Keeping It Simple: Transforming Wood Box Into Ottoman

Antique boxes have their own appeal. Rustic with an old world feel! I love them. So when I wanted to create another seating and storage option in our Coastal Sunroom I decided to transform one of mine. (Yes, I have a few!)

To Keep It Simple, here are the steps to transform any wooden box into an ottoman.

Turn box over and add casters to each corner of box.

Place casters where you want them, mark holes (pre-drill as old wood can split) then attach casters using screws and drill. Note the screws that came with the casters did go through the interior of my box. I used a dremel grinder to remove excess. Be careful of sparks a with the old wood!
Four 2 inch casters. Cost $15.

 

Picture left, Box with casters attached. 

I used a sturdy piece of  3/4 inch plywood for the top.
Make sure the wood just covers the  outer wood edge of the box.

To make lip for inside so it doesn't slide off... measure an inch and half inside on all sides. (This is where you will place the wood piece to keep the top from sliding off.)
Cut four pieces to fit. To attach use screws that don't go through to the top, now adhere with drill. (see next picture for layout)

 To cover, add two layers of batting cut just big enough to fold over back side and staple with powered stapler. I use an 18v Ryobi Stapler.

 Then add, fabric. And staple it as batting above. I used an durable awning fabric!

Completed Coastal-look Ottoman!