Make an ottoman with your own hands from wood. How to sheathe an ottoman with leather with your own hands? Non-standard ideas for making a pouffe from unusual items with your own hands

Who would not like to update the interior of an apartment or house? In such cases, various additional furniture is used. Traditional sofas are much easier to buy in a furniture store, but ottomans are more interesting to make yourself. You can learn how to make an ottoman with your own hands from this article.

The ottoman appeared in Eastern Europe many centuries ago, the birthplace of ottomans is the East. These items quickly gained great popularity. Recently, they were given an important place in small city apartments - a soft ottoman is multifunctional.

Someone will say, why do it yourself, if now you can buy everything? Yes, this is true, but home-made furniture has a lot of advantages compared to factory-made furniture. So, the color, size, shape, type of upholstery is independently selected. For the production of poufs, any improvised materials that are in the house are suitable. So, you can make puffs with almost no investment. See how easy it is to make a pouffe with your own hands from different materials.

Before starting work, you need to tune in to simplicity and ease. For those who decide to make poufs with their own hands, master classes by the best needlewomen will help in their work - all operations are described step by step. So, the following is necessary for work - this is a sewing machine, fabrics, stuffing materials, and also paper. A pattern template is applied to it.

How to make a soft pouf:

1. First of all, we will make a pattern - there are many options, they are easy to find and choose what you like. Then the template is transferred to paper, and then to the fabric. Eight blanks are cut according to the template from the prepared fabric. You can buy new fabric or use old clothes as material.

2. On each of the eight blanks, an angle is folded inward by 5-6 cm, and then stitched. This is done so that after assembly a hole is obtained in the upper part - through it the stuffing will be laid into the puffs.

3. Then we sew the workpieces from the wrong side with each other in pairs. In the process of cutting, do not forget to leave an allowance - 1 cm from the size of the pattern. So, you should get 4 parts.

4. Two more elements are also sewn - these are two halves of the product. Then they are stitched together and the product is turned inside out. The finished cover is stuffed with pre-selected material, and then another piece is cut out according to the shape and size of the remaining hole and manually sewn to the cover.

Sewing a cover for an ottoman is not difficult at all, and the result is cute and original furniture. It is not necessary to use fabrics of the same color - multi-colored products will make the interior more alive. Especially different colors are relevant for children's rooms. A bright pouf will appeal to young children - they will play with it.

On video: soft handmade pouf

Classic ottoman

We make ottomans with our own hands in a classic style:

1. It is recommended to start with the legs. To do this, take two boards - the length is 48 cm, the section is 5 × 5 cm. They are cut at 45 degrees, and then knocked together - the result should be a cross. Then another bar is glued to the cross with glue on wood - its length is 35 cm. For reliability, it can also be fixed with a self-tapping screw. The same crosspiece is attached to this bar.

2. The seat is made of plywood or chipboard - they take material 10 mm thick, dimensions - 40 × 60 cm. Foam rubber is placed under the plywood sheet. The layer thickness is 10 cm. Foam rubber is also laid - the material must be cut off with a certain margin so that it bends. The foam rubber must be bent and nailed to the plywood sheet. Take upholstery fabric and fasten from the wrong side of the sheet. Upholstery is best fixed with decorative nails.

3. Cross-beam boards are additionally nailed to the crosses. Then the wooden structure is treated with stain. The seat is attached to the base and legs. The result is a cute pouf.

Option from an old tire

Motorists in the garage accumulate tires - they will make original furniture. Let's see how to make a round ottoman with your own hands:

1. Take plywood and cut two round pieces out of it. One circle should measure the inner diameter of the tire, the second is cut out along the outer diameter. The legs are made according to the pattern. The template is circled and the workpiece is cut out from a suitable board. For a do-it-yourself ottoman, you will need four elements.

2. The legs are fixed on a circle with a large diameter - this is the base. Details are fixed at the same intervals. You can strengthen the structure with bars. Pre-blanks for the legs are painted and glued to the base. Additionally, you can strengthen the fastening with corners.

3. Then a layer of glue is applied to the base with legs and a tire with a rim is applied on top. Next, the glue is smeared on the cover, and also glued to the top of the wheel. Then the tire is wrapped and pasted over with a rope - you can glue it on hot glue. Great if you use a rope of different colors. After that, the legs are painted.

These pieces of furniture will not be too soft, but this is an original solution that can decorate any interior.

On video: do-it-yourself pouffe from a car tire.

Wooden model with storage box

For manufacturing, you must have skills in working with wood. It will be a practical and soft ottoman with a convenient and multifunctional drawer. Wheels will be installed at the bottom for better movement.

