Top
Subscribe for free and never miss a post

Upholstered Footstool ~ A One-Legged Wonder

Last week in my kitchen remodel update (you have to see how we’re moving along!), I showed you that I would be giving this one-legged wonder a makeover. This was an upholstered footstool I found laying beside the curbside settee that got an upholstery makeover too, so why not this little guy, right?

Curbside Vintage Footstool Gets Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

I mean, I couldn’t just leave it there looking dysfunctional and needing some love. I snatched it up along with that settee and the rest of this goodness. See how the tripod became something new HERE.

Collection of Curbside Finds by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

DIY TIME

So, I headed to my hardware store and picked up some new legs and brackets and got to work.

Repairing Vintage Upholstered Footstool | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Since the old leg brackets had a larger diameter hole that the leg fed through, I removed those with my drill and replaced them with the new. Sorry for the fuzzy pic on this one – it’s sometimes hard to snap a picture of yourself one-handed!

Replacing Upholstered Footstool Brackets | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Next, off came the upholstery. It’s sometimes therapeutic to yank off disgusting fabric and get down to bare bones. Ever tried it? It isn’t uncommon to find layers of fabric, and the original must have been pretty at some point.

Original Upholstery on Footstool | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

I was excited how fast it all was coming off until I ran into these…sigh…

Upholstery Tack on Vintage Footstool | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Seeing those nails made my hands begin to hurt. So after what seemed like a hundred nails removed later, I finally got down to skeleton of this upholstered footstool.

NEXT STEPS

When trying to decide what style to go with, and whether it should be skirted or not, this color combo jumped out at me and I decided to run with it. It’s a heavy dark denim with a small blue ticking-type stripe.

Denim and Ticking Upholstery for Footstool | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

This is the remnant I have from making my son’s birthday gift – a messenger bag fit for ornithologists (bird lovers).

DIY Messenger Bag with Graphics Fairy Applique by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

When recovering something as basic as an upholstered footstool, you just need to replace the batting and add about 2″ to the diameter of the stool when cutting your fabric.

Layering New Upholstery for Vintage Footstool | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

To attach the fabric, I use my brad nailer / staple gun with staples and created pleats around the edge to make it lay flat.

Stapling on Upholstery to Footstool | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Once the main denim fabric is on, I cut the fabric into a 1½” strip and a few inches longer than the circumference of my stool. sidenote: In case you’re wondering how to find circumference of a circle, the formula is C=Ï€D (or 3.14 multiplied times the diameter of the circle). Homeschooling six kids comes in handy all the time. tsk.

LAST STEPS

Folding the fabric strip into thirds creates a nice contrast around the diameter of the stool. I tack it on using some of my leftover upholstery tacks from the leather bench my husband and I built. You can see it HERE.

Rustic Leather Bench by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Now this once cast-off upholstered footstool has a fresh new look and is ready for its new home. This sweet piece is now available in my shop. (SOLD)

Shop Prodigal Pieces Furniture, Vintage Finds, Handmade Goods, & Supplies for your home | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Denim Upholstered Footstool by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

I love the sweet style of this little upholstered footstool and the classic lines it has. Perfectly suited to function in any setting with the denim fabric.

A Once Curbside Footstool Gets a Modern Update by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

I had fun pairing this with a sweet gift from a reader who knew my passion for feedsacks and my linen chair. Isn’t that advertisement sweet?

Vintage Feedsack Pillow | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

My one-legged wonder has a happy ending and I hope it inspires you to see past the obvious ugly to see the possibilities of the new.

Thrifted Baskets, Books, and Footstool Home Decor by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Top of Upholstered Denim Footstool by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Do pin and share to inspire others to try it too! ♥

A Tossed Out Upholstered Footstool is Made New by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Ever since I refinished my own sideboard / buffet and sold it in my shop, I have had custom requests coming in for buffets. This one the latest for my recent order. I’ll be sharing the makeover in this post. Come see!

Vintage Custom Buffet Before Makeover | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!

blog signature

let's get socialMEWE  |  PINTEREST  |  GAB

Also, more projects like my upholstered footstool:

Outdated Bentwood Rocking Chair Gets Embroidered Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.comDumpster Dresser Turned Boho Chic Diva by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Comments

    • Larissa says

      I think so too. They’re so fun and versatile. Thank you, Debra!

  1. BarbaraM says

    Really sweet makeover! I love footstools too! I had purchased a small bench to put at the foot of the bed in the master bedroom and I wasn’t happy with the ‘tapestry’ style fabric as it was an ‘ok’ match to my hand made quilt, but not ‘spot on’. I ripped off the tapestry and selected a coordinating fabric from my quilt fabric stash and got to stapling. I love the look now, it coordinates beautifully with the window treatment and the quilt. All in all the project cost under $25.00 as I already had the staple gun, staples, fabric and quilt batting. It also makes it much more personal than store bought.

    • Larissa says

      How fun for you! Sounds like you’re a gal after my own heart, Barbara. 😉

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Client Love

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

~ Stephanie

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

~ Mikki

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

~ Sharon

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

~ Sharon

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!

~ Deanna

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
0
0
Prodigal Pieces