After deploying the Modern Wing-back Chair that I built, my beautiful and talented wife suggested that a footstool that could hide underneath it would be a nice addition. I had left over cherry wood in the right dimensions to do it so I did a quick project to make one.
After determining the right dimensions, I rough cut all of the material for the top frame and the legs. I connected the frame parts using mortise and tenon joints, the legs I cut an offset 1” x 1” tenon on the top of each leg so the frame could sit on the shoulder. I then tapered each leg on the back and inside and then using the router table I applied a 3/8” round over detail to all of the visible edges of the legs and the frame to match the detail of the chair. The tenons on the tops of the legs also got drilled for a diagonal screw to pull them into the corner of the frame. The tenon stops 1/2” below the top of the frame to create four support points for the 3/8” plywood base of the cushion.
After sanding from 60 grit to 320 grit ( and cleaning up the tapers and transitions of the rounding over process) I glued up the frame and installed the screws holding the legs in along with glue.
I cut a 3/8” thick plywood base with a 1/8” clearance around it for the base of the cushion. I glued 1 1/2” deluxe foam that had been shaped to have curved edges on four sides and 1” of polyester batting onto the plywood. I then covered it in the same fabric as the chair making sure to align the pattern so that it pointed in the same direction as the chair. I stapled the fabric on the back of the plywood panel and trimmed off any excess. I just friction fit it into the footstool so it is technically removeable.
I put a coat of General Finishes Hard Wax Oil finish on the cherry and let it cure and then I was able to install the cushion and deploy the footstool. I think it complements the chair nicely and it does add to the comfort of using the chair.