No stylish living room is complete without this key piece – designers explain why the humble ottoman could be just what your space is missing

Ottomans are highly versatile furniture pieces that can serve as footrests, storage units, makeshift coffee tables, and extra seating, making them a functional and stylish addition to almost any room. Interior and furniture designer Eva Sonaike highlights their adaptability, noting they can either blend into the background or become a focal point depending on the design. When selecting an ottoman, crucial factors include durable construction materials, a style that complements existing decor, and practical features like hidden storage or plush cushions. The Pottery Barn Teen Baldwin Ottoman with Storage is a highly customizable option, allowing choices in size (standard or oversized), fabric (faux leather, fur, suede), and color. Its classic square design features tufting details and cleverly concealed storage at the base, accessible by sliding off the top portion. A lip ensures the top stays in place when used as a footrest. Constructed with spring support and a plywood frame, it offers durability, while a foam fill provides comfort. The main drawback is the lack of padding on the legs, which could scratch hardwood floors. The West Elm Lumi Upholstered Storage Ottoman is a family-friendly choice with soft, rounded edges. Its standout feature is a flippable top: one side is upholstered for comfort, and the other has a flat wooden tray surface suitable for holding items or serving as a play area, with grooves designed for toy trains. The top can be removed to reveal hidden storage for toys, books, and throws. Customization options for fabric and color are available, and plastic glides protect floors. The Article Sefto Leather Ottoman offers a sleek, modern design with upholstered channels and full-aniline leather. Its mid-century modern aesthetic features clean lines and a square shape. The robust construction includes a corner-blocked wooden frame for stability. Fabric upholstery options, such as velvet yellow or saltwater blue, are also available at a lower price point. This ottoman, suitable for larger rooms, is filled with foam and polyester for softness and can support drinks. However, its substantial weight (over 60 pounds) makes it difficult to move. The Room&Board; Indira Ottoman adds a unique touch with its classic Kilim pattern, available in three colors and square or round shapes. Its lightweight and petite size make it suitable for small spaces, easy to move and tuck away. It features a CertiPUR-US certified foam core for comfort and safety. While the wool fabric provides durability, it has a rougher texture compared to softer alternatives. For those needing multiple footrests or to fill a larger space, the AllModern Adna Triangle Cocktail Ottoman comes as a set of two (one small, one large). Its triangular, river-stone-inspired silhouette lends a modern aesthetic. The cotton and polyester fabric is easy to clean, and the mortise and tenon joinery in the frame ensure longevity. However, its distinctive style might not suit all decor themes. The Burrow Range Ottoman, while designed to complement the brand's sofas, functions well as a standalone piece. It offers six fabric colors and three leg finish options (metal or wood), allowing it to blend with various aesthetics. An optional table attachment enhances its functionality. The fabric features a tight weave, making it resistant to spills and stains. Its design is more basic compared to other style-focused options. For ultimate comfort, the Urban Outfitters Evelyn Velvet Bean Bag Ottoman combines a bean bag chair with an ottoman. This oversized, plush piece is ideal for lounging but less suitable for placing drinks due to its softness. It features soft color options, piped edges, and a cotton velvet coating, with a fill partly made from recycled materials. Its lightweight nature (13 pounds) facilitates easy relocation. The Citizenry Bower Ottoman is handcrafted in North Carolina, emphasizing quality construction and timeless design. Available in various fabrics like cotton velvet, tweed, and performance options, customers can order swatches to ensure suitability. It comes in two circular sizes with a flat top, allowing it to double as a table. While lacking extra features like storage, its durable build ensures it withstands daily use. The Mermelada Estudio Cana Outdoor Patio Ottoman offers a bohemian style for outdoor spaces, made from weather-resistant materials. Its open-weave base and natural rattan-like appearance create a relaxed, coastal feel. An aluminum tube frame provides elemental resistance, and an oversized, easy-to-clean foam cushion adds comfort. Made from resin rather than authentic wicker, it is highly durable for outdoor use. However, its non-flat top makes it less ideal for beverages without a tray. The Lala