10 Ideas for Upcycled Ottomans and Coffee Tables

With a little ingenuity you can upcycle almost any object into a one of a kind coffee table or ottoman perfect for your own space. Coffee tables and ottomans are a vital piece of any family room or living room. Here are some fun ideas and inspiration to get you started creating and recycling old furniture and found objects into a coffee table or ottoman.

Upcycled Coffee Table Idea #1

Old wood dining room tables make a wonderful coffee table by simply cutting the legs down to coffee table height. Be sure to wear safely goggles and use a jigsaw to make this quick cut. Sand any edges as needed.

Upcycled Ottoman Idea #2

Recycled sofa cushions stacked make a quick and simple ottoman. I like to use the large firm square couch cushions. They stack the easiest and make a firm ottoman. You can use a large slip cover to make the cushions look like one unit. Another option is to strap them together using old leather belts.

Upcycled Coffee Table Idea #3

Unused televisions make a fun and wacky coffee table. Look for old televisions that are the height you want your coffee table to be. You can paint them out in fun colors or leave them as is. Add a sheet of thick beveled glass to the top and you have a fun conversation started for your next party.

Tip: Old TV guides are a fun way to get all the televisions the same height.

Recycled Ottoman Idea #4

A bag of pillows can be recycled to create a large ottoman. This is ideal for a big family room. You can use an old bean bag cover and simply stuff it full of pillows until firm. This type of ottoman is not ideal for setting drinks on, but your feet will love it.

Recycled Coffee Table Idea #5

Old lamp bases make a fun table leg that can be the perfect height for a coffee table. Go ahead and remove any electrical hardware. You will also want to remove the metal bracket at the top of the lamp.

Try to use 4 lamp bases that are the same height. Place a sheet of birch plywood on top and attach using Gorilla glue.

Recycled Ottoman Idea #6

Recycled office chairs with the back rest removed can make a great rolling ottoman. You will want to set them to their lowest setting so they allow your feet to rest comfortably. This height is usually the same height as you couch sets or a little bit lower.

Recycled Coffee Table Idea #7

Vintage VCR's stacked on the floor can also build a great coffee table base. This works just like the TV coffee table idea mentioned before. For a cleaner look try removing all the old electrical cords from the VHS boxes and VCR boxes. A sheet of plexi glass or beveled glass tops this idea off too.

Upcycled Ottoman Idea #8

Using a fun piece like an old little red wagon and the addition of some comfy old quilts is a fun recycled coffee table for a vintage space. Be sure to use comfy old quilts you do not mind people putting their feet on.

Upcycled Coffee Table Idea #9

Rubics cubes can make a really fun coffee table. Because the cubes are small you will need to work on keeping them attached together. You can use a product like Gorilla glue or epoxy glue and create a large coffee table sized mass of them.

Upcycled Ottoman Idea #10

Vintage suitcase stands make a fun retro ottoman perfect for a contemporary space or vintage home. These can be found in all conditions at local flea markets. You can add a fun pillow covered in vintage fabric on top and create a fun and lightweight ottoman.