For production, a laminated chipboard is required - a circle will be made from it (circle diameter 30 cm), and 4 rectangular blanks (dimensions 40 × 33 cm). You should also prepare four bars with a section of 4x8x8 cm. You will need glue, furniture wheels, fasteners, self-tapping screws. Of the tools, only screwdrivers are required, but a drill or a screwdriver is better. Foam rubber will be used for stuffing, fabrics for decoration.

To sew covers for an ottoman with your own hands, it is advisable to have a sewing machine available. Consider a step-by-step instruction:

1. Take sheets of chipboard and connect them to make a box. At the joints, the box is glued. Bars are placed at the lower corners, fixed with self-tapping screws and additionally coated with glue. Wheels are fixed on the bars from below. The cover is attached with screws and glue. The frame is ready - now you need to decorate what has been done.

2. They take furniture fabrics - they are less prone to wear. According to the shape of the lid of the box, a pattern is made for the upper part of the cape. A strip of fabric 10 cm wide is sewn to it and we sew a cape. How to sheathe an ottoman, fantasy will tell. A layer of foam rubber is placed on the lid for softness. Pull the cover over the top. The soft pouffe is ready.

In almost every modern interior you can find such an interesting thing as an ottoman. This piece of furniture is completely optional, but how much coziness and comfort it can give. A charming alternative to chairs, a soft and comfortable pouffe can fit into almost any room, regardless of the style or direction of its design. With the help of ottomans, you can revive or change the interior of a room, when, for example, the old one is already tired and you want something new, but there is neither time nor finances for cardinal changes. Today we will talk about how to make a do-it-yourself ottoman from chipboard with a lid. Our classic square pouffe will fit perfectly into any interior design, and thanks to its functionality it will be a good help for storing many things.

You may ask: why waste your time on making your own pouffe, when it is much faster and easier to buy it in any furniture store that sells dozens of models for every taste? Perhaps you are right, but on the other hand, what could be better than creating an original item with your own hands that will decorate your life and serve you faithfully for many years. But, most importantly, it will be in a single copy, amazing and unique, made with a soul and a positive attitude, which means it will bring positive energy to your home. And all this without significant financial costs. A do-it-yourself pouffe will not only become an original highlight of the room, but will also play the role of comfortable and practical furniture.

Our master class will tell you how to make an ottoman that you can use as a footrest, an additional soft seat, as well as a small piece of furniture for storing things. This option is ideal for a dressing table in the hallway or bedroom - a soft seat will add comfort during morning or evening procedures, and a convenient inner storage box will help you place all your hairdressing accessories - accessories and hair styling tools, as well as other little things.

Plywood pouffe

Pouffe with tool box

The main material that we will use is 16 mm chipboard. Upholstery fabric is selected depending on your own preferences, as well as on the overall design style of the room. Today, on the network in the public domain, you can see many photos of examples of ottomans made of vinyl, eco-leather, suede, velor, fur and other materials. Perhaps they will help you choose the best option for yourself.

In addition, you will need the following materials:

  • timber 40x40 cm - 1.5 m;
  • furniture rollers with screws - 4 pcs.;
  • 2 butt hinges for hinged lid and 30 mm screws;
  • wood glue;
  • metal corners - 8 pcs;
  • screws 4x30 mm - about 40 pcs;
  • thin synthetic winterizer - 2 meters;
  • foam rubber.

For work, we will use the tools:

  • screwdriver or electric drill;
  • construction stapler or hammer with furniture nails;
  • tape measure, ruler and pencil;
  • hacksaw.

Stages of work

Most importantly, do everything with pleasure. Only then you are guaranteed an excellent result and achievement of your goal. In a bad mood, it is better not to start work, but to postpone it until better times.

But if you are serious and have already stocked up with everything you need, then let's start.

We make blanks

From the prepared chipboard sheet, it is necessary to cut 6 pieces measuring 400 by 400 mm for the bottom, top and side walls of the ottoman. We take a timber from a tree and cut it into 4 parts. From foam rubber we cut out the soft part of the ottoman measuring 400 by 400 mm.

Side walls

Assembling the frame

Chipboard sheets are fastened together using metal corners. To increase rigidity and reliability, four wooden beams must be glued to all internal corners. On the front side of the structure, we screw self-tapping screws into the beams, while the caps should be slightly drowned in chipboard sheets in order to avoid tearing the upholstery in the future.

Self-tapping screws

Bottom fixing

To soften the sharp corners of the box, which ultimately can contribute to the rapid wiping of the fabric, we wrap the outer walls of the ottoman with padding polyester, gluing it to them.

