To cover an ottoman, choose a suitable fabric and measure and cut it accurately. Carefully remove the old fabric and keep the ottoman's shape while making a template.
Attach the new fabric with care to maintain a professional look. Customizing the ottoman with different patterns or textures can refresh its appearance and complement the room's design.
A well-covered ottoman is both useful and decorative.
Assessing Your Ottoman
Before reupholstering an ottoman, examine its condition. Check the frame for strength and the fabric for wear or damage. Note any issues to determine the extent of repair needed.
Inspect the frame for stability; it may require reinforcement if weak or unstable. Assess whether the ottoman's style fits your room's design. If not, choose a new fabric that matches your desired look. Pay attention to any special features like storage or mechanisms, as they can affect the reupholstering process.
Measure the ottoman to buy the right amount of fabric and supplies. With proper measurements and tools, such as a staple gun, you can confidently start the reupholstering project.
This assessment is crucial for a successful outcome.
Choosing the Right Fabric
Choosing the right fabric is crucial for upholstering an ottoman, as it affects both appearance and durability. For high-use ottomans, select a durable fabric like kilim or a washable throw rug. They are convenient as they come in single pieces without seams, making the covering process easier.
For custom fits, use a flexible throw rug that can be adjusted to fit the ottoman's shape. The fabric's top side should match your room's decor, and the bottom should have a non-slip surface to keep the cover stable.
For those who sew, a rag rug with clear rows and stitches can serve as a guide. Mark adjustments with fabric chalk before cutting or sewing for accuracy. Choose a fabric that can support tufting if that style is preferred.
Make sure the fabric is large enough to cover the ottoman with extra material for tucking and securing. Consider adding decorative elements like trim or buttons to enhance the ottoman's look, ensuring they match the fabric.
Gathering Necessary Tools
To reupholster an ottoman, you need to gather essential tools such as fabric scissors, measuring tape, and a staple gun. Fabric scissors are necessary for precise cutting of upholstery fabric and padding. Measuring tape is used to accurately measure the ottoman, ensuring the fabric fits correctly. A staple gun is important for securely attaching the fabric to the ottoman's frame.
For removing old staples, a staple puller is useful. If sewing is required, a sewing machine, seam ripper, and iron will be needed for joining fabric pieces, correcting mistakes, and smoothing fabric respectively.
Additionally, a hand-held vacuum cleaner helps clean the ottoman before starting, fabric glue can reinforce fabric attachment, a drill may be needed for attaching new feet, and hammer nail-in furniture glides can provide a finished look.
Each tool is important for a thorough and lasting reupholstery job.
Removing Old Upholstery
To remove old upholstery, start by carefully cutting the threads that hold the fabric to the ottoman frame, avoiding damage to the material or frame. This exposes the structure for assessment and preparation for new upholstery. Accuracy is important during disassembly, regardless of experience level.
After cutting the threads, gently remove the fabric to see the padding and dust bottom, which may be reused. Carefully detach these if keeping them. This step is crucial for those looking to refresh the item's appearance.
Pay attention to the original attachment of the material, especially at the ottoman's bottom, as this will guide the reassembly process. Use a seam ripper to take apart the stitching and use the old upholstery as a template for the new fabric. Iron the old pieces for accuracy, and label them to avoid mistakes when sewing them back together.
Cutting the New Fabric
After removing the old upholstery, the next step is to cut the new fabric accurately using the labeled templates. It is important to ensure that the fabric is smooth and wrinkle-free for a proper fit. Spread the fabric on a flat surface and place the templates on top, aligning any patterns or grains to enhance the look of the finished piece. Use weights or pins to keep the templates in place.
Cut around the templates with sharp scissors or a rotary cutter, making sure to include a seam allowance for sewing. The accuracy of this step is crucial for a professional finish and a well-fitted ottoman cover. Take time to measure twice and cut once for the best results.
Securing Fabric to Ottoman
After cutting the fabric to size, use a staple gun to attach it to the ottoman, pulling it tight for a proper fit. Begin at the center, using existing staples as guides, and ensure the fabric is evenly stretched to avoid wrinkles or unevenness.
For tufted ottomans, align the fabric carefully with the tufting to achieve a neat appearance. Regularly check the fabric tension to ensure it is firm but not overstretched to the point of damaging the material.
Secure the fabric to the frame with staples spaced about an inch apart to withstand daily use. Adding new legs or altering the existing ones with plywood blocks can provide a customized and sturdy finish.
A well-upholstered ottoman enhances the room's look and extends the furniture's life.
Adding Finishing Touches
Once the fabric is stapled to the ottoman, trim or piping is added to cover the staples, enhancing the appearance and hiding any flaws. Choose a trim that matches the room's style—a leather trim can add a luxurious look for sophisticated spaces.
Adding the right finishing touches can make the ottoman a key feature in a room. If the ottoman is used as seating or a footrest, ensure the trim is securely attached to endure regular use. Decorative tacks or nailhead trim can provide an elegant touch.
For maintenance, select materials and designs that are durable and easy to clean. If you use a fabric like polyester or velvet, consider finishes that can be removed for cleaning to keep the ottoman looking good over time.
Maintaining Your New Cover
To extend the life of your ottoman cover, choose a durable slipcover made from materials like polyester or velvet, which are easy to remove and machine wash. These fabrics can withstand frequent use and are key for keeping your cover in good condition. A washable cover simplifies cleaning after spills.
To keep your cover in top shape, it's important to regularly clean it. For a storage ottoman, vacuuming with an upholstery attachment can prevent dirt from settling into the fabric. This makes your cleaning routine more effective.
Having a removable cover allows you to change your room's look easily and affordably. To preserve the cover's shape and fit, be careful not to stretch it too much when removing it, and always ensure it's dry before putting it back on.
Proper care of your ottoman cover helps maintain its appearance and function. Selecting the right materials and performing simple maintenance will allow you to keep your living room centerpiece looking great for many years.
