Round ottomans make excellent storage and seating for various purposes and can purchase them at most furniture stores. However, if an ottoman already exists in your home or you really like the shape of the one you’ve chosen but not its current fabric look, read on! You can learn how to reupholster a round ottoman without sewing by using glue and a staple gun.
These directions are for an ottoman 24″ in diameter or smaller, not exceeding 18″ in height. You can apply these techniques to larger ones, but keep in mind that while this will be less time-consuming than sewing the fabric onto the cushion bottom, it is not as secure and will likely need repairs after some time.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Removing the Lace or Fabric
The first step in reupholstering a round ottoman is to remove the lace or fabric covering. If your ottoman already has a hinged lid, open it up and move the top portion of the seating cushion out of the way, so you have access to the bottom. Loosen all tacks or staples so they won’t fall into the gap when you pull out the fabric.
Use a flat tool such as a chisel to pry the lace or fabric up from between the gap and around its perimeter, exposing about an inch of foam all around under it. If tacks or staples are holding the fabric to the underside of your ottoman, remove them.
Step 2: Preparing the Fabric
You can either use a single piece of fabric for your project or use multiple pieces to cover the entire ottoman. To attach multiple covers, you must first join them with straight stitches across each end. Overlap these stitches by an inch on both sides of the seam, then press them flat with an iron.
If you cut your fabric before stitching, measure the circumference of your ottoman and add 8-10 inches to this measurement. Fold in half lengthwise, press it flat with an iron, then fold in the remaining edges by 1/2″. Press these down, pin them into place across their top edge, then stitch them down.
If you are using a single piece, cut it about 12-18″ longer than your ottoman’s circumference, and 1/2 to 3/4 times its width. Overlap the edges of this fabric by an inch across the top, then press it flat with an iron. Fold in the bottom edge again by 1/2″, press it down, pin it in place across the top, and stitch it.
Before you slip your fabric onto your ottoman, lay out a 2″ wide piece of foam at least as long as the circumference of the base of the ottoman. The foam should be sturdy but not so thick that it will make your ottoman uncomfortable to sit upon.
Step 3: Preparing the Glue
To glue your fabric onto your ottoman, first, prepare a paint stirrer or other thin dowel with tacky craft glue at its tip. Dip this into polyurethane varnish, covering about 1/8″ of the end.
Step 4: Glue the Fabric Onto the Base of the Ottoman
Next, bring your fabric over to your ottoman. If you are using a single piece of fabric, lay it atop its base so that half is facing up and half is facing down. Put your foam on top of the fabric, then adhere it into place with the glue.
If you’re using multiple pieces, spread some glue on their top edge and press them into place atop your foam base. Use a paint stirrer to work the fabric down into the gap between your ottoman’s seating cushion and its bottom rim. Press together any seams across this gap until they have firmly adhered in place.
If you are using a single piece of fabric, spread some glue over the top edge and press it into place across your foam base. Glue down any seams across the gap between your ottoman’s seating cushion and its bottom rim until they firmly adhere in place.
Let everything dry for an hour before putting anything onto your ottoman. When you’re finished, the fabric should be taut but not crinkled or wrinkled.
To protect this reupholstered job, coat the underside of the top rim of your ottoman with polyurethane varnish to keep it water-resistant and prevent it from wearing out as quickly.
And everything’s done! Now your ottoman looks as good as new, and with a bit of care, it should last for years to come.
Final Words
You now know how to reupholster a round ottoman without sewing. With suitable materials, you can turn your old furniture into something new and fresh for your home. We hope this post has given you some inspiration on how to take care of that stubborn piece of furniture! If you liked our blog post or enjoyed reading it in general, then please share with all your friends and family members who love DIY projects as well.
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