How to Upholster an Ottoman Box: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ottoman boxes are not only versatile pieces of furniture but also a fantastic upholstery project for beginners and seasoned DIYers alike. With their simple structure and functional design, they offer a great opportunity to practice essential upholstery skills while transforming a plain piece into a stylish and personalized centerpiece for your home.

As with most of your upholstery projects - Please don't be tempted to pop new fabric straight over the top of old - the extra bulk, particularly in the corners will show through and the lid might not close snugly. Detach the lid carefully at the hinges and remove all the old covers first. 

This video tutorial will begin by lining the box first so that no tacks will show.

Once your box is lined you can cover the lid - matching any pattern - with or without piping. (note: please see Piping and Finishes videos in the subscribed section of my online tutorials - head to parts  1 & 4 if you need help with making up your single piping).

If you are not familiar with ladder stitch please watch Top Cover Part 15 on my website tutorials to learn how to start off.

Those final touches! - a bottoming, how to finish your ladder stitching and how to apply a strap to stop the lid breaking back.

You will need the following materials for this project :

1. Top Cover Fabric - for the outside of your box - as well as lining for the lid - with same or contrasting materials.

2. Skin Wadding.

3. 10mm & 15mm tacks.

4. Back tack card.

5. Single piping covered in same or co ordinating fabric.

6. Waxed slipping thread to match you fabric.

7. A bottoming fabric.

8. A cord or a piece of fabric to make into a strap for the lid.

9. A few decorative nails.

10. A handle or tassel for easy opening of the lid.

11. You will need the following equipment :

12. Tack Lifter.

13. Tack Hammer.

14. Regulator.

15. Small curved slipping needle.

16. Sharp scissors for cutting fabric.

17. Old scissors for cutting card.

18. A sewing machine.

19. Pins

You can purchase materials via my affiliate link here for AMAZON.