Designers are always inspired by the possibilities of things that can be found at local flea markets, consignment shops and tag sales. While any item can be the treasure just waiting to be rediscovered, one piece that can have many uses is the footstool. A footstool is light enough to carry around, yet strong enough to take a step on. It can be used as a table, seat, shelf or step stool. Its basic shape makes it one of the most utilitarian pieces in the home and one of the easiest to refurbish.
When tattered tops are slipcovered or reupholstered, and damaged wood is concealed with a fresh coat of paint, even the most unattractive-looking footstool can be transformed into a charming piece that will complement any room. So, visit your local consignment shops and antique stores; a forgotten footstool with an attractive shape can be picked up for as little as $25.
Slipcovered Footstool
Materials:
- Footstool
- Scissors
- Fabric or canvas
- Grosgrain ribbon (optional)
- Needle and thread (or sewing machine)
- Fabric marking pencil
- Grommets
- Hammer
- 3/4-inch grommet kit, containing a grommet punch and an anvil
- Cotton cord
Directions:
- To make a slipcover to hide an unattractive worn surface, cut fabric into a rectangle; round corners of the rectangle. If desired, apply a length of complimentary or contrasting grosgrain ribbon to the edges of the fabric by hand or with a sewing machine. Place the completed fabric on top of the footstool.
- Create a vertical fold at each corner of the fabric. On each side of the folds, make a small dot with a fabric marking pencil to indicate the positions on the grommets. Use the grommet hole punch to create holes. Insert the grommets through the holes from the outside so that the grommet collars extend inside.
- Position the anvil under the grommets, on the outside of the fabric. Place the grommet washers, rounded side up, over the collars, and then put the grommet punch inside the collars. With the side of a hammer, firmly tap the collars until they curve tightly, sealing themselves to the fabric. Thread cotton cord through the grommets; tie ends in a knot.
Cushion Footstool
Materials:
- Footstool
- Foam rubber (optional)
- Batting (optional)
- Scissors
- Upholstery fabric
- Staple gun
- Heavy-duty staples
Directions:
- To re-cover a footstool with a cushioned top, remove the old cushion from the frame, then remove the fabric. If the padding is still functional, it can be allowed to remain in place. If the padding is not in great shape, replace it by adding a layer of foam rubber and a layer of batting.
- Cut a piece of upholstery fabric larger than the board the padded top rests on. Place the board on the fabric; pull one edge of the fabric over one of the sides of the board. Staple the fabric in place with a staple gun. Pull the opposite edge of the fabric over the opposite side of the board and staple in place. Repeat with the remaining sides. Attach a piece of fabric to the underside of the board with staples.
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