Reimagined Velvet Ottoman serves as a statement piece with its intricate engraving, abstract patterns, and triangular shape. The carved wooden base complements a vibrant cushion with purple, pink, and orange hues. Reinforced with sinuous springs, the seat maintains its shape. Its flat top allows it to function as a table, and the polyester fabric with a velvet mohair finish is both soft and easy to clean. Due to its triangular shape, smaller sizes may be awkward as a footrest, making it better suited as a side table or stool. The Kelly Clarkson Home Gloria Velvet Ottoman is designed to fit at the end of a bed, offering a spacious lift-top storage compartment for bedding or clothes. It features soft velvet upholstery in various colors and elegant tufted details. It also serves as a convenient spot to sit. However, the tufted top is not suitable for unstable items like wine glasses without a tray. The Castlery Desmond Ottoman presents a chic silhouette with walnut-stained legs and an angled cushion designed for leg comfort. Available in fabric or leather, its solid rubber wood frame ensures durability. The shallow depth of the seat and angled cushion make it less suitable for prolonged sitting or placing items on top. Finally, the IKEA Gamlehult Ottoman with Storage features a playful rattan design with a handwoven top and metallic legs. Its central storage space is ideal for books or remotes. The petite size makes it suitable for small apartments, easily tucking away. However, the rattan surface is less comfortable for seating compared to upholstered options. When choosing an ottoman, considerations include shape (round/oval for softness, square/rectangular for structure), size (proportional to other furniture, with room for flow), design (subtle or bold accent), material (velvet/cotton for softness, kiln-dried wood/spring-reinforced for structure, performance fabrics for easy care), and care instructions (weather-resistant for outdoors, stain-resistant for high-traffic areas). #Ottoman #HomeFurnishings #InteriorDesign #FurnitureSelection #HomeDecor #StorageSolutions #MultiFunctionalFurniture #LivingRoomDesign #FurnitureReview

The article discusses the versatility and appeal of upholstered ottomans as a home furnishing. It highlights their historical evolution from large, room-dominating seating in the 18th century to their current, smaller, backless form. The piece emphasizes the ottoman's multifunctionality, serving as accent tables, footstools, or additional seating, as noted by Manhattan decorator Malcolm James Kutner. London-born designer Tamzin Greenhill adds that ottomans are inherently linked to comfort, often used for resting feet. The article references William Haines, a Hollywood decorator, who frequently used ottomans around cocktail tables to foster conversation areas. It suggests that despite a humorous pop culture reference to ottomans causing trips, incorporating them into a space should not be an impediment. The article aims to guide readers in selecting elegant ottomans by presenting a curated list of ten favorites, reviewed and rated by interior designers Malcolm James Kutner and Tamzin Greenhill. It underscores the ottoman's role in enhancing both the functionality and aesthetic of a living space. The piece positions the ottoman as a practical and stylish addition to any home, capable of adapting to various needs while maintaining an element of comfort and sophistication. #Ottomans #UpholsteredFurniture #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #FurnitureVersatility #AccentFurniture #DecoratingTips #LivingRoomIdeas

The ottoman, historically viewed as a mere footstool, has evolved into a highly adaptable and essential piece of furniture within home decor. Its versatility allows it to transcend its traditional role, serving multiple functions across various rooms of a house. Originally paired snugly with a chair, offering comfort and mimicking the chair's design through features like legs, skirts, tufting, piping, or nailheads, the modern ottoman now presents itself in a multitude of forms and functionalities. Ottomans can be found in sizeable rectangular, round, or oval shapes, effectively transforming into cocktail tables. Many contemporary designs incorporate practical features such as shelves beneath for storing magazines and books, detachable trays for serving drinks and food, and liftoff tops that reveal hidden storage compartments. This adaptability makes the ottoman a valuable asset, not only providing extra seating for guests but also enhancing the utility of any living space. Interior designer Barry Dixon highlights the ottoman's broad applicability, stating that it can be utilized in almost any room, including bathrooms where they can be upholstered in towels for placement by the tub or as a vanity seat. Design aesthetics for ottomans range widely, from straightforward, tautly