Glue for syntapon

Gluing the walls with syntapon

Frame upholstery

Using a furniture stapler, we attach the fabric chosen for upholstery to the upper and lower parts of the ottoman, carefully turning the corners as shown in the photo.

Attaching the fabric

We turn the corners

We steam the junctions of the two parts of the fabric with an iron.

Need an iron

Steaming the joints of the fabric

Fixing the bottom of the box

Along the perimeter of the lower part of the resulting frame, it is necessary to walk with glue and attach the bottom of the ottoman.

Glue treatment of the inner surface

Screw self-tapping screws into the ends of the bars. Let the glue dry a little, and then use the screws to attach the furniture rollers to the bottom.

seat manufacturing

In our case, the seat will act as a cover for the interior space of the ottoman. But at the same time, it should be soft and comfortable. To do this, take a piece of synthetic winterizer and glue it to one side of the chipboard blank. Glue a sheet of foam rubber on top and upholster with a cloth.

Cover cloth wrap

Using upholstery fabric to hide staples

In order for our seat to be folding, it is necessary to attach two butt loops on both sides of its inner part. The same loops are attached to the inside of the two sides of the box.

Hinge attachment

Cover fixing

Additional features

To improve the functionality of your pouf, you can add an additional box to its interior space. This will keep in order all the small items that you plan to store in the ottoman.

It is necessary to measure and cut out two strips from a chipboard sheet 16 mm thick, which, using self-tapping screws, are attached from two opposite sides inside the pouffe structure.

Limiter for inner box

Inner puff box made of plywood

Next, from plywood or chipboard sheets with a thickness of 12-16 mm, you need to cut blanks and assemble a box with an internal partition. To make it easier to get the container, you can attach handles to it. Thus, you got two additional drawers that can be easily removed from the box to gain access to the rest of the things stored in the ottoman.

Here you can watch a video review of the independent production of a pouffe from chipboard. The option we have proposed is one of the simplest and most inexpensive, which even a novice home master can easily handle.

If you think that you know everything about the ottoman - you are not! It would seem that a completely trivial piece of furniture can surprise you with nothing. However, an ottoman is one of the most versatile interior elements: you can lie on it, use it as a footrest, cozy, and, finally, it is a convenient place to relax and store small things.

Read in the article

What is an ottoman and why is it easy to do it yourself

The ottoman as an interior item appeared in Eastern Europe many centuries ago. It was used as a soft stool at the foot. The progenitors of ottomans were ordinary boxes for. Over time, they became smaller and smaller in volume and turned into mobile, upholstered stools without legs.


The classic version of the ottoman is a soft oval-shaped design on a hard base.

What is the most important thing in a pouffe? Of course, its basis. This is where we can talk about real savings, because anything can play this role: plastic bottles, tires from cars, unnecessary items, knitted shopping bags and the most ordinary ... boxes.

Important! The material that is used as the main frame element must be strong enough to support the weight of a person.

You are probably thinking why so much trouble if you can buy a ready-made ottoman. However, it is not always possible to find exactly the ottoman that matches the color or will have the desired texture and shape. Interesting ideas for making ottomans for different rooms and accommodation options, in the following sections of our publication.

Illustration Action Description

We measure the diameter of the tire, mark the circle of the required size on a sheet of plywood.
cut out the required size of the base for the seat. We fasten to the tire.

Starting from the center, twist the cord or braid so that it turns out even. After each "coil" we glue the base.

When the cord ends, we sew it to a new segment with an ordinary awl, we glue this section

After the entire tire has disappeared under the cord, we fix the edge and fasten the simplest legs on

The elements of the pouffe can be painted on top with acrylic paint, having previously marked the surface with mounting tape

We make an ottoman from an old bucket

Another interesting option for creating an ottoman without much effort is an ottoman from a bucket. Let's consider the stages of work in more detail.

Illustration Action Description

For work, we need an old plastic bucket without a handle. Sintepon, two types of fabric, rope, lace, buttons and glue gun

We will divide the rope into 2 parts. We turn one part into a spiral (it will be easier to paint it this way) and paint it white with a can of quick-drying paint

Starting from the very top, we wrap the bucket with an unpainted rope, do not forget to glue the base

We leave the white cord on the central part of the bucket. This is the strip we got. And now it's time to start decorating the inside of the future ottoman. We need to make a soft pocket-bottom

Prepare pieces of fabric in advance: one is a circle that repeats the shape of the bottom, the second rectangle is for the walls. We lower the sewn bag into.

