How to Transform a Coffee Table into a Toddler-Friendly Ottoman

Even if you do not have children, there is a quick and easy way to transform a normal coffee or side table into an ottoman or two. For those of you that do have little ones "toddling" about, this is a great idea that allows you to continue using your coffee table, but gives you peace of mind from accidents. Are you are tired of hitting your knee or toes on the corners and legs of a hard coffee table? Or are you are worried your little one may bang their head into it, sending you to the emergency room so they can get stitches? Believe me; this happened to my son when he was around a year and a half. Needless to say, it's a lot easier to make an ottoman than it is to get a toddler to hold still for stitches in his eyebrow. So get ready to make a short list of materials you will need and let the fun of designing your very own trendy ottoman begin.

The materials you will need are very little and you will probably have most of the supplies lying around your house already. First, you will need an iron, hot glue gun, a staple gun, and a tape measure. Then you should measure the top of your table so you know what size to cut the plywood to when you go to purchase it. Most home improvement store will cut it for you when you purchase it from them. You will also want to measure the height of your table so you know the amount of fabric you will need to cover it as well. Don't forget to allow for a little extra room since you will be using a product like "stitch witch" to make a hem at the bottom, as well as folding edges on the top piece that will cover the plywood. Now, there are a couple variations to this, such as using plywood to cover the legs of the table to make it an enclosed square or rectangle. You could also opt for only rapping the legs in extra batting so they are cushioned, but you can still reach under the table so you can "hide" things such as toys or magazines. So before you make a trip to the home improvement store and the fabric store sit down and decide which way you will want to cover the table.

I am going to tell you how to cover the table without placing plywood over the legs, because I liked the idea of being able to hide toys and things from site. Let's face it, there is nothing better than having extra storage anywhere. So first you will measure the top of the table and then the height. With measurements in hand, go to the local home improvement center and have them cut one piece of plywood to the size of the table top. While there, you will want to also pick up a staple gun if you do not already own one. Once you have the plywood and staple gun, you will need to go to a fabric store or a craft store that sells fabric as well. The hardest part will be selecting the fabric you want to use to cover the table. I would suggest using a fabric you would use to cover a chair, such as upholstery fabric. This fabric is not only more durable, but it tends to be easier to clean as well and will last longer in the long run.

After you choose a fabric, have the associate cut the amount you will need. Please keep in mind that you want to add a little extra to the measurements so you can add hems at the bottom, as well as room for stapling the fabric on the plywood. If you tell the associate what you are planning to make, they may be able to help you determine how much more room you will need. Please remember to have them cut the fabric so you have a separate piece to cover the plywood for the top of the table, as well as four pieces to attach to the top that will cover the legs and go to the floor. Make sure you have extra width on each side panel so you can ensure that you can overlap the fabric in order to cover the legs.

Once you have picked your fabric and had it cut there are a few more things you will need to pick up while in the store. Besides the fabric, you will need glue sticks for your hot glue gun and a hot glue gun if you do not have one already. You will also need "stitch witch", which is a product you use with an iron to create an easy hem with no-sewing needed. Also pick up a bundle of batting, a section of felt the size of the plywood, and if you would like you can also add roping to the fabric for decoration.

After picking up all of the material you will need, you can return home and let the fun begin. The directions are quite easy and will not take long to put the covering together. To begin, take the fabric piece that will cover the plywood and place it on the floor or a table, right side down. Place the batting on top of the fabric you have laid out. Next, cover the batting with the plywood and "wrap" the fabric around the plywood, then begin stapling it into place. Start in the center of each side and pull it taut as you move to the edges. Place the completed board fabric-side down onto the coffee table to make sure you applied the fabric correctly and evenly. Now, if you purchased roping, then staple the roping along the edges for a dressier finished look.

Next, you will want to begin with the four pieces of fabric that will cover the legs of the table. If you purchased extra plywood for the legs, you would begin covering them now, like you covered the top piece. However, I am going to skip this and only cover the legs by using the fabric. Simply make hemmed rectangles for the side panels using fusible web, such as "stitch witch" (be sure they are just the right height to meet the floor). For those of you that have never used this product, this is where your iron comes into play. Simply follow the directions on the package. Once you have made the hems, begin stapling the panels close to the edge of the bottom of the plywood piece that you made for the top, folding a pleat in each corner to cover them.

Once you have the panels stapled to the top piece, flip it over. Cut the felt that you purchased to fit the underside of the plywood. Glue the felt to the plywood with your hot glue gun. This will not only hide the staples, but it will also protect your table top as well. Once dry, flip the piece over and place on the table and arrange the pleats so they are neat and are covering the legs. You now have a finished ottoman that is not only stylish, safe, and doesn't need dusted, but also doubles as a storage unit underneath.

The great thing about this project is that when you want your coffee table back, you can simply lift off the ottoman cover. You can also make several covers in different colors or textures that you can swap out throughout the year as the seasons change.