Make an Ottoman or Window Seat from an Old Cabinet
Remove the doors from the old cabinet and set aside. Turn the cabinet on its back and attach coasters, purchased from any department store or home improvements retailer. The casters come in various sizes and styles to suit your needs. If the cabinet is really heavy be sure to purchase suitable size casters.
Glue a thick layer of batting to the top and sides of the footstool. Some people might want extra padding on the top than on the sides. If so, foam rubber makes a good pillow top for the ottoman. Foam can be purchased and cut to any size and you can also choose how dense you wish the foam to be. After you’ve applied the batting and/or foam, feel to make sure the corners aren’t rough and the edges are properly covered in the batting.
Cover the top of the ottoman in fabric and staple to the sides. Cut a piece of fabric to go around the cabinet for the sides of the ottoman. You can staple the two fabric pieces where they meet, then tie a piece of velvet roping around the juncture. Staple and trim excess fabric underneath the footstool.
Another way to make the ottoman is to cover the entire cabinet in one piece of fabric, folding the corners down and stapling underneath. Now attach a large pillow – purchased or made – to the top of the ottoman by sewing it in place.
Really long cabinets can be made in this style to make a fabulous window seat. If you want it to have a pillow top, body pillows are perfect. Make a slip cover for the body pillow and place on the upholstered seat.
This project can even be done on miniatures. Purchase a mini cabinet, made for a dollhouse, and upholstery the small cabinet. Make a pillow top and you have a beautiful dollhouse window seat or ottoman.
You’ll love your new ottoman which will roll around easily because of the casters. Set it by the fireplace, in front of your favorite chair, or up against a wall for an extra seat in the living room. If you just don’t have an old cabinet, most any wooden box will serve the same purpose.