We “hide” the free, raw edges of the fabric bag under the lace

And now it's time to do the cover. We cut out the cardboard base along the plastic cover that was originally.

We lay out a layer of synthetic winterizer on it, carefully placing it around the circumference, and on top we put a piece of fabric, which should protrude 7-10 cm beyond the edges of our markup. This is necessary in order to give our lid the necessary headroom.

We turn the edges over, fix with glue on the reverse side, sew a button into the center of the fixing fabric

On the back of the lid, glue a piece of fabric, smaller

Glue the soft top to the lid

We trim the edging of the lid with a rope. Our ottoman is ready!

Cable spool ottoman

This version of the ottoman will suit those who are used to using the space as functionally as possible. And that's why.

Moreover, as an alternative, you can consider soft pouffes with a hinged lid.

Such puffs can be used not only as a place to sit and rest your legs, but also as a bedside table or a resting place for your beloved cat.

Crocheted round pouffe

One of the simpler and more modern variations is round crochet puffs. In this case, the boxes or plastic bottles already mentioned by us can serve as the basis. The field for creativity arises when using other stuffing options: from old things to ordinary synthetic winterizer, it all depends on the quality of weaving and the strength of the thread.

Pear pouffe with soft back

There are several varieties of such soft puffs. True, in the literal sense of the word it is difficult to call them poufs. It's more like .

We offer several schemes of such ottomans, which will be useful in the independent manufacture of such a soft seat.

Most often, such patterns and products are called not poufs, but. This is a fairly comfortable and democratic style of furniture that will be appropriate in a rest room, a youth cafe.

Pouffe bag: you can buy, but it's easy to sew with your own hands

Pouffes of this type can be easily sewn, but remember, the material will go a lot. Think in advance where and how you will buy filler. Most often, expanded polystyrene is bought for this function. These are special light balls that will help the pouf to easily take the shape of the body, providing you with comfort and relaxation.

Note! Sometimes such puffs are filled with natural elements: it can be ordinary wood shavings, fluff with a feather, rice, beans, peas and other legumes.

The manufacturing process itself is not complicated, you can see a detailed video instruction in this video tutorial:

Ottoman bag

However, in addition to the option of frameless furniture, there are several varieties of pouffes on a rigid frame. About them in the final part of the article.

Techniques for assembling and finishing do-it-yourself ottomans on a rigid frame for the hallway

The pouffe for the hallway performs several functions at once, it is a stable bedside table, and a drawer for

A soft ottoman is a comfortable attribute of small-sized furniture, which most often decorates a living room or bedroom. Well-chosen ottomans are able to give the interior bright accents. The ottoman perfectly performs the function of a comfortable stool in front of the dressing mirror in the bedroom and is a comfortable footrest. More rigid frame models are able to act as small coffee tables. The upholstery of the ottoman is selected in accordance with the style of the room.

Outwardly, the ottoman is a small seat with and without legs. In furniture stores, there are a huge number of options for poufs of different colors, sizes and characteristics. But if you want, you can also make it yourself. This does not require professional design skills, just the presence of skillful hands and imagination is enough to create your own unique ottoman.

Depending on their design, puffs are divided into the following types:

  • frameless, that is, soft and able to change their shape puffs;
  • with a frame made of wood or plywood. Such puffs are more durable and durable.

What a classic ottoman looks like you can see in the photo:

Pouf shapes

According to external characteristics and shapes, poufs are mainly divided into three types. This is:

  • puffs on legs;
  • cylindrical shape;
  • ottoman with back. Outwardly, it resembles a mini-chair, it is based on a wooden frame. Such an ottoman with legs is made;
  • pouffes with folding top. The space inside such a pouf serves as a place to store slippers or a blanket.

Pouf upholstery

The external aesthetics of the soft stand directly depends on the quality of the upholstery. This indicator is influenced not only by even seams, but also by the color and quality of the material used. For the upholstery of the pouffe, you can use:

  • velor fabrics, velvet, tapestry and jacquard. In addition, such puffs look beautiful;
  • genuine leather or leatherette. Leather ottoman will bring solidity to your interior. But we must be prepared for the fact that over time, leatherette upholstery may crack;
  • fur. It is recommended to use high-quality fur, the pile of which will not remain on clothes;
  • knitted upholstery. You can independently make a practical and original cover for an ottoman using all kinds of knitting styles.

