Upholstering a table top.....?

Question

I am trying to upholster a coffee table top so that it will double as an ottoman. Firstly, would it be the same whether I upholster in a leather or a fabric? And secondly, does anyone have any links to websites that would offer effective guidelines, especially for making neat corners?

Thanks

The outcome should be a tight top, so that a tray could be set on it for any other items, and with enough padding to make it comfortable to rest ones legs on.

Answer 1

This is really easy to do honestly.
Get a good staple gun, and some batting material for "fluff" unless you dont want to be soft.
lay your fabric down (doesnt matter if leather or fabric for process)
Make sure it is flat and smooth.
If you are using batting, apply it with spray adhesive to the base of what you are upholstering.
Carefully lay the base down on the fabric, centered.
Take one side of the fabric and fold it up onto the back of the base and staple. Staple that side down
Move onto the opposite side pulling it taute as you staple.
When you move to the ends, start in the middle and work your way out to corners. To do the corners, its similar to making a bed, fold under like a triangle and you will have nice corners.

I had been scared to try this myself, in the past, once I did a "test" on just piece of scrap board with some scrap fabric, I realized how stinking easy it was. I then went on a spree and reupholstered almost everything in the house! LOL
Dont be scared and have fun doing it!

Answer 2

I don't do LINKS; but have done a lot of what you ask about in similar fashion.

My first thought however is the duality of the piece, and any intent to actually place anything on it, beyond legs/feet. Certainly to cushion it; is no major challenge; but to set a drink glass on it after the fact, might be.

Cushion? OR Flat/tight???

Effective guidlines? Hmmm. You might consider a guideline most often used.

To create the TOP; you might have to decide what fabric; most can be "stretched" and I'd use anything but REAL leather. "Naugahyde" certainly simulates leather.

I'd also probably consider "Hospital corners" Certainly if the "fabric stretches enough; even with cushioning; you can PULL it beyond the corner; to staple underneath with most "fabrics"; but that stresses the "corner"

Another issue to consider; whether or not you use a wooden base structure for the cushion; is how to attach to the underside of the "table" and actually HIDE that. Unless you also plan to skirt it; perhaps to the floor.

No offense but this seems an abstract project.

Steven Wolf