Rag Rug to Ottoman

Kristine(Teeny Ideas)
by Kristine(Teeny Ideas)
I picked up this ottoman a few years ago. It was supposed to be an “occasional use” piece but it has ended up being one of the most used seats in the house. Although structurally it is fine, the fabric is awful and the nail head trim has come off. It has looked like this for a while.
First I removed the fabric from the side of the ottoman. It was glued on and peeling and fraying. The sides were just covered in chip board so I left it alone. I can’t believe the ottoman held up as well as it did and no one put their foot through it. As much time as the kids spend sitting on it, that’s how much time they spent trying to balance on its’ side.
I also left the top intact. One thing I have learned with upholstering is if it doesn’t need replacing, leave it alone. So that is what I did.I placed the rug over the top of the ottoman and let the rug hang over the edge. I tacked one side and then cut a strip the length of the rug to use for the side of the ottoman.
I was able to avoid any wrinkles in the top because I had extra fabric around the sides. I would just work any wrinkles out with my fingers and staple.
The ottoman turned out so well, that it made me want another one.
Kristine(Teeny Ideas)
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  2 questions
  • B B on Nov 27, 2016
    Is the top edge stapled or did you make an separate piece to go around the top?does not look bulky!
  • Cher Kalil Cher Kalil on Mar 12, 2017
    Great job! I've had a neat old stool (I got for free!) that I've not gotten around to reupholstering. Never thought of using a rug/runner. Best idea ever!!! Question: I see the staples evenly tacked around the top of the sides. Can't find further pics of your progress. I read that you cut the long side of the rug off and used it to complete the side of the stool. Did you have to FrayCheck the edges to keep from unraveling? You must have needed some really long staples to go through the two layers of rug near the top and into the wood. From past experience I can imagine my (manual staple gun) staples not penetrating and staying in. Does it take compressor driven staples to drive long staples through and stay put? Thanks for any info! 💡🔨♻️
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  • Joanie Joanie on Jul 25, 2019

    Rugs are for feet.....foot stools are for feet.....you did it girl and it is a beauty.....Bless you and your feets......lol.

    • Val Val on Aug 14, 2019

      It was a great connection. She deserves extra kudos for this idea. Love the way you phrased it. Thank you to you both.

  • Leslie Lewis Leslie Lewis on Feb 13, 2020

    Nice result. Wish there were more pictures of the process.

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