Fillers for puffs

There is a great variety of different fillers for soft frameless and frame ottomans. When making an ottoman with your own hands, you can use the following fillers:

  • coconut fibre. Quite hard and durable material, which is extracted from coconuts. You should choose a high-quality filler that does not contain additional impregnations;
  • nonwoven fabric. This is Durafil - an elastic material based on polyester. Easily restores its shape after a load. It is sold in the form of layers and is well suited for filling the seats of poufs, armchairs and stools. Ticks and other insects do not appear in durafil;
  • holofiber. Often used in the manufacture of upholstered furniture. Environmentally friendly material, does not cause allergic reactions and does not evaporate harmful impurities into the air;
  • sintepon. Elastic and environmentally friendly material. Holds its shape and is ideal for filling upholstered furniture. Does not absorb moisture;
  • polyurethane foam. Possesses properties of the increased wear resistance. As a filler for seats, it is characterized by maximum comfort. Restores its former shape and does not push through;
  • polystyrene balls. Suitable for filling soft puffs or puffs-bags.

Benefits of poufs

Today, bulky furniture is no longer relevant, manufacturers are upgrading their technologies and making furniture more functional. Compared to conventional chairs, ottomans have a number of advantages, such as:

  • compact dimensions;
  • multifunctionality. They can serve as an armchair, stool, cabinet, stand and coffee table;
  • attractive appearance and simple design.

Do-it-yourself ottoman for the hallway

For the hallway, a mobile ottoman on wheels is well suited. Sitting on it, it is easy to take off your shoes and move it conveniently if necessary. Before you make an ottoman with your own hands, you need to take care of the tools.

Tools and materials

For work you will need:

  • 4 wheels that can withstand more than 80 kg;
  • metal corners for furniture;
  • plywood sheet 15 mm thick;
  • linoleum, a segment measuring 3.5x9.6 cm;
  • the cloth. A circle with a diameter of 4.2 cm and a piece of 1.2x0.5 m;
  • packaging of self-tapping screws (4x13);
  • foam rubber as a filler (thickness 4.5 cm). Cut out a circle with a diameter of 3.9 cm and a rectangle - 1.2 m by 3.5 cm;
  • PVA glue;
  • jigsaw;
  • screwdriver;
  • ruler, pencil, compass.

Manufacturing technology

The drawing below shows the dimensions of the parts that need to be cut out of the plywood sheet. At the same time, try to keep the jigsaw at a right angle so that the future ottoman is stable.


  1. The frame of the ottoman is ready, it remains only to put a cover on it. Do not pull the cord too tight, as you will need to remove the wash cover from time to time.

Homemade ottoman for the hallway is ready.

Ottoman from a car tire

Such an ottoman can serve as a coffee table for a long time. Its manufacture will not require large expenditures, since almost the entire set of tools can be assembled in a home workshop.

Tools and materials

You will need:

  • car tire;
  • 2 equal circles of plywood or MDF. Thickness - 6 mm, diameter - 55 cm;
  • self-tapping screws;
  • perforator;
  • glue;
  • braided rope 5 m long, about 10 mm thick;
  • scissors;

Manufacturing steps

First, prepare the tire. Rinse it under running water and dry it. Only after that start work.


Pouffe from plastic bottles

There is no more suitable way to dispose of waste than its practical application. In this case, we are talking about plastic bottles. Anything can be made from this recycled material, from a flower vase to an original chandelier. We suggest you use plastic bottles to create an ottoman. Stock up on bottles with caps and get to work.

Tools and materials

To make an ottoman you will need:

  • about 40 plastic bottles of the same size;
  • three-layer cardboard;
  • scissors;
  • scotch;
  • synthetic winterizer;
  • needle and thread;
  • fabric for finishing the ottoman;
  • yarn of different colors;
  • spokes.

Manufacturing technology

It should be noted that such an ottoman will not withstand and break under heavy weight, so you should not stand on it with your feet.

  1. Connect 40 bottles with twisted caps with adhesive tape so that there is as little empty space as possible.
  2. The result is a frame for the ottoman. Cut two circles out of cardboard along the diameter of its circumference. Attach each circle with adhesive tape on both sides of the bottle frame, providing it with a flat top and bottom.
  3. Cut out linings for the ottoman from the padding polyester: first 2 upper circles, then a rectangle for wrapping the frame of plastic bottles.
  4. When the linings are cut out, put them on the frame and sew them together with threads.
  5. Then the cover is made. To do this, cut out the necessary details from the fabric and sew them.
  6. Put the cover on the padding lining. If desired, you can tie the ottoman with multi-colored yarn.

The result is an original ottoman, outwardly no different from a ottoman with a wooden frame. Our homemade ottoman is light in weight and mobile. It can be used as a stool and as a tray stand.

You can see all the intricacies of making an ottoman with your own hands in the video.