws. Attach the furniture legs to the bottom of the ottoman, ensuring they are securely fastened.

8. Finishing Touches:

Cut a piece of fabric (cambric or any other durable material) that is slightly larger than the bottom of the ottoman. Staple this fabric to the bottom edge of the wooden spool, covering the staples and creating a clean, finished look.

Enjoy Your New Ottoman!

Congratulations! You have successfully transformed a discarded wooden spool into a stylish and functional ottoman. This versatile piece can be used as a footstool, a small table with a tray, or even as extra seating. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and useful from repurposed materials.

This project showcases the power of upcycling and creativity. By repurposing items that would otherwise be discarded, you can create unique and personalized pieces for your home while reducing waste. So, get inspired and start your own DIY ottoman project today! It’s a rewarding and budget-friendly way to add character and functionality to your living space.