Ottoman, a deep-upholstered seat with or without a back that was brought to Europe in the late 18th century from Turkey, where it was the focal point of piled-high-with-cushion home sitting. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, making them a practical and aesthetic choice for homes of all styles.
Ottomans are a versatile selection of furniture that may be used in a variety of settings. This multi-functional element has the ability to tie your entire design together, creating a palatial interior. Set up collaborative sitting with our pouf ottoman, which allows everyone to get together in a more relaxed atmosphere than a traditional conference room.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the key considerations before purchasing ottoman furniture. Plus, we’ll share tips on positioning your sofa with ottoman for optimal use.
Whether you’re new to ottoman furniture or looking to upgrade your existing pieces, this guide will help you make informed decisions and elevate the look and functionality of your living spaces. So, continue reading to learn how to choose the best ottoman furniture.
Consider Ottoman Shapes
When you’re picking an ottoman, don’t forget about the shape—it’s super important! Ottomans can come in all sorts of sizes and shapes, like square, rectangular, round, or oval.
- If you’ve got a small room, think about going for an octagonal or round ottoman. Why? Because it gets rid of those pesky square corners and makes it easier to move around in tight spaces. Plus, it lets light come in from different angles, making the room look more spacious.
- But if your room is bigger, you can go all out with a large ottoman. It can have a cool geometric shape or a more natural, organic look. This large ottoman can become the star of the room, drawing everyone’s attention.
So, when it comes to ottoman shapes, think about the size of your room and how you want it to feel. Small and cozy or big and bold—it’s up to you!
Matching Ottoman Style and Design
The style of your ottoman furniture is another crucial aspect to consider when picking a piece. Ottomans come in various styles, ranging from classic and traditional, with intricate designs and rich, dark-colored fabrics, ideal for timeless rooms, to modern ottomans featuring clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic in neutral colors for those who prefer a contemporary look. Transitional ottomans blend elements of both styles, offering versatility suitable for various room types.
Select an ottoman that matches your decor style. Whether it’s contemporary, traditional, or something in between, ensure the ottoman’s design and upholstery harmonize with your existing furniture and room aesthetics.
Best Use of Ottoman Furniture
Ottoman furniture is incredibly versatile and can serve various functions in your home. An ottoman will always add flair to any room and help define the area when utilized to showcase decorative things on a tray, a scented candle, and heaps of attractive books. They are, nevertheless, an excellent location for storing items out of sight.
The most common use of an ottoman is as a footrest. It provides a comfortable place to prop up your feet while you relax on a sofa or chair. In the evenings, we typically concoct storage ottoman with a hinged lid to hide children’s toys and change a place into something more grown-up.
Another method to add functional storage space is to incorporate a big shelf beneath an upholstered top for serving trays, board games, periodicals, and books. It’s a smart way to add extra storage space.
Choose The Right Ottoman Materials
When it comes to picking the material for your ottoman, you’ve got lots of options! Some popular ones include fabric, leather, velvet, rattan, and microfiber. Each material has its own perks, so here are some simple tips to help you decide:
- Fabric: If you want a cozy and soft feel, fabric ottomans are a great choice. They come in various colors and patterns to match your decor. Just keep in mind that they might need more cleaning and can be prone to stains.
- Leather: Leather ottomans are elegant and easy to clean. They’re durable and can withstand wear and tear. However, they can be pricier than fabric options.
- Velvet: Luxurious and stylish, but it can be a bit delicate.
- Rattan: Gives a natural, breezy feel to your space, but it’s not as soft as other options.
- Microfiber: Microfiber ottomans are a middle ground. They are soft, easy to clean, and come in various colors. They can be a good choice if you want comfort and durability without breaking the bank.
Think about your lifestyle, budget, and the look you want when you’re choosing the material for your ottoman.
Think Matching Colors or Contrasting Ottoman
Choosing whether to match or contrast the color of your ottoman with the rest of your furniture and decor depends on the look and feel you want to achieve in your space. Matching colors create harmony and balance and offer an elegant and timeless appeal while contrasting colors make a bold statement and draw attention.
A black ottoman can add sophistication and contrast in a light room, while a white ottoman offers a fresh, versatile look. Blue ottomans bring a calming coastal vibe or create contrast in neutral spaces, and grey ottomans blend effortlessly with various color schemes.
For a pop of color and playfulness, go for a pink ottoman, while green ottomans evoke nature and refresh the atmosphere. Your choice should align with your style and the ambiance you desire in your space.
And What’s the Right Way to Position Sofa with Ottoman?
When placing an ottoman in front of a couch, it should be around two-thirds the width of the sofa. Anyone sitting on either rear of the couch should be able to reach the ottoman, but there should still be enough room to stroll by it comfortably —Approximately 30cm-50cm in front of the sofa is ideal.
Feel free to utilize it more as a beautiful coffee table if it isn’t used as a place to put your feet up. Add a decorative tray, books, or decor items to make it a functional and attractive centerpiece in your living area.
Tips for Choosing and Caring Ottoman Furniture
The top surface and upper sides of the cloth should be tough since they will always be utilized for resting tired legs and will be brushed past frequently. However, because the side fabric and fringe around the base are more aesthetic, they don’t have to be as durable. Treat the textiles with a stain protection treatment if you have the opportunity.
While vacuuming, your ottoman needs to be moved; thus, wheels and glides come in handy. If you have a lift-up lid, a gentle close hydraulic arm will prevent it from slamming shut on your fingers.
Deep buttoning on the top provides texture to the design, but it makes it challenging to stand beverage glasses on top, so remember to use a tray. Finally, avoid buying one that is so small that your legs can’t reach it. If required, purchase two and stack them, one on top of the other.
Incorporating trends into your home can be budget-friendly, and knitted ottomans like the BonBon offer a touch of whimsy and added texture to your space. Ottomans are an excellent choice when you want to experiment with colorful furniture without committing to a large piece.
Opt for shorter ottomans that can be conveniently tucked under a taller coffee table, making them easily accessible when extra seating is needed, especially for guests.
Conclusion
Choosing an ottoman for your home is a multi-step process. There are numerous factors to consider while looking for the ideal ottoman furniture, ranging from color to shape. We hope our article helps you narrow down your criteria to some extent. Check from our collection whether you know what kind of ottoman you want or want to experiment with different designs and patterns.
Armed with a PGDM in Marketing from the International School of Business & Media, Pune, Neha has more than 9 years of experience in this field. Her speciality lies in strategic planning, branding, social media, brand communication, and market research to name a few. Being an avid reader, she is always looking forward to learning new things and loves to explore new places. You can contact her at hello@arcedior.com
image sources
- Chromosome-X-Y: Baleri Italia
- Ella: Pietboon
- Macaron: Ooland
- Malibu: Dooq
- Iris-LWC: Verfo Lab
- Clod-Pouf: Pacini Cappellini