How to Turn Your Ottoman Into a Table

There are some days that you come home and absolutely have to put your feet up. For days like that, it's nice to have an ottoman. The cushioned surface of an ottoman allows you to stretch and support your legs in a comfortable, guilt-free manner that a coffee table just doesn't give you. However, there are also times when you need to set down your drink as you relax, and placing a tall glass of juice precariously balanced on a cushioned ottoman is a recipe for disaster. However, several near-effortless ways exist for you to turn your ottoman into a small table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the length and width of the top surface of your ottoman. Write down these measurements. Visit your local hardware or home supply store and ask the staff there to cut a piece of wood for you in those same dimensions and approximately 1/4-inch thick. Since this will be going in a place of prominence in your home, opt for a wood finer than just plywood. Consider getting cedar or pine.

2

Paint or stain the board to match your living room decor. For example, if the colors blue, white and yellow pervade your living room, painting your board any of those colors is a wise choice. On the other hand, a cherry or golden stain on the wood is also an elegant choice. Use a paint roller or 3-inch nylon brush. Paint the top and bottom of the wood, and give it 12 hours to dry.

3

Seal the piece of wood with a clear polyurethane finish. Let it dry for 12 hours. Place the board on top of your ottoman. You can now use it as a coffee table. Whenever you want to put your feet up, just remove the board.