How to use an ottoman: 10 great ways to elevate your space

Written by

12 June 2023

•

6 min read

An ottoman is a unique piece of furniture for the home that exudes style, celebrates comfort and breathes functionality. Seen as a luxurious furnishing for many years, the ottoman has started to appear in more and more homes across the country. Further to this, people are using the ottoman in unique ways opening up some very interesting avenues for design, decoration and day-to-day living.

There is much to discover on your journey of understanding exactly how to use an ottoman. As a matter of fact, as you’ll quickly learn, there are a number of answers to this question. While the original intention of the ottoman was first as a seat and footstool, it has quickly evolved to include even more uses and the results are inspiring.

1. Make it a focal point in your interior design

An ottoman has a lot of potential with respect to the interior design of a room which includes acting as a focal point for the eye. Excitingly, given the wide range of options available, there are a number of ways you can do this. A bold choice of colour is one approach, using a contrasting choice to add a bit of pop and dimension to a space. Size and placement are other options to try with a large, statement-sized ottoman acting as a centrepiece for a sofa and lounge chair. Last but not least, the shape is a characteristic that is quickly becoming one that can present a real point of difference and opportunity for creativity. Here you'll find your basic round ottoman as well as other different shapes, some of which are quite unique and intriguing.

The penta-shaped Five Pouf Small from Bauhaus is an addition that instantly draws the eye.

2. Use it as a storage solution at the foot of your bed

Many of you will know that many ottomans now come with storage compartments (often called storage ottomans) giving them extra functionality that can be taken advantage of in all kinds of ways. One such example is to use it as a storage solution for the bedroom where, when chosen well, it can seamlessly be placed at the foot of your bed. This gives you a great space to store your extra bed linen and blankets, especially over the summer when fewer layers are needed. It can also act as a perch to put on shoes, read a book, place a bag etc which can be very handy too.

An opulent and practical choice at the foot of the bed with the Vogue Ottoman from DeLux Interiors.

3. Place a tray of drinks for outdoor entertaining

A lot of ottomans are also made with hosting in mind in, even in outdoor settings. The best ottomans for this are ideally those with a wide, firm and flat surface that can confidently accommodate a tray of refreshments and nibbles. Outdoor ottomans like this have become particularly popular due to their multi-functional offerings. Made with resilient materials, they also tend to be light enough to easily move around for a quick setup for that unexpected gathering.

Related article: How to set up an ideal deck in New Zealand

The Nomad Pouf by Dawson & Co. is a versatile outdoor furnishing that can be used in many different ways.

4. Pick it as a complementary footrest to a sofa or armchair

Having already discussed the potential for the ottoman as a statement piece in a family room or otherwise, you can also explore the opportunity to pair it as a complementary piece to a sofa or armchair. This type of ottoman typically functions in the traditional form of a footrest and there is no shortage of options to choose from. From a design perspective, it creates a pleasing sense of cohesion and unity. From a comfort perspective, it gives you a great place to rest your feet.

The Tamarindo Footstool by Wolf & South is an integral part of the Tamarindo Collection for seamless aesthetics.

5. Try it out as a replacement coffee table

In much the same way you can use the ottoman as an entertaining surface in outdoor settings it can easily assume the role of a stylish coffee table in interior spaces as well. Stylistically, they can really work as you’re actually able to more closely pair them to a sofa compared to traditional coffee tables. The right choice can function exactly as a normal coffee table too as a place to put coffee table books, magazines, remote controls as well as your preferred choice of beverage.

Doubling up as a stylish coffee table — the Bennie Ottoman from DA Lewis Furniture.

6. Introduce an interesting texture into a space

Ottomans nowadays are made from a variety of different materials giving you the chance to some interesting textures into the mix. This includes fabric options like linen, velvet, leather and cowhide (to name a few). It also includes different types of wood and metals or a combination of all of the above. Each of these options brings its own unique textural quality and feeling whether it's the coastal vibes of rattan ottoman or the luxurious look of leather ottoman. How you choose to introduce these into your living room is completely up to you.

The textural quality is undeniable with the Kina Lux Ottoman by CondeHouse from Matisse.

7. Make it personal with patterns

Upholstered ottomans are a great option for those looking for a more intimate and personal choice. This is because patterns tend to be more expressive and unique which means you can find something that really speaks to you. Again, the range is wide which can be daunting so it helps to narrow it down by thinking about the space just as much as your own personal preferences. This will provide you with the focus you need to frame a decision.

Related article: How to embrace maximalism in your home

An exquisite flamestitch ottoman in this stylish home in Hillcrest.

8. Use it as extra seating in a shared space

We've already talked a lot about the natural versatility that an ottoman has. Another way an ottoman can be used is as additional seating in a living room or any other communal area in the home. This can be great for impromptu visits and gatherings when you quickly need to create a seating area for guests. Afterwards, it can return to its original purpose as a footrest or otherwise until the next unexpected house call.

The exquisite Gilda Ottomans from DeLux Interiors provide great additional seating options.

9. Display items and decorative pieces

An ottoman can also be used to showcase other pieces you have in the home be it temporarily or on a permanent basis, acting as a side table of sorts. These accents can help beautify your room and give it more visual interest for you and visitors to your home. As far as ottoman ideas go, it's one that proves that it can be a team player just as much as the star of the show.

The 'Rio' Ottoman in Cream Leather from Indie Home sets a great stage for decorative pieces.

10. Declutter and organise your spaces

We've already talked about the value of a storage ottoman in relation to the bedroom but they are just as valuable any other space in the house. As they tend to be smaller in size you're somewhat limited by the size of items you can place in them. However, you'll find them incredibly useful for storing lots of other accessories that are much smaller in size which can make a space feel cramped and cluttered.

The practical and stylish Azur Storage Ottoman by Coco Wolf from Wolf & South.

Some great ways to use an ottoman in your home

As you can see, the key to knowing how to use an ottoman is first acknowledging the potential the modest little furnishing has. Having been awakened to the possibilities you can really make the most of the ottoman of your choosing as it becomes an important part of your living space and a cherished item in your home.

Discover an extensive range of stylish ottomans on ArchiPro