upholstered designs to pieces with more distinct, elaborate personalities. Haute House, a Hollywood-based company, is known for its "haute couture" approach to furniture, incorporating rich materials like brocade, velvet, and silk, adorned with beads and fringe. Owner and designer Casey Fisher explains that their design process often begins with vintage fashion elements like bejeweled brooches or rhinestone buttons, around which a silhouette is crafted, akin to setting a precious stone. This approach results in ottomans that are described as fashionable and flamboyant, suitable for those who appreciate everyday "bling" in their home furnishings. Beyond these highly embellished options, the market offers a diverse selection, including cottage-style, crisply tailored, and curvy rattan designs. Examples include the Savannah chair and ottoman from Pottery Barn, featuring a sunny yellow floral pattern and jaunty pleats, ideal for a master bedroom. The Eaton ottoman from Williams-Sonoma Home offers an arched back, rolled arms, and nailhead detailing, while the Malabar chair and ottoman from Pottery Barn showcase sculptural forms with sweeping curves and a herringbone weave for added texture. Ottomans are also designed to complement sofas, with some sinuous models stretching nearly 90 inches. More compact versions can complete a sectional or be placed in front of a sofa to create chaise-like seating. Stand-alone ottomans can serve as focal points. A rectangular piece with turned legs and a cushioned top covered in a kilim weave from Pottery Barn, for instance, can function as a striking bench in front of a fireplace. Large-scale ottomans, with smooth or tufted tops, are excellent cocktail tables, their proportions chosen to harmonize with surrounding furniture. Leather upholstery, with expanded color palettes from aniline dyes, offers a sophisticated alternative. Accent ottomans, such as Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams' '70s-inspired "shagadelic" tango ottoman or West Elm's poufs made from hand-loomed cotton dhurrie, suede, or sheepskin, add playful elements. Smaller, portable ottomans, particularly those on casters, offer enhanced versatility, easily movable for extra seating or as surfaces for laptops. These smaller pieces can also assume more discreet roles, tucked under sofa tables or used at the foot of a bed. Historically, ottomans have been known by various names, including tuffets, hassocks, taborets, and poufs, each reflecting different eras and styles. Regardless of the name or specific design, the ottoman remains a celebrated and adaptable element in interior design, providing a final, polished touch to any room. #Ottoman #HomeDecor #FurnitureDesign #InteriorDesign #VersatileFurniture #HauteHouse #PotteryBarn #FunctionalDecor #LivingSpaceEnhancement

The coffee table, often underestimated, serves a multitude of functions beyond merely holding beverages. It can act as a dining surface for movie nights, a discreet storage unit for various household items such as blankets, games, and toys, or even a dedicated homework station. Given its significant versatility, careful consideration is warranted when selecting a new coffee table. The article posits that an ottoman is the optimal choice for a coffee table due to its unparalleled flexibility and practical advantages. Ottomans offer superior adaptability compared to other coffee table styles. They can be utilized as comfortable footrests, transformed into practical drink tables with the addition of a tray, or even provide extra seating when needed. This multifunctional aspect makes them particularly beneficial in diverse living environments. Furthermore, for households with young children who are just learning to walk, ottomans present a safer alternative to traditional coffee tables due to their softer edges and surfaces, minimizing the risk of injury. While not all ottomans come with storage, a substantial number do, offering an invaluable solution for decluttering and organizing living spaces. The article then explores several recommended ottoman-coffee table hybrids, catering to various aesthetic preferences, space requirements, and budget considerations. For those who appreciate traditional design, the Skirted Cocktail Ottoman from The Inside is highlighted. This upholstered piece, available with custom fabric options, is praised for its classic appeal, particularly in a ticking stripe pattern. It represents a blend of elegance and functionality, suitable for a more conventional interior design. Budget-conscious shoppers or those looking for versatile options from unexpected places might consider the Baldwin Ottoman from Pottery Barn Teen. Despite being from a 'teen' department, its sophisticated design, especially in materials like faux leather or denim, makes it suitable for adult living spaces. It comes in standard and oversized versions, allowing for