Ottoman-ia!

I've been on the hunt for the perfect ottoman for our den.  It hasn't been easy because my requirements were nearly impossible:  it had to fit the space (we have an IKEA Ektorp sectional -- and there isn't a ton of space for a large ottoman), it had to be soft and upholstered, it had to double as a coffee table, it had to coordinate color-wise with the room, it should have storage, it had to be durable (two kids) and it should be inexpensive.  Ha! See why it was impossible?  I found several things I liked but nothing that worked just right.  You know what that means?!? Time to DIY.  

I decided to hack a Lack: the Lack side table from Ikea.  I bought it in white for $8.  I realized that the storage requirement would fall by the wayside.  

I had it in the den out of the package for a while, and it was fine, but I wanted something upholstered.  While I was at Calico Corners picking up my curtain fabric, I looked around for a coordinating pattern for the ottoman.  It was a lot of fun and the saleswoman was incredibly helpful.  I ended up going with a blue and white print that was super thick and durable and, blissfully, would not show stains or dirt or wear and tear.  It's the Malaga print (and it was on sale - big time!):

I only needed about a yard but I ordered a yard and a half just to be safe (this would prove to be way more than I need ... so much more that I'll probably use it to reupholster the bench in the mudroom with it).  I was inspired by this Thomas Stool that Sarah Richardson created and knew I could make something similar with the Lack. Here is the Thomas Stool:

I bought some foam and batting at Wal-Mart and followed the same procedure as when I made my upholstered headboard last Summer.  First, I cut the foam to size and used some spray adhesive to keep it in place.  I sprayed both the foam and the table-top for extra durability.  

Then, I cut the fabric to size, using the top of the Lack as the template.  Then, I cut the batting.  Flip the table over and start stapling!  There is Coco, happy to help as always.

Anyone who has stapled fabric onto furniture knows it is a tedious process with a lot of folding, tugging, cutting, flipping, repeat.  This was no exception.  Finally, I had to screw on the legs.  It was a little tricky because the hardware had to go through the fabric, but I took my time and made sure to tighten and adjust the fabric as I went along.  

Then I trimmed up the edges.  I ended up adding a strip of white grosgrain ribbon around the edges of the fabric under the table ... just because I am insane like that.

And here it is looking pretty darn good, if I may say so!

Finally, I decided to add that nailhead detail that Sarah Richardson put on the inspiration stool.  I had the nailhead trim leftover from my headboard project so I just grabbed that and tacked it down. 

I love the finished look!  I love that I can put a white tray on top to hold drinks or magazines, and there is still plenty of room for feet to rest.

This project took about an hour or so to complete.  Not bad at all!  And the cost was pretty good too. I ended up paying $53 total [$8 for the Lack table, $20 for batting & foam (lots left over for more projects), $25 for fabric].  However, the cost was more like $25 total, since I used only a quarter of the batting and foam and less than half of the fabric.

What do you think? Are you inspired to DIY something fun?  Share!

I'll note that the den is still very much a work in progress. The rug, while I love it, has got to go. It's too small and way too white for the space.  I need to hang curtains and repaint. And I cannot wait to paint the mantle and woodwork there.  And possibly paint the fireplace. Oh, and hang pictures.  Lots and lots to do!

See you swoon,