The Ultimate Ottoman Guide
Discover the most versatile piece of living room furniture. From extra seating to stylish storage, learn how to choose the perfect ottoman for your space.
Why an Ottoman? Ottomans are the multitaskers of the living room. They serve as footrests, extra seating, coffee tables, and even storage units. This guide will help you understand the different styles, materials, and how to pick the right one for your sofa or sectional.
What is an Ottoman?
An ottoman is a piece of upholstered furniture that typically has no back or arms. Originating from the Ottoman Empire, these versatile pieces have evolved into a staple of modern living room design. Whether you're looking to complement your sectional sofa or add a functional accent to a traditional living room, an ottoman offers both style and practicality.
Ottomans come in various shapes—square, rectangular, round, or even curved—and can be made from a range of materials including leather, fabric, and velvet. Many modern ottomans also feature hidden storage, making them ideal for multifunctional storage solutions in compact spaces.
Key Benefits of Owning an Ottoman
🪑 Extra Seating
Perfect for entertaining guests. An ottoman can quickly provide additional seating without taking up much floor space.
🦶 Comfortable Footrest
After a long day, put your feet up and relax. An ottoman complements your sofa or reclining sofa for ultimate comfort.
📦 Smart Storage
Many ottomans have a removable top that reveals a spacious storage compartment. Keep blankets, pillows, or magazines neatly hidden away.
🪞 Stylish Accent
Available in countless colors, patterns, and textures, an ottoman can be the perfect accent piece that ties your living room design together.
Popular Ottoman Styles
Choosing the right style depends on your living room's aesthetic and your functional needs. Here are some of the most popular types:
- Storage Ottoman: Features a lift-off lid, perfect for stowing away remotes, books, and throws. A great choice for small living rooms.
- Tufted Ottoman: Classic and elegant, with button-tufted upholstery that adds a touch of luxury to any modern contemporary living space.
- Leather Ottoman: Durable and easy to clean, a leather ottoman pairs beautifully with a leather recliner sofa or any leather furniture set.
- Round Ottoman: Softens angular spaces and works well as a coffee table alternative in open living spaces.
- Upholstered Bench Ottoman: Elongated design, ideal for entryways or the foot of a bed. A versatile piece that can double as a chaise lounge in the bedroom.
How to Choose the Perfect Ottoman
When shopping for an ottoman, consider these key factors to ensure you make the best choice for your home:
- Size & Proportion: The ottoman should be roughly the same height as your sofa seat. For a L-shape sofa, a larger rectangular ottoman can serve as a central coffee table.
- Material: Choose durable fabric or leather based on your lifestyle. For homes with pets and kids, performance fabrics or leather are excellent choices.
- Functionality: Determine if you need extra storage, a tray top for drinks, or a simply comfortable footrest.
- Color & Texture: Decide if you want the ottoman to blend in or stand out. A navy blue or striped throw pillows matching ottoman can be a great statement piece.
Pro Styling Tip: Place a large tray on top of your ottoman to create a sturdy surface for drinks and decor. Add a few throw pillows on your sofa to complement the colors of your ottoman and create a cohesive look.
Ottoman vs. Coffee Table: Which is Right for You?
Both ottomans and coffee tables serve as centerpieces in a living room, but they have different strengths. A coffee table provides a hard, flat surface ideal for displaying books and holding drinks. An ottoman, on the other hand, offers a softer surface and can double as seating or a footrest. For families with young children, an ottoman's rounded edges are a safer choice. For formal settings, a traditional sofa paired with a wooden coffee table might be more fitting. However, a tufted leather ottoman can also bring a sophisticated touch to a mid-century modern living room.
Where to Place Your Ottoman
An ottoman is incredibly versatile. Here are some popular placement ideas:
- In Front of the Sofa: The most common use. It serves as a footrest and can be used as a coffee table alternative.
- Next to a Chair: Adds extra comfort next to an armchair or swivel recliner.
- As a Bench: Place at the foot of a bed or in an entryway for a stylish, functional seating and storage solution.
- Central Coffee Table: A large square or round ottoman can anchor the seating area in your living room.
Top-Rated Ottomans for Your Living Room
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DUMOS 43 Inch Foldable Storage Ottoman Bench, Large Ottoman with Storage | Storage Chest with Thicker Foam Padded Seat, End of Bed Foot Rest Stool for Bedroom Living Room Entryway, Linen Fabric, Gray
ALASDO Storage Ottoman Footrest Stool Small Ottoman with Storage Foldable Ottomans Foot Rest Footstool Bench for Living Room 17x13x13inches Grey
HIGOGOGO Round Stuffed Pouf Ottoman, Corduroy Poufs with Foam Chunk Filling, Furry and Fluffy Pouf Foot Stool Storage Ottoman, 20 X 15 Floor Poufs Foot Rest for Living Room, Dark Grey
Sweetcrispy 43 Inch Folding Storage Ottoman Bench, Ottoman with Storage | Large Hidden Storage Chest with Padded Seat, Foot Rest Stool, End of Bed Bench for Bedroom, Living Room, Linen Fabric, Gray
HIGOGOGO Pouf Ottoman Stuffed Round Modern Foam Filled Foot Rest Poufs for Living Room Chair Decorative 20 X 15 Inches Boho Relax Stool for Wedding Christmas Party, Beige
PoteSoar 23.6'' Square Pouf Boneless Ottoman Foot Rest with High-Rebound Solid One-Piece Foam and Removable Washable Cover for Living Room, Gaming, Movie Watching - Grey
Manyday Round Stuffed Pouf Ottoman (Brown, 26" D x 26" W x 18" H) | Corduroy Foot Rest with Rebound Foam Filling, Furry and Fluffy Foot Stool Ottoman, Floor Poufs for Living Room
Final Thoughts: The Ottoman Advantage
An ottoman is more than just an accessory; it's a smart investment in your home's comfort and functionality. By choosing the right style, size, and material, you can enhance your living space significantly. Whether you're decorating a studio apartment or a spacious family home, there is an ottoman that fits your needs perfectly. Explore the styles above and find the perfect ottoman to complete your living room setup.
Remember, an ottoman can do double duty, especially if you choose one with built-in storage. This is a great way to keep your living room tidy and your essentials within reach. For more ideas, check out our guides on living room essentials and living room styles.