How to make a cuddle or nesting chair

Question

Hi! I really like the large round Cuddle chairs in furniture stores now.  Does anyone have an idea to make one on their own?  I originally thought maybe a used industrial spool.  Any ideas out there?

Moxie · Answer

I would think you could build up the platform then the high frame getting the round with the foam and then apolster

Sarah · Answer

There was an ottoman posted made from a tire, I thought about this but how would you fix the back?

Glenda Mangan · Answer

large plastic barrel with a quarter section cut out, (remove the top) then cut a piece of plywood & attach for a seat, pad it appropriately, & cover with fabric of choice

Patty S · Answer

I think that your industrial spool idea is the way to go. Remove one of the round platforms and cut the middle support post down to your desired height. Reattach the top platform and then maybe you could cut up a child's swimming pool to firm up and form the upper back and lower circumference of the base. You would have to find a plastic swimming pool that is high enough to make this all in one piece. Add some 2x4's to the upper plastic to reinforce and then cover with the foam and the padding and upholster. Some ingenuity and imagination will have to used to make it work. This is the only way that I could think that you could make it happen. Good luck.

Corrine Flavel · Answer

I should be more specific. These 'chairs' are the size of a loveseat. Easily hold a couple to cuddle, or a few children.

Sandra · Answer

Love seat size?  Kinda of large. But I think using tires would work out.  I think attaching a wood circle between the two tires, than another circle of wood on top of the second tire. This would make your base. I would the take a third tire and cut it to form the back and arms. Depending on how hig you want the back, use one or two. Screw that tire into the top base of the chair. Use foam and then lots of batting and cover as you like. I have a feeling this might actually work.

Pauliegirl1 · Answer

I think your spool is the way to go also!! I think I would 'build' up the back with 2 x 4's and then use a pliable wood to attach to the 2 x 4's for your back half circle....I would also use 2 x 4's between the two spool 'decks' for more support. Then attach some more 2 x 4's either on the top 'deck' of spool OR, from the bottom to the height you want the back....OR you could even build a box like back with 1 x 2's....attach the 1 x 2's from bottom 'spool deck' and use more 1 x 2's on the top of 'spool deck' to make your back, then cover that portion, the back, with a pliable wood...thin MDF or plywood. I think the 1 x 2's would work better, then your chair would not be so heavy?? It will probably take a LOT of batting/foam, so be sure to buy it on sale, or with coupons...haha!! Then do your thing with fabric!!You can add casters to the bottom 'deck' of spool. Best of luck to you, and I hope it works out!! Be sure to post WHEN and during your build!! I am not a furniture designer/maker....haha, but just think it might work, at least in my head it does!! Let us all know!!

Debbie · Answer

As Pauliegirl suggests, you could make the base and back/arms out of wood but think about only using upholstery foam and batting on the seat portion; it would save you a lot of money on the foam and batting that way. It would be more like an upholstered bench then but still have a comfy seat.

Teresa C · Answer

If you can sew you can go to the store and measure the circumference of the chair and height including the back. Then find a material such as denim, corduroy or strong upholstery fabric and cut pieces to mimic the chair, sew together and fill with beans for bean bags.

Claudia Mitchell · Answer

Totally customize the idea by first measuring your cuddle area footage first. Then draw out plans of duties your skill level could actually perform. eg wood skills; seamstress skills, old tire availability, finding a big spool, etc. Then begin creating what you have in your mind as the idea of the chair. I thought for a minute an oversized bean bag a possibility but that's what it would look like and I'm not in to bean bags. It could turn out a little differently that you had anticipated. I plan on duplicating the chair and have pondered items to use as I check off the possibility to recreate springs and my confident ability to recreate the rounded front of the chair. I specifically want a lounge like back that could intentionally come between a cold wall on one side and back then lower to open it up to a heating vent on the other. Draw it out then begin your journey. Have fun with it. I plan on making it a fun project and not a long multiple material process.

17335038 · Answer

As Debbie eluded to, the cost of the foam that will be suitably thick and dense enough for this project will be the biggest expense. Foam is not cheap, anyway you slice it, and cutting round pieces results in a great deal of wastage. My suggestion is to price all materials, including the lumber, out first to decide whether it is worth your time to proceed with the idea.

Julies1949 · Answer

Find the corner piece of an old sectional sofa at a thrift shop.

Johnavallance82 · Answer

Cable Drums as basis for chair.

How to make a cuddle or nesting chair

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How to make a cuddle or nesting chair

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