Ottoman Magic: Benefits of Adding One to Your Living Room

Ever wondered how a backless, armless seat ended up in nearly every living room? Well, ottomans have a way of quietly fitting in with the rest of your furniture and doing a bit of everything. From a spot for your feet to extra seating and hidden storage, they find their place in just about any home. 

Incorporating Ottomans into Your Living Room Decor

Ottomans are basically a kind of backless, armless upholstered chair that is surprisingly versatile. You can put one to work in a different way depending on what you need that day. 

Ottomans first appeared in Turkey during the Ottoman Empire, which is also where they got their name. They later spread to Europe in the 18th century. Today, you’ll find them in all sizes, and if you’re setting up your first place, you may want to consider getting one.

They Work as a Footrest and a Coffee Table

Footrest duty is what ottomans were initially made for, and they still do it brilliantly. But a designer ottoman for your living room can do a lot more than hold up your feet. You can turn it into a coffee table for drinks by setting a tray on it, or even snacks for a movie night with your mates.

They Give You Extra Seating

When friends come over, an ottoman gives you one more spot to sit, so everyone has enough space and nobody’s squished on the couch. The cushioned top means it is comfortable to sit on. You won’t need to check your garage to drag out the camping chairs.

Hides Storage Room

Modern ottomans have a hidden storage space inside. You can use them to store the things you may need in the room, like remotes, magazines, chargers, throw blankets and pillows. With them, your living room stays tidy, and nobody needs to know about the mess underneath.

They Fit Any Space

Ottomans come in loads of sizes, so even if your place is on the small side, you’ll find one that fits. And because they’re easy to tuck away, you can put it aside and free up floor space whenever you need it. They also come in many colours and fabrics, so they blend in with whatever you’ve already got. It looks smart and modern without trying too hard.

Types and Shapes

When you go shopping for your first luxury ottoman, you’ll be met with plenty of types, and it’s easy to get stuck on which one suits your home best. Once you know what to expect, the decision gets a lot easier.

• Tufted: These have buttons pressed into the fabric, giving it a textured, upmarket look. A designer ottoman in a tufted style instantly adds polish to your lounge room.
• Storage ottoman: If you need a little extra storage in a small apartment, this is a handy choice. Simply lift the lid to tuck away blankets, toys, remote controls and other everyday items.
• Ottoman bench: This one’s the long seat that goes at the end of your bed or in the hallway for pulling your shoes on. Many have storage underneath.
• Pouf: These are small, soft and light, so you can easily move them wherever you need extra seating. They usually sit low and don’t offer storage, so they may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a modern ottoman that can double as a coffee table.
• Coffee table ottoman: If you have little kids, these big, flat and padded ottomans without sharp edges are great. Add a tray over it and your drinks stay steady.
• Footstool: This is the smallest of the lot. It’s cheap, easy to move and goes perfectly in front of your favourite armchair.
• Cube: You can get a few of these, stack them, line them up or move them around however you like. Look for the ones with hidden storage under the lid if you need it.

Think about the space you’ve got and how you’ll use it, then pick the one that fits. You really can’t go wrong.

How To Choose Right

When choosing, start with what you want it to do. Whether it’s a footrest, coffee table, storage or spare seat, knowing its purpose makes picking a size and shape much easier.

For the height, grab a tape measure and check your sofa seat, then go for an ottoman that’s the same height or a couple of centimetres lower. Leave about 45 to 60 cm of walkway around it too, so you can move through the room comfortably.

Next, think about your room. Rectangular suits a big sofa, square is flexible, and round is kind to shins and tight corners. Finally, check the fabric and frame. Leather wipes clean, velvet feels lovely but shows marks, and look for a solid frame to get an ottoman that will last.

Ottomans give your living room a nice spot for your feet, a place for your guests and a home for all that clutter. Decide on a model that suits your space and daily routine, and it may become the most practical purchase for your living room area.