re-upholstering

For the longest time I have had an itch to refinish or reupholster something.  I just keep waiting for that perfect piece.  I'm thinking I will have more time after the new year, but earlier this summer I made an ottoman/coffee table because I was sick of coveting those Anthropologie-esk furniture pieces.  What do you think?

First I bought my decorative materials... the legs are from a salvage furniture store here in Chicago Salvage One, but I was looking at home depot before I found these gems.  Then the fabric is from Anthropologie, which was a one panel curtain that was on sale.

Went to home depot after I measured out how big I wanted my coffee table/ottoman and had the handymen there cut me a couple of 2x4 for the frame.  I screwed the whole thing together using L brackets, but that was becasue I didn't have a nail gun.  But still worked the same. 

Screwed very long nails through those corner pieces which were little leftovers from my 2x4 frame to screw on the legs.  My legs already were predrilled, but you can use a drill to do this if yours don't.  Also reinforce with wood glue down the holes in the legs for secure fit.

Next comes the top.  Cut to fit the frame that I measured out, I had the Home Depot handymen cut a piece of MDF for me to upholster for the top.  I had bought a few roles of batting from Michaels and layed them on the MDF top first.  Then cut my curtain in the right part of the pattern that I want showing and layed it on top of the batting.  Leave at least 3-5in of extra fabric around each side to allow for upholstering.   I did a small tufting job by pulling oversized buttons from the top and stapling them under the batting to the MDF before I wrapped the fabric.  Tufting is not necessary, just a fun touch.



Flip the MDF over and stretch your fabric around the edge.  Start in the middle of each side then pull and staple using a staple gun (nothing to fancy needed).  Once that is all stapled, cut away extra fabric and flip back over and set aside.



I glued and finishing nailed a bit of moulding I picke up from Home Depot to the bottom edge of the frame to add some flair.  Then bought a small pint of high gloss navy paint and painted a few layers of paint to the frame.  Let dry completely before putting your fabric top on.

Once all dried, using the L brackets, screw in the pillow top to the frame.  The brackets allow for you to easily re-upholster the top whenever you want to put a new fabric on.  Enjoy!