how do i choose an ottoman

How do I choose an ottoman?

• Decide on its purpose.
• Set a budget, and stick with with it.
• Consider the decor style of your room and sofa.
• Decide whether you want the ottoman to match the room's style or bring something new to it.
• Ask yourself if your room could use something extra in terms of design.
• Remember to consider scale.

Full Answer

How to choose an Ottoman for your home?

How do I choose an ottoman? Decide on its purpose. Set a budget, and stick with with it. Consider the decor style of your room and sofa. Decide whether you want the ottoman to match the room's style or bring something new to it. Ask yourself if your room could use something extra in …

What is an Ottoman?

How do I find a matching ottoman? Ideally, your ottoman would be the same height as your couch, but if you can’t find an exact height match or it’s more comfortable for your legs and back, you can choose an ottoman that’s an inch or so shorter than your couch instead.

How do you use an Ottoman as a chair?

While you might be able to pull off the look of a leather ottoman and a fabric sofa, the reverse is more challenging. On the other hand, if your living room already features fabric furniture, you have a wealth of fabric ottoman upholsteries to choose from. Pick out a microfiber ottoman in a bright hue to draw the eye to the center of the room. Get a fabric ottoman and an assortment of …

Why are Ottomans so popular?

How do I choose an ottoman for a sectional? Decide on its purpose. Set a budget, and stick with with it. Consider the decor style of your room and sofa. Decide whether you want the ottoman to match the room's style or bring something new to it. Ask yourself if your room could use something extra in ...

Should my ottoman match my sofa?

How do I choose the right size ottoman?

Does my ottoman have to match my chair?

How tall should your ottoman be compared to your couch?

How much space should be between ottoman and sofa?

What is the standard size of an ottoman?

Can you mix and match ottoman and sofa?

How do you place an ottoman in a living room?

What colors go with light GREY couch?

Can an ottoman be higher than a couch?

Are all Ottomans the same height?

How big should footstools be?

What is an ottoman?

Ottomans are fun, functional pieces of living room furniture, and they go well beyond their modest size in completing the look of your home. At its most basic, an ottoman consists of a padded cushion, usually atop a wooden frame for resting your feet. Of course, there are countless variations on the basic theme. This ottoman buying guide gives you everything you need to know about how to buy an ottoman that will reward you and your living room again and again.

What is a round ottoman?

Round ottomans are particularly good at packing a lot of comfort and versatility into a small frame, and they look good doing it. A round ottoman adds depth and dimension to a room that’s in danger of succumbing to a grid pattern. Place a round ottoman in a small conversation nook to create a communal focal point. Better yet, combine one with a round couch for a truly unique, contemporary look.

What is a coffee table ottoman?

Coffee-table ottomans solve the problem of feet on the coffee table and create all-in-one centerpieces for small living rooms or cozy quarters. At the other end of the spectrum, tray ottomans give you all-in-one furniture that’s personalized to any seat in the house. Versatile, mobile and separable, your ottoman tray can be used as a stand for a laptop or breakfast in bed.

What is a memory foam ottoman?

Some of the most affordable, coordinated ottomans to come on the scene in the last ten years are memory foam ottomans. Memory foam is a polyurethane material that can be elastic or supportive, depending on the degree of heat in contact with it. Highly recommended for those with chronic foot pain, memory foam ottomans are also lightweight, unfussy and easy to adorn with slipcovers of your choice.

Do ottomans have tufting?

If you’re looking for a chair ottoman or an attractive footstool, you’ll be happy to find that tufted ottomans have a lot to offer. Tufting keeps an ottoman’s foam and cotton filling from shifting or bunching, which is prone to happen after repeated use. Button-tufted ottomans also have an elegant, classic look that’s surprisingly affordable. For practical reasons, if you’re looking for a coffee-table ottoman or tray table ottoman, stay away from tufting.

How to choose an ottoman for a sofa?

If you’re thinking of getting a new ottoman, here’s a guide to choosing the perfect one to complement your sofa. 1. Decide on its purpose. Before shopping for an ottoman, decide whether you want to use it as a coffee table, to sit at the end of a sectional, or to fit in front of your sofa. If you decide to have it be a coffee table, you’ll need ...

What shape is an ottoman?

Play around with shape. The majority of ottomans are either square or rectangular in shape, but don’t be afraid to branch out and choose one that’s round. There are also ottomans shaped like hemispheres that tend to work well for propping up feet and adding more seating at the end of a sofa.