customization based on room dimensions. A more affordable alternative, the Faux Leather Ottoman Footstool by Christopher Knight Home, is also mentioned for its value. For individuals with a generous budget, 'The Big Friendly Ottoman' by British designer Alice Crawley is presented as a high-end, aspirational option. This luxurious ottoman is notable for its integrated tray and its ability to function as a mini play area, showcasing intelligent design that combines luxury with practicality. A slightly less expensive but equally impressive option from the same designer, 'The Little Friendly Ottoman,' is also featured. Those who favor natural textures and a relaxed aesthetic might be drawn to the Liang Wicker Ottoman from The Citizenry. This piece provides a breezy, beachy ambiance while being robust enough for resting feet. It also includes subtle storage space for books, enhancing its functional appeal. Finally, for living spaces with severe size constraints, the Mainstays Boucle Cloud Storage Ottoman from Walmart is recommended. This option is celebrated for its affordability, compact size, and built-in storage, making it an ideal solution for maximizing utility in small areas where every piece of furniture must serve multiple purposes. This particular ottoman effectively addresses the need for both style and practicality within limited square footage. Each of these selections underscores the ottoman's capacity to meet diverse household needs while maintaining a stylish presence within the home. #OttomanCoffeeTables #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #MultifunctionalFurniture #LivingRoomEssentials #StorageSolutions #FurnitureShopping #SpaceSavingIdeas

The Wade Logan Bryonie Round Cocktail Ottoman with Storage is gaining popularity among shoppers seeking versatile and space-saving furniture solutions, leading many to replace traditional coffee tables with this multi-functional piece. This ottoman, currently available on sale during Wayfair’s furniture event, offers a unique combination of aesthetic appeal and practicality, designed to address the common challenge of limited space in contemporary homes. This particular ottoman, measuring 2 by 1 foot, features a removable wooden tabletop tray, which serves as a stable surface for drinks or decor. Beneath this tray lies a substantial storage compartment, capable of accommodating various living room or bedroom essentials such as blankets, pillows, and books. This hidden storage is a primary draw for customers looking to declutter their living areas and maintain an organized environment. The ottoman is offered in a diverse palette of 10 colors and three distinct fabric options: cozy boucle, sleek faux leather, and soft teddy fabric. All fabric choices are designed to be stain-resistant, enhancing the product's durability and ease of maintenance, making it suitable for active households. Crafted with a blend of solid and engineered wood, the Wade Logan ottoman is built to support up to 300 pounds, allowing it to function as an extra seat, a footrest, or a coffee table. Its circular design, complemented by the wooden tabletop, imparts a classic and refined look, while the textured boucle fabric adds a layer of warmth and sophistication to any room. Despite its robust construction and storage capacity, the ottoman is surprisingly lightweight, weighing only 26 pounds when empty. This portability allows users to easily reposition it within their home as needed, offering flexible solutions for various living arrangements or social gatherings. The ottoman has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from nearly 400 reviewers, achieving a 4.5-star rating. Many users commend its sturdy build and premium appearance, noting that it looks more expensive than its actual price. Reviewers have highlighted its generous storage capacity, with one customer enthusiastically stating it can hold “six throws,” and another praising its straightforward assembly. The wooden top is particularly appreciated for its functionality as a table. For those desiring a cushioned surface for foot resting, a simple solution is to fold a blanket and place it on top. Customers also frequently mention its suitability for small spaces, its ability to enhance the center of a room, and its effortless cleaning process, further solidifying its appeal as a practical and stylish home furnishing. Overall, the Wade Logan Bryonie Round Cocktail Ottoman is presented as an all-in-one design solution for those in search of additional storage, versatile seating, or a functional coffee table, especially while it is available at a reduced price point. Similar storage ottoman deals are also highlighted on Wayfair, indicating a broader trend towards multi-functional furniture. #HomeDecor #Furniture #StorageSolutions #WayfairSale #MultiFunctionalFurniture #LivingRoomDesign #SpaceSaving #InteriorDesign #Ottoman