Hate Your Top Sheet? Try Upcycling It For Your Ottoman

If you're the type of sleeper who wakes up in the middle of the night only to find your top sheet bunched and twisted into an uncomfortable mess, then this one's for you. Instead of adding another step to making your bed each day, you can repurpose that old top sheet into a gorgeous slipcover for your ottoman. In addition to being a clever way to repurpose an old bed sheet around your home, this upcycle project will also help keep your ottoman looking clean and new for longer. 

To make this ottoman cover, you will need access to a sewing machine, but outside of that, the only required materials are your top sheet and a pair of sharp scissors. Adding a slipcover to your ottoman is a convenient way to change up the color and style — this could be handy if you bought your ottoman secondhand and it's never been a perfect match for your home's aesthetic.

Start by measuring the length, width, and height of your rectangular or square ottoman. Then, cut five pieces from your top sheet — one for the top and four for the sides. When cutting the fabric, add about ⅝ inch to the total length for seam allowance. On the side panels of fabric, you may also want to leave some extra fabric so you can create a neat hem at the bottom. Once your fabric panels are measured and cut, use your sewing machine to stitch them together. When complete, you should be able to slide the sheet cover over the ottoman with ease. And there you have it — a stylish ottoman to spruce up your living space and a far better use for that pesky top sheet.

If your top sheet is already a perfect match for your living room decor, then you're all set. If not, you can change the color of your slipcover with a little fabric dye. More advanced sewers can use a gathering stitch to give this ottoman cover more of a skirted look. Or, you can opt to add an elastic to the bottom to give the cover a snug fit. If you're worried that bed sheets are not the best material for your ottoman, you could apply the same technique to an old throw blanket for more of a cozy feel.