IKEA HACK: Marius stool

In the next instalment of our IKEA hacks series, we look at how to revamp the ever-popular Marius stool. A firm favourite for students – due to its low cost – many are encouraged to customise it in whichever way they can. From spray paint to custom seat elements, there are a wide range of ideas for you to consider. However, if you’d prefer to keep it simple, the Marius stool can be easily upholstered per your tastes. Likewise, this can all be done to a small budget, without compromising on quality!

There are various different types of foam you may wish to consider for the seat top of your stool. Given the stool is made out of a firm plastic, we recommend using a thin high-density polyurethane foam piece, cut to the exact dimensions of the seat top using our online cut to size tool. If you are happy for your seat cushion to be thicker – perhaps as part of your intended design – you may be interested in using a medium or medium-high density foam that is of greater thickness. Alternatively, if you prefer to achieve a plush, more luxurious feel, memory foam is also an option. However, for best results, it is worth ordering a high-density polyurethane foam base that is then topped with a thin memory foam pad.

If you are wanting to change the colour of the stool legs, you will first need to unscrew the seat element before priming the legs with an appropriate plastic and metal safe primer. Next, apply the spray paint of your choice, before letting this dry for at least 24 hours. Having ordered your foam component(s) (at least 33cm by 33cm, and 5cm in overall depth), take the seat section and place this onto the foam sheet. Trace around this, leaving 1cm of additional space around the outer edge. Proceed to cut out your circle using a craft knife.

Next, take a piece of foam board (also known as Foamcore) measuring 20cm by 20cm, and place it over the screw holes on the underside of the stool seat. Proceed to place holes in the foam board to align with the screw holes. Next, place the stool seat on top of your foam cut out, and place on the underside of your chosen 1m by 1m fabric sheet ready for upholstering. Gently fold in your fabric around the circular shape, cutting off excess material as you go. Use a staple gun to fix the fabric in place, scrunching where possible, to tighten it as close as you can to the circular stool shape. Once complete, cut off additional fabric and neaten edges where possible, before reattaching the legs through the fabric, foam board, and into the original seat.

Should you wish to use a plush material such as faux fur, you may consider ordering a domed circular piece of foam for the stool to give the seat added dimension. When upholstering using faux fur, it is worth affixing this type of fabric with both a staple gun and fabric glue as it can be notoriously difficult to secure and work with, if not stitched to the intended furniture.

For personal assistance when ordering upholstery foam cut to size, contact one of our friendly advisors.