391 Ottomans & Cubes
Ottomans play many roles: you can use an upholstered storage ottoman as a footstool, a mixed fabric ottoman with a wooden tray as a coffee table, or an ottoman bench against a wall for extra seating. These multi-functional additions to your lounge furniture also add splashes of colour to accent your living space - instantly upgrading your living room without blowing any renovation budgets. Here are some more points to consider about ottomans and footstools. More
What’s a good size for ottomans and footstools?
On a scale of one to 10, how crazy are you about symmetry? The closer you are to 10, the more you’ll want your ottoman to follow the same dimensions (length, height and width) as the rest of your lounge furniture. Even if you don’t fancy an ottoman of the same size as a three-seater sofa, you can opt for two or three ottomans for continued balance and harmony. If, on the other hand, the ottoman is a centrepiece unto itself, then a large and round ottoman will help you create the desired effect.
Ottomans are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Choose from small to large round, rectangular, square or cube, and oval ottomans to complete your living room’s decor. For instance, a large upholstered ottoman can add a touch of opulence to your lounge, and a small square ottoman can be the perfect stool for occasional seating. In fact, ottomans that can be easily tucked under coffee tables are a great way to optimise on space and seating options for smaller homes.
How useful should the ottoman be?
Traditionally used as footstools, today’s ottomans are more commonly used as tufted coffee or side tables, and benches. Storage ottomans also pack in quite a punch as functional furniture that looks great too (especially for young families with toys covering every inch of the living room!). You can also match glider rockers with glider ottomans that are great for nursing corners. If the footstool is meant for regular use, you’ll also want to consider ottomans with removable upholstery (or cushion covers) for easy cleaning.
Which ottoman or footstool materials should I consider?
Ottomans often come in the same materials as sofas, so co-ordinating them to lounge furniture is a simple case of mix and match. Most often found upholstered or tufted, you’ll also find ottoman stools in weaves and wood. Predictably, the ottoman’s intended use will dictate its material and style. Footstools and bench ottomans will be well cushioned, while those intended for side table or coffee table use will be firmer on top. Therefore, a leather ottoman with a tray would be a great alternative to the usual living room tables.
Browsing ottomans online is a great way to understand where your preferences lie. If you’re after ready-made footstools, for instance, then this is the perfect place to source the best that Australia and New Zealand has to offer. If, on the other hand, you prefer a custom-made option, you can easily find different ottoman designs and ideas here and then contact the relevant professional. Whatever your ottoman needs might be, this section has you covered.