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Recovered Ottoman with Linen – Thrift Store Fix Up

Ready to see my newly recovered ottoman from the thrift shop? Upholstering it in linen fabric turned out to be an easier DIY project than I first thought!

Thrift Shop Ottoman Recovered With Linen Fabric

Thank you to Online Fabric Store for supplying materials for this sewing project. All opinions are my own, as always.

Did you enjoy the DIY twig projects from week one of the One Item Project Challenge? So much fun! For this week, I chose fabric as the medium we all had to work with.

My Fabric Selections

When Online Fabric Store got wind of what we were up to for this series, they definitely wanted to be part of it. The tricky part for me was deciding which fabrics to order. It took everything in me not to fall down a rabbit hole looking at all of the beautiful options!

Oh, how I love fabric. The colours, the textures, the limitless options…

When I started our living room makeover back in September, the vision was to lighten and brighten the space, while maintaining some warmth to get us through the winter months. Already having a taupe sofa and chair upholstered in a chunky chenille fabric (that we plan on keeping for a few more years), meant there were some limitations as to what would work in the room for pillows, drapery and an ottoman.

Of course, layering other neutrals in the space would work, but I was craving some colour too. A safe bet for me is anything in the blue-green family. I’ve loved those colours for as long as I can remember. So, a cup of coffee (or two) later, I was finally able to settle on these gorgeous fabrics…

Living Room Fabrics from Online Fabric Store, Including Oatmeal Linen and Aqua Prints

Gazebo Cloud | Oatmeal Belgian Linen | Chipper Village in Blue

Thrift Store Ottoman

I decided to kick off this living room fabric challenge by recovering a square ottoman I picked up at a thrift shop for $3 in the summer. When I brought it home, my husband and son thought I’d fallen off my rocker, but I could see beyond the faded/stained plaid fabric and missing buttons. All it needed was some TLC. (And, yes, that’s still the sub floor! Hardwood is coming.)

Thrift Shop Ottoman BEFORE

How to Reupholster a Square Ottoman

Dismantling the ottoman took a little longer than I thought. I removed the legs- easy. I removed the bottom cover- not so bad. Then, I proceeded to remove the staples that secured the plaid fabric to the box- challenging!

Two “You’ve Gotta Eat Here” TV episodes later, and I finally had the staples out and was able to pull off the cover. Ouch!

How to Recover an Ottoman

Using a stitch ripper, I took the plaid cover apart to use as a pattern for the new fabric. I used the belgian linen fabric since it was a good weight for upholstery (just need to keep my coffee-spilling husband away from it!).

After laying the plaid pattern over the linen fabric, I cut it out. Next, I carefully pinned right sides together around the bends.

After stitching, I gave all of the seams a good pressing.

How to Reupholster a Square Ottoman

Although the guts of the ottoman were in pretty good shape, I decided to add one more layer of batting across the top.

Steps for Recovering an Ottoman

Starting with the cover inside out, I matched up each corner and started pulling it down working my way around. I found it best to go slow and keep adjusting to make sure everything was straight and tight.

Then, I simply stapled it at the bottom starting in each center and working out and, finally, re-attached the legs.

Steps to Recover a Small Square Ottoman

For now, I decided not to do the button tufting because I like the way the newly recovered ottoman looks without. However, I did leave the bottom open just in case I change my mind.

Recovered Thrift Shop Ottoman in Belgian Linen Fabric

Envelope Pillow Covers

With the other fabrics, I sewed envelope pillow covers that I’ll share more about in an upcoming living room post.

So far, I’m enjoying the subtle injection of colour and added texture to the space.

Chipper Village Blue Envelope Pillow Cover

I’m not sure which pillow I like better on this chair. Chipper Village (above) or Gazebo Cloud (below). Any thoughts?

Braemore Gazebo Cloud Pillow Cover

Notice my book page wreath I made last year? It’s still one of my favourites. Be sure to check out more living room ideas.

DIY Reupholstered Ottoman, Envelope Pillow Cover and Book Page Wreath

Now, let’s move on to the best part of the One Item Project Challenge where we get to see what the other participants created with fabric!

One Item Project Challenge 2014 - Satori Design for Living

DIY Fabric Projects

6 Beautiful Projects Using Fabric for the One Item Project Challenge, Including Christmas Stockings, Curtain Panels and Upholstered Ottoman

 Recovered Thrift Shop Ottoman by Satori Design for Living
Fabric Covered Cork Board by The Happy Housie
DIY X-Leg Bench by Craftberry Bush
How to Sew Pink Ticking Curtains by So Much Better With Age
How to Sew Personalized Christmas Stockings by Fynes Designs

Be sure to stop by each blog and say hello. (We appreciate shares on social too!)

Wondering what the last craft item will be for the One Item Project Challenge? Check back next Wednesday to get the scoop. Can’t wait!

DIY Series Recap

Week One (Nov. 5)- Twigs

Week Two (Today)- Fabric (you’re here)

Week Three (Nov. 19)- ? (update: see my wallpaper project)

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Thanks for stopping by!

Shauna at Satori Design for Living Blog - Home Decor, DIY, Vintage Finds, Recipes

13 Comments

  1. It turned out so beautiful…and I love the fabrics you chose..I actually thought I had chosen the linen myself…and was surprised to see what I got …but I still love it…:)

  2. Looks so good, Shauna! Love the fabrics you chose, they all work really well together. I really love the flower/leaf pattern pillow fabric, beautiful!

  3. What a fabulous makeover, Shauna! I love the beautiful texture of the neutral fabric, and gazebo cloud is one of my favourites! The chipper blue is so fresh and adorable too, hard choice as to what should go where?! Can’t wait to see more of this space to come!

  4. Oh my that is gorgeous! I recently tackled my first reupholstery project and even though it was tough I enjoyed it so much. Love your fabric choices too :)

  5. I love your new ottoman makeover. You not only did a nice job, I also love the fabric choice you choose to cover it. Simply beautiful!

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