My Coffee Table Project

This is a little explanation of my coffee table project. Jacob and I got this wonderful hand-me-down coffee table a few years ago. It's been through multiple apartments and generations of college students. It's sturdy and has never let us down in its coffee and magazine holding abilities! I wanted a "cheap" update for it, and painting it just seemed silly, so I opted for turning it into an ottoman sort of thing. We put our feet up on the table anyway, and we were always sticking our pillows on the table to make it soft! I tried to take pictures as I worked on it, but failed miserably. I will explain what happened in between shots!

So, here's the wonderful coffee table in all of its glory:
First I measured it, and then I went to the fabric store to get upholstery fabric and muslin that would cover all four sides and the top. The fabric is where this project can get pricy. I also got some 1/2 inch foam:

Here's my staple gun. It kills by hands but it does the job okay.

To get the tight/cushiony effect that I wanted, I spray glued the foam onto the table (after I cut it to the size of the top of the table (plus an inch or so). After that, I cut the muslin out so it could be pulled over the foam and stapled to the bottom of the table:
Our table stayed like this for a few months while I rested and regained the will to work on this project some more...

When I finally regained the will to DIY, I got out the fabric I bought months before and sewed it all up. The cover is pretty simple, just the sides sewn to the top and hemmed. I made ties for the corners so it looks more finished.

The cover is basically a table cloth that ties on the corners because I wanted to be able to remove it and put it in the washing machine. We have a dog, and his hairs get all over everything! Also, I'll be able to change the cover when I feel like it. I might get some modern looking fabric next time!

Overall, I don't think it looks perfect, and it doesn't really look like one of the cool, high end ottomans for sale but it's an improvement! Cheers!