Reuse A Styrofoam Cooler To DIY A Stylish & Functional Outdoor Ottoman

Not only do ottomans add comfort to your home, but they also elevate your interior and can even provide extra storage — and they have their place on the patio as well. You can find a variety of outdoor ottomans online or in local furniture stores, but why spend the money if you already have what you need at home to make your own? If you don't happen to have an old Styrofoam cooler lying around, you can purchase one at Target, Walmart, and even some gas stations or on Amazon for less than most ottomans cost. Once you've found or secured one of these ice chests, you just need a glue gun and some fabric to build your own stool that looks as good as the store-bought versions and can even stash household items... or snacks and drinks if you're feeling peckish!

Styrofoam can take up to 500 years to break down and decompose, and while this material isn't the most eco-friendly option, you can make it more environmentally friendly by reusing it as a renovated ottoman that will serve many more years than it may have as just a cooler. The most ideal shape for this project is the standard square or rectangle ice boxes, but if you need to use one with the tiered tops, you can make this work with a few extra steps. Clean out your ice box and make sure the interior is dry to avoid mildew. Once it's finished, this ottoman makes the perfect patio decor but can be used for everything from toy storage to linens and more as well!

Have a large piece of cardboard ready, as this will provide a flat, sturdy surface where you can decorate your ottoman, place drinks, or prop your feet up without worry. Cut the cardboard to the exact shape of the lid, then secure it to the top of your cooler lid with glue. Stick with Uhu POR Styrofoam Adhesive or Gorilla Glue to avoid ingredients that could eat away at the Styrofoam. If you do have a tiered lid, consider using Polymer clay or crafting foam to fill these in, creating a solid rectangle that you can then add the cardboard to, or you might be stuck with edges that bend easily after the fabric is added.

Once your glue has dried, wrap your lid in the fabric you chose. Stick with a material that is both durable and easy to clean. This way, it is safe from daily wear and tear. Outdoor fabrics are tough, and you can still find a variety of prints, patterns and colors that work with your aesthetic. Some of the best outdoor upholstery fabrics are Polyester and acrylic, but make sure if you have pets or intend for this ottoman to hold drinks, food, candles, or any other items that can spill, stick with darker colors that can disguise mess. You will be gluing your fabric around your cooler, so keep the thickness of the material in mind, too.

Begin by gluing fabric to the lid, securing the material edges on the underside. Trim as you go so there's only about 1 to 2 inches of fabric on the bottom side of the lid. Pull tightly to avoid creases or loose material that could make the ottoman look poorly made. Allow this to dry while working on the bottom portion of the cooler. This is where you can get a little more creative: if you want to only use the ice box as an ottoman that stores non-food-related items, then you can wrap the entire bottom with lightweight fabric so that no Styrofoam shows. This will be your first layer, and then you can add your exterior fabric that matches the lid on top. When you open your ottoman, the interior will be covered in cloth, and no one will be the wiser about what your new furniture addition actually is.

Add tassels or rope to elevate the exterior even more. If you want to create a clever hideaway where you can also keep snacks and drinks, you can glue plastic along the interior of the cooler, then adhere your chosen fabric to the outside. The plastic will ensure no moisture seeps out and will keep the integrity of the ice box intact, even after you've had it for a long time. You can add ice and edible items to pull out when you're watching TV or spending time outside to maximize your living space, too.