How To Build a Round, Tufted Storage Ottoman (Part 1)

If you’re looking for a fun DIY furniture project, you can build your own storage ottoman—and you won’t even need a sewing machine. A round, tufted storage ottoman will add style to your living space while serving as a practical storage solution. In the video above, Jenn Largesse from House One demonstrates how to build this piece of furniture from scratch. We’ll dive into the step-by-step process in the guide below. 

Materials and Tools Needed

Before diving into the construction process, gather the following materials and tools:

Materials

• 1/4-inch cord
• 1 1/2-inch deck screws
• 3-inch high-density foam (or layer 1-inch foam pieces to save money)
• 3/8-inch staples
• All-purpose adhesive spray
• Batting (2 1/2 yards)
• Black fabric liner (4 yards)
• Button-making kit (to make 21 buttons)
• Fabric (2 1/2 yards)
• Foam adhesive (if necessary)
• Four 4-inch legs
• Four leg plates
• Hot glue sticks
• One 1/2-inch-by-4-foot-by-8-foot plywood
• One 1/8-inch-by-4-foot-by-8-foot plastic wall panel
• Tufting upholstery needle
• Two 2-inch-by-3-inch-by-8-foot boards
• Waxed upholstery thread

Tools

• 1-inch hole saw
• Drill/driver
• Hammer
• Hand clamps
• Hot glue gun
• Jigsaw
• Miter saw
• Needle-nose pliers
• Pencil and marker
• Staple gun
• Tape measure
• Tin snips or sharp scissors

Safety Tips for Building an Ottoman

Safety is key when working on this project as you’ll be handling a variety of tools and materials. Consider the following safety tips to help ensure your DIY project is successful and injury-free:

• Always cut foam and fabric on a stable surface using sharp scissors or tin snips to prevent slippage.
• Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris when using saws or drills.
• Secure the ottoman with clamps while drilling or cutting to avoid accidents.
• Take regular breaks to prevent fatigue, which can lead to mishandling tools.
• When operating power tools like the miter saw or jigsaw, maintain a firm grip and keep your fingers away from the blade. We recommend wearing gloves for extra protection.
• Work in a well-ventilated area when using adhesive sprays to avoid inhaling fumes. 

Preparing the Ottoman’s Frame

The first step in creating your round, tufted storage ottoman is building a sturdy frame. This foundation will support the upholstery and ensure your ottoman maintains its shape over time. Follow these steps:

1. Mark a grid on a sheet of 1/2-inch plywood using the measurements provided below.
2. Draw three circles with a 15-inch radius for the base, top ring, and lid.
3. Inside one circle, mark an inner ring with a 12-inch radius and another at 11 3/4 inches.
4. Use a jigsaw to cut out the circles and rings.
5. Drill a center hole in each piece and align them using a screw for precise cutting.
6. Cut twelve 11 1/2-inch pieces from the 2-by-3-inch boards.
7. Mark equal sections around the top ring and base for positioning the vertical boards.
8. Attach the vertical boards to the top ring using glue and screws.
9. Flip the assembly and secure the base to the other end of the vertical boards.

Adding Structure and Support to an Ottoman

You’ll need to add some structural elements to enhance your ottoman’s stability, as follows:

1. Cut two 11 1/2-inch-wide strips from the plastic wall panel.
2. Trace and cut out a circle matching the size of the plywood circles.
3. Attach one strip to the outside of the ottoman frame using hot glue and staples.
4. Wrap the ottoman frame in batting to prepare it for the upholstery fabric. This will give it a smooth surface and cushioning under the fabric.
5. Cut a large strip of batting approximately 16 inches wide.
6. Wrap the batting snugly around the top ring and staple it securely to the underside of the base.
7. Pull the batting over the vertical boards and onto the top ring, ensuring it’s tight and smooth.
8. Staple the batting in place along the top ring to hold it securely.

Preparing the Ottoman Lid

Making the lid of your ottoman can be a little tricky, but you can do it by following these steps:

1. Draw a grid of horizontal and vertical lines spaced 4 inches apart on the lid.
2. Mark every other crosshair as a location for a tufted button.
3. Layer and adhere 1-inch-thick foam pieces to create a 3-inch cushion.
4. Trace the lid outline onto the foam and cut it to shape with a serrated knife.
5. Drill holes in the lid at each marked button location.
6. Transfer these marks to the foam using a nail and use a 1-inch hole saw to create spaces in the foam for the buttons.

Assembling the Ottoman Lid

Once you’ve prepared the components, it’s time to bring the lid together. Follow these steps:

1. Cut slits from the outer button locations to the edge of the foam.
2. Adhere the foam to the plywood lid, aligning all holes.
3. Cover the foam with batting, working it into the holes to create the diamond pattern.
4. Flip the lid and secure the batting with staples on the underside.

In the video above, Largesse demonstrates how to efficiently layer these materials for a smooth and professional-looking result.

Our Conclusion

Building a round, tufted storage ottoman showcases your woodworking and upholstery skills and produces a unique, versatile piece of furniture that can complement any space. Whether you’re aiming for a modern, classic, or eclectic look, upholstering will bring your ottoman to life by adding texture, comfort, and sophistication. We’ll cover upholstery in the second part of our round, tufted ottoman DIY series.