I’ve been eyeing the William and Sonoma Coffee Table Ottoman for a while but that price tag is steep! If you’re like me, and spending $2000+ is out of the question right now, let me show you how you can DIY your own Coffee Table Ottoman for less than $300!

Tools

• Sewing Machine
• Staple Gun
• Power Drill
• Circular Saw
• Table Saw
• Sander

Supplies

• 2×4
• 1/2″ plywood
• 1/4″ plywood
• 5″ high density foam
• heavy weight batting (4.5 yards)
• upholstery fabric (4 yards)
• 3/4″ plywood
• L brackets
• Edgebanding

Tutorial

Step 1: Build frame for the Ottoman

Before we begin we want to make sure we have a sturdy foundation to build upon. I used a lot of scrap materials in this step but you will need something along the lines of:

• 2×4
• 1/2” sheathing or plywood
• 1/4” plywood

You can begin by building a box with the 2x4s and 1/2” sheathing or plywood. Cover all sides except the top and bottom. I used regular construction screws to assemble everything together. My dimensions are: 39.5″ (w) x 55″ (l) x 12.5″ (h).

For the top of the box, you can also use the same material for the top, but I used 1/4” plywood because that’s what I had on hand! I used a nail gun to attach the plywood to the top of the box. 

Step 2: Add Foam and Batting

I purchased a 5” high density foam from Amazon for the top of the ottoman. Used a framing square to draw a straight line for the size I needed and a cleaver to cut the foam. You can also use a bread knife or an actual foam cutter if you have one hand. 

I used a spray adhesive to spray directly onto the frame and then placed the foam on top while making sure the corners line up with the frame.

Next I ordered 4.5 yards of heavy-weight batting from Joann Fabrics and wrapped the top and sides with batting. I used adhesive spray again to attach the batting to the foam and the wood, making sure the batting is smooth and flat against the surface. I used a staple gun to staple the batting to the bottom of the frame.

Step 3: Sewing the Fabric

I ordered 4 yards of upholstery fabric from Joann’s. (Hot Tip: Joann regularly has sales and coupons – wait for the sale to purchase materials – I saved 50%!) I cut the fabric into 5 panels (top and 4 sides) and sewed one panel at a time to make sure the fit was perfect. Once all the sides are sewn, slip the fabric over the ottoman like a fitted sheet over a mattress. Make sure the corners line up perfectly.

Next flip the ottoman to its side and similar to the batting, start stapling the fabric to the frame doing opposite sides at first before finishing each side. For the corners – just fold like a present.

Step 4: Building a Waterfall Coffee Table

I had a half sheet of 3/4″ red oak plywood in the garage so I used that to make a waterfall coffee table that will glide over the ottoman. I used a circular saw to cut the plywood into 3 pieces and a table saw to make mitered cuts on the sides.

Next I used L brackets to secure the sides to the top on the underside of the table so that it is hidden. I also used oak edge banding to cover the raw edges of the plywood so that the whole piece looks like a solid piece of wood. When applying edgebanding, make sure to trim off excess with a razor blade, and sand the edges for a softened look.

Lastly, I applied 2 coats of my favorite stain Varathane English Chestnut with a Water-based Matte Polyurethene.

Costs

A lot of the lumber I already had on hand so did not need to purchase – but I’ve included all the costs here anyways.

Material	Cost
5′ High Density Foam	$97
4.5 Yard Heavy Weight Batting	$18
4 Yard Upholstery Fabric	$85
Adhesive Spray	$10
L Bracket	$8
2×4	$20
1/2 Sheathing	$30
1/4 plywood	$30
3/4 plywood	$85
8oz Varathane English Chestnut Stain	$7
8oz Water-Based Matte Poly	$15
Grand Total	$410