The only problem is they were installed like a rollercoaster so if I put them in exactly where they were they would be crooked again. If I do them straight then you will see the impressions from the previous tacks above some of the area.

Totally understand that..but with the lighter nail heads the wave will not be as noticeable...that is why the original owner couldn't fix it! Only way to make it go away is to reupholster it..than it is not a good deal...or not attach track add a piece of trim but upholster would have to do that....it is what it is.

Okay I understand what you're saying now. It's leather and perfect in every other way so your idea makes sense.

Great hope it all works out and you can enjoy it!

I suppose, over time, that the indentations could relax; however, perhaps you could cover this area with white ribbon—a plain grosgrain or one with a FANCIER design. There are a lot of fabric glues that could make the task relatively easy.

Aleene's Platinum Bond Super Fabric Adhesive gets 4 stars on Amazon. Of course, you should always test on a sacrificial piece before applying to an expensive item.

Could you use a larger size upholstery nail that might cover most of the wavy marks from the prior ones?

Try a hair dryer on it. The heat may relax the leather enough.

P Banos..It isn't a slight amount..It is significant enough that if I put in a new nailhead the impression from the previous one would still show.

pennydesign, I will try it tomorrow!

mindshift, that would be great but it's leather so I can't use a trim.

I honestly like it just the way it is. It's unique, imperfect. Perfection can be overrated. Just my opinion. :)

The ottoman was purchased at Ethan Allen for close to a $1,000 by the previous owner. She kept it covered with a throw in the first photo for a few years because of the odd way the tacks were installed. I bought it for $75 dollars! It's upholstered in the most buttery leather so I feel it's a great deal. It really does look like a design from afar..I noticed that some of the tacks left cuts in the shape of the tacks. I may leave it as is until I decide what to do. The area on the side in the photo doesn't even show how bad it is. The worse parts are on the long sides. I think I'm going to just live with it the way it is..Putting more tacks in it will just accentuate the defect as the tacks go way above the seam where the tacks on the sides are installed..enough to put another row underneath next to the seam. I'm going to love the imperfection. It's still a beautiful ottoman. Thanks so much for your suggestions!

how about a contrasting leather trim strip? glued on, and you could even hold IT down with tacks. it would cover up the old impressions.

for $75, i'd want it better than this.

I thought of that but it would have to be a contrasting color leather as I would never be able to match it. You gave me an idea to see if I can get any ideas from photos.

you have a lot of nice colors in your room that you could go with. here are a couple i found.

not advocating either, just that it has been done and i dont think they look odd.

you might also have the top part reupholstered, less money than the whole thing.

I love the leather so would like just a trim. I'm actually using the blow dryer and seeing if I can make some of the circles pop up. A lot of them did but not all and I noticed the tack holes. I need to fill them in. I didn't mention that a one piece tack strip was used so they were tacks on a strip and only every other hole had a circle where you tap one tack in. It's a butter cream color..off white do need something to fill in the holes. If I can get them a little blended in from the blow dryer I may just leave it...or even install a new tack strip which doesn't look too hard.

measure from the bottom of where the strip would begin to the top of the highest indentation, and thats how wide of a strip you need.

reminder, you probably arent going to get it on perfectly either. you might have someone else do it if you are in doubt of your skill.

You can buy leather and faux leather bias tape, for under (or to replace) the new tacks, also...

And I agree with ninigret about taking it in to a local shop if you can. You need a very steady hand and a good eye to do this. You could just give the a call and ask for a guestimate before you go lugging it around.

If you choose to diy, I would chalk a line first and measure measure measure...

So glad you rescued this!

I would put the tack back on too and maybe put the part that is not straight up against the wall. I like the location in your house for this ottoman in the first pic better than the second. Good luck!

I would apply new tack and just forget about it. I doubt anyone but you will ever notice the flaws. We're always critical of our own belongings, but rarely look that closely at other people's decor.