Upholstered Cubes

Difficulty
Beginner Projects
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How to build a simple upholstered ottoman cube for less than $20. Pick your own fabric, make your own color!

Need a little extra soft seating in your living room? Kids need some comfy light chairs to sit at their desks? Or just want to add some beautiful fabrics to your space?

You MUST build these little guys!  

I partnered up again with Shanty2Chic:

I built them for under $20 a piece.  I made both during the babies 2 hour nap time yesterday... Woohoo!  I love them... they are super cute and my kids like climbing on them too. 

Make sure you go over to Shanty2Chic and check out LOTS more photos and get more details on building this project.

And of course, the full plans are right here!  Just see below!

PS - The slipcover tutorial is live here.

PSS - If you like this graphic, I've posted a easy tutorial on how I make these right here!

Dimensions
Dimensions are shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List

2 – 1x3 boards 8 feet long
1 – 2x2 board 8 feet long
Thick cardboard
½” staples
2” screws
1 yard batting
1 yard decorator fabric
1 – 15” x 17” x 2” foam

Cut List

7 – 1x3 @ 15 ½”
4 – 2x2 @ 16”
4 – 1x3 @ 15” long

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Hearing Protection
Drill
Staple Gun
Drill Bit Set
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Build two side frames as shown above.

Step 2

Then join together to make a cube.

Step 3

Add some top slats. I used the top slats instead of a solid top just incase you had a spill :)

Step 4

Now cover the sides in thick cardboard or 1/4" plywood.

Step 5

Step 6

And sew a slipcover. To smooth out edges, you can cover the ottoman in batting before adding the slipcover.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 03/20/2012 - 12:00

Can you use these as storage for toys as well?

Aisha_ (not verified)

Tue, 03/20/2012 - 12:16

I love how deceptively simple this is and even more so how you can really use anything you want for the legs since only a small part of them will be seen. Great plan and love the way you made those graphics of the plans. The site really has a classy feel with those small touches :)

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Tue, 03/20/2012 - 12:19

I love this project! It looks easy to build and really attractive, too!

bhoppy

Tue, 03/20/2012 - 12:25

Those are adorable!!! Is it weird that I have 4 different kinds of power saws but couldn't sew a straight line if my life depended on it?

5 tator tots (not verified)

Wed, 03/21/2012 - 08:05

I was planning my shopping trip for supplies right up until the "sew a slipcover" step. The saddest part is both my mother and grandmother earned money as seamstresses. Why didn't I bother to learn?!

Petra (not verified)

Mon, 05/28/2012 - 20:52

Get a staple gun. Works great on things like this! (and a hot glue gun to cover up visible staples with trim)

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 03/20/2012 - 13:26

i have some leftover scrap wood. i could build those and it wouldnt take long plus it adds color and more seating to the room

Jennifer Austin (not verified)

Tue, 03/20/2012 - 17:37

This is so adorable! I honestly never thought I could build something, but now I am going to start with these in my boys' rooms, and then hopefully look through your plans for a country kitchen table and benches.

redhead_61

Thu, 03/22/2012 - 17:05

These would be awesome with some casters on the bottom for easy rolling and maneuvering. Especially if you need them under office desk.

Jaque (not verified)

Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:01

Ive been looking at these at the store but didnt want to pay that much for something the kids will most likely destroy, we just moved to a bigger house and thinking ill make a few for the play room and maybe a few for the family room for extra seating when needed!! Thanks for figuring out!

Jenelle (not verified)

Sat, 03/24/2012 - 11:15

Love these stools! They were fun to make and I found using a fabric black and white shower curtain from Marshall's for the fabric made them stain resistant and even less expensive. I lined the insides with black felt and covered the top piece so they could hold games and toys. Great size and fun to make!

Milca (not verified)

Mon, 06/04/2012 - 19:19

It'll be such an awesome present for his bday. And there's plenty of scraps in the basement from renos to do it from pretty much free woohoo! Thanks for posting the plans, saves me hours from trying to figure out how to build the box so it can handle the beating of a 19 yo and his friends :)

TQB

Fri, 12/12/2014 - 22:16

I know this is an old post, but it is making the rounds on pinterest....

These look great, but it seems there might be a problem with either the drawings or the dimensions. Your first schematic shows a 15x17" top, but your subsequent figures call it out as 15 1/2". Same goes for the lower 1x3's. Just wondering what's going on with this since your cut list calls for 15.5" 1x3's but from the overall drawing there is no dimension that requires this size.

Not sure which drawing has the error, but I hope you can understand my confusion. Could you clear this up? Thanks in advance!

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!