Wednesday, February 1, 2012

DIY- Recovering a footstool or ottoman




 This is another one of my great thrift store finds. This footstool (or small ottoman) was $3.99!!! The bottom of the stool was not scratched at all, but the fabric had rips and really wasn't  my style. I am not an expert at reupholstering furniture, but I love my staple gun. It is a little crazy how many times I have changed my kitchen seats. This find was too good to pass up and I could see it had great potential. I know I haven't done a DIY on a household item, but when the summer comes, I will be doing more of these. If you have a piece of furniture, and you always wanted to change the material, give this a try. I have a great fabric website called Fabric Guru. They have a wide selection and are very reasonably priced.




My finished product, and I love it.


Materials needed for this project are material, staple gun, staples, scissors,  tape measure, and edging.  Make sure that you measure the length and width before purchasing your material.  My material was $15.00 and my edging was $2.55. My total cost was about $20.00.

Step 1: Cut off the existing material.

Step 2: Spread out your material and then cut accordingly.

Step 3: Fold the material under. Then pull the material tight before stapling. Follow this same technique around the stool.

Step 4: Leave the corners to do last. You will need to trim the excess material off the corners.


Step 5: Gather the material and pull tight. You will have some gathering, but that will be expected. Complete each of the four corners.

This is a finished corner. The decorative trim will cover your staples and any excess below the staple.

This is a picture of the decorative trim. This was sold  in 4 yard rolls.

 I love this stool in my living room. I once saw a post about combining your style with your significant other's. For me, I add pieces that are important to my husband. For example, those masks in the picture are from our trip to Mexico. He went to Chichen Itza: Mayan ruins and these mean a lot to him. Also, on the side table are books that he is interested in. I find these are great ways to incorporate both our styles and interests. I would love to hear what you think.

12 comments:

  1. You are so talented, Carrie! You really have an eye for decor. The pillow and curtains tie in so nicely with the footstool.

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  2. Great idea! Thanks for sharing :)

    XX,
    Miranda

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  3. Beautiful choice of fabric and trim, and so well done! Love this.

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  4. Lovely, lovely stool...Isn't it greater you've made it alone?
    xo
    Ev

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    1. Thank you. Yes, I love when I feel like I have accomplished something.

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  5. So pretty!! You did an incredible job! So inspiring!

    ox from NYC!
    -davie+erica

    http://www.lpfashionphilosophy.blogspot.com

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  6. Oooh you're crafty, that's a good thing. I love that you can do that kind of thing, I think I'm too lazy, although I am trying to start sewing again. Nice to meet you!

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  7. I love this footstool. I have an old ugly brown leather tufted one that I bought at a tag sale this past summer. They told me it was their grandfather's and it was named "Old Brown" ......I cut all the tufting and have been trying to decide how to recover it, thanks for the great idea. I'll have to go buy a staple gun and I have a feeling I am going to have a lot of fun with it. Love how you incorporated your husbands style into your home, that is love.

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Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. I love hearing from you ...