Crafting a Stylish 5-Minute Ottoman from Styrofoam Cooler

Creating a stylish and functional ottoman from a Styrofoam cooler is a budget-friendly DIY project that can add a touch of personalization to your living space. By following a step-by-step approach, you can transform a humble Styrofoam cooler into a practical and visually appealing piece of furniture. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making an ottoman from a Styrofoam cooler, providing detailed instructions and technical specifications to ensure a successful outcome.

Obtain a Sturdy Styrofoam Cooler

The foundation of your ottoman is the Styrofoam cooler. It’s essential to choose a heavy-duty, sturdy cooler that can withstand the weight of a person sitting on it. Opt for a cooler designed for outdoor use, such as the Omaha Steaks cooler, which is known for its durability. Alternatively, you can also use a heavy-duty crate or wooden box as the base.

Add Weight

To enhance the stability and overall weight of the ottoman, it’s recommended to place something heavy inside the cooler. Old magazines, books, or even sand-filled bags can work well for this purpose. The additional weight will help the ottoman feel more substantial and prevent it from tipping over when in use.

Pad the Cooler

Comfort is key when it comes to an ottoman, so it’s important to add padding to the top and sides of the cooler. You can use pieces of an old egg-carton mattress pad or “egg crate” foam to create a soft and cushioned surface. The thickness of the padding can vary depending on your preference, but a minimum of 1-inch thick foam is recommended for a comfortable seating experience.

Cut a Piece of Scrap Wood

To provide a stable base for your ottoman, you’ll need to cut a piece of scrap wood to fit the bottom of the cooler. This wood piece will serve as the foundation, ensuring that the ottoman can withstand the weight of a person sitting on it. Adhere the wood to the cooler using a strong adhesive, such as a glue gun or wood glue.

Wrap the Cooler with Fabric

Covering the cooler with fabric is the key to transforming it into a visually appealing ottoman. Start by pulling the fabric over the long sides of the cooler, making sure it’s taut and smooth. Using a staple gun, attach the fabric to the wood underside of the cooler. Take your time with this step to ensure a professional-looking finish.

Fold and Pull the Fabric

Once the long sides are covered, it’s time to tackle the ends of the cooler. Fold and pull the fabric on the two ends until it’s neatly arranged. You may need to cut out some of the excess fabric with scissors to ensure a flat and clean appearance. Experiment with different folding techniques until you achieve the desired look.

Add Finishing Touches

To complete the transformation, you can add feet to the bottom of the ottoman for a more polished and elevated appearance. You can use pre-made furniture feet or get creative and make your own custom feet using materials like wood, metal, or even repurposed items.

Technical Specifications

Materials:
– Sturdy Styrofoam cooler (e.g., Omaha Steaks cooler)
– Heavy object for weight (e.g., magazines, books, sand-filled bags)
– Foam padding (1-inch thick or more)
– Scrap wood for the base
– Fabric of your choice
– Adhesive (e.g., glue gun, wood glue)
– Optional: Furniture feet

Tools:
– Staple gun
– Scissors
– Glue gun

Time: The time required to complete this project can vary depending on the complexity of the design and the skill level of the maker. On average, it can take between 2-4 hours to create a basic ottoman from a Styrofoam cooler.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate. While the overall process is straightforward, attention to detail and some basic crafting skills are required to achieve a professional-looking result.

By following these detailed steps and considering the technical specifications, you can create a unique and functional ottoman from a Styrofoam cooler that will add character and style to your living space. Remember to have fun with the process and don’t be afraid to experiment with different fabrics, colors, and design elements to make your ottoman truly your own.