Can you use an ottoman as a seating area?

On the other hand, if your ottoman will be used for seating, it’s best that it match the height of your sofa and be comprised of the same material. Those who want an ottoman as an accessory or to have something to put their feet on will need an option that’s either slightly lower than the height of the sofa or the same height, regardless the material that it’s made of.

Do ottomans look good on a sofa?

The ottoman should look good alongside the sofa. This doesn’t mean it has to be the same color or have the same features, but there should be some cohesiveness.

Can you use an ottoman for a brown sofa?

In the above example, to give the room a more transitional feel instead of a contemporary one, the right ottoman for the brown sofa may be a traditional style ottoman with a floral print.

How tall should an ottoman be?

It depends on the use! Most are around two feet tall, but it will depend on the use. For example, an ottoman that is replacing a coffee table should be a similar height around two feet.

What is the most common type of ottoman?

The most common type of ottoman is the storage ottoman. It can have a lid that comes completely off, or a lid on hinges, similar to a chest. Some do not have a lid and are either for replacing a coffee table or meant for seating. They’re most commonly used for storage purposes, so their best uses are in the family room.

What is the most versatile type of ottoman?

Rectangular ottomans are perhaps the most versatile type of ottoman furniture, mainly because of the surface area they can hold. They come in multiple sizes and they oftentimes are suitable for replacing coffee tables in the family room or for storage options.

What is an ottoman?

The ottoman is a multi-purpose piece of furniture. Ottomans can be for storage, seating options, or as a stand-in for a coffee table. Many types of ottomans have storage options, making them great for coffee tables. Smaller ottomans without removable lids are great footrests, too.

What is the purpose of an ottoman?

The most useful ottoman is for storage , but it is also strong enough to hold extra things on top, whether it’s coffee mugs, knick knacks, or even a seat for someone. The most common type of ottoman is the storage ottoman. It can have a lid that comes completely off, or a lid on hinges, similar to a chest. Some do not have a lid and are either for replacing a coffee table or meant for seating.

What is an ottoman named after?

Well, it’s named after an ancient empire back in the day: it’s a super handy piece of furniture useful in many rooms of your home. We’re going to break down what an ottoman is, what their uses are, where they can be placed in your home, and how many different types there are, including the many materials they can be made from. ...

Can you move an ottoman flush against the wall?

Large rectangular or square ottomans are most common since they can be moved or pushed flush against the wall, but circular ottomans can make a beautiful centerpiece!

How to decorate an ottoman?

In a living room, try an ottoman as a coffee table: place a tray with vase, a tray with candleholder or a coffee table book. If you want to speak to the plush/fabric/seating elements of an ottoman (as opposed to a table function), layer on a throw blanket over the side of an ottoman, contrasting colors and textures for style.

What is an ottoman?

A Guide. An ottoman is a piece of furniture that is typically used as a comfortable footrest in front of a couch or chair, though you can also use it as a stool or even a coffee table. You’ll usually see ottomans in a formal living room or parlor – but they also work well in family rooms, or any other room where people might want to relax ...

What is an ottoman coffee table?

Ottoman Coffee Table: This type of ottoman is firm, with a flat surface—with no buttons or tufting—so as not to spill anything you put on it. It can be any shape, and it’s likely to be made with microfiber, leather or chenille materials. These ottomans are spacious and flat enough to double as a coffee table in any room.

What is cocktail ottoman?

A cocktail ottoman is a larger ottoman designed to serve as a coffee table during parties. Its surface is flat to place trays with appetizers and other finger foods, and its base is usually made up of four short legs. Despite the name (“cocktail” referring to cocktail parties!), these designs can be used for any occasion and as permanent pieces in the home.

What is a glider ottoman?

Most glider ottomans are square, with material that matches nearly any gliding seat. For a good example of a gliding ottoman that would look nice in nearly any room, opt for a set (chair with ottoman).

Can you put an ottoman on a TV stand?

Placing an ottoman directly adjacent to a TV stand or entertainment center can help create a ledge of sorts; since most entertainment centers and TV stands contain storage and functions low to the ground, an ottoman to hold or perch on as you adjust a gaming console or speaker can make for an easier setup.

Can you put an ottoman in front of a couch?

In most cases, you’ll want to put your new ottoman in front of a couch or comfortable chair so your guests can put their feet up as they sit. However, ottomans tend to be built to withstand the weight of someone sitting on them, which means they can also work as extra seating in your home. Additionally, an ottoman with a firm surface can act as ...