An ottoman is a piece of accent furniture, typically with no arms and backrest. They are low couches that can be utilized as a coffee table, footstool, and beds. They are generally used as coordinating furniture with the existing sofa and can be used in any room and any part of the house.
The ottoman first came into existence during the Ottoman Empire of Turkey, mainly used for seating purposes. It was then brought into Europe and other parts of the country, where it was named as ‘Ottoman‘ after its origin in the Ottoman Empire.
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Types of ottoman furniture
Storage ottomans
Prominently known as space-saving ottomans, they save a tone of space with their storage feature. Want to keep the room organized? Fill them with blankets, books, or anything you need to stow away. They are usually rectangular or square, with the option to lift off the lid entirely or open on hinges.
Maximize the living area space with a SIMPLIHOME Harrison square coffee table made from faux leather. It is beautifully hand constructed using solid wood, making it sturdy and bears heavyweights.
Inside, there are large interiors for storing items. It makes it convenient to hide unnecessary stuff and keep the home crowd-free.
Pros and Cons
Pros: It is durable and sturdy, which makes the product last longer.
Cons: Some viewers find the upper cushion to be not aligned.
Product details
Available colors: Distressed Umber Brown, Midnight Black, Chocolate Brown, Crimson Red, Denim Blue, Distressed Brown, Distressed Black, Dove Grey, Ebony, Fawn Brown, Mink Brown, Satin Cream, Stone Grey, Tanners Brown, Platinum. Sizes: 34, 36, 44 inches
Dimensions: 36 x 36 x 16.5 inches
Item weight: 52.9 pounds
Material: Faux Leather
Max Weight Recommendation: 250 Pounds
Ottoman coffee table
Otherwise called cocktail ottomans, they are large-sized ottomans used as coffee tables. For tufted surfaces, trays are usually used to serve snacks and beverages as the surface is uneven, and there are chances of liquid getting spilled. The fabric used to make coffee tables include leather, chenille, and microfiber.
Convenience Concepts has a storage furniture coffee table with two tray tops that let you spend no extra money buying the trays. The furniture is made from Faux leather with wooden legs as a base, and trays are made from a rigid material. There are two trays, each with handles, making them easy to carry.
The trays come in handy when having coffee or during parties and functions. When trays are not utilized, keep them inside the coffee table to fit perfectly. There is ample storage inside to keep other items too.
Make an effort not to keep any heavy items over the trays as they may get scratched or broken. If the trays are broken, request new trays, and the seller will send the new trays. This coffee table also serves as a footstool for relaxing the legs.
Pros: An elegant coffee table with ample storage space.
Cons: Trays are not exceptionally solid; however can be brought into light use.
Available colors: Dark Espresso, Tan Faux Linen, Black
Sizes: Rectangle
Dimensions: 19.5 x 34.75 x 17.75 inches
Material: Faux Leather
Item weight: 33 pounds
Leather ottomans
The Leather sofas are undoubtedly the most lavish, rich, and exquisite of all ottomans that enhance the overall look of any room. They are available in both genuine and vegan leather to not disappoint anybody.
If you are a vegan lover and want to avoid anything made from leather but still longing for leather furniture, this is for you. This is a high-quality product made from vegan leather at a fair price that you are sure to fall in love with.
This coffee table fits well in both contemporary and traditional living rooms. The best thing about the product is that there is no usage of unnecessary pollutants or chemicals.
It has a supple feel, though it has firm looks. The product has impressive craftsmanship with chestnut color and bold patterns.
Pros: The product lasts long. With no sharp edges, it is ideal for families with kids.
Cons: It does not provide any storage capacity.
Available colors: Chestnut
Sizes: Round
Dimensions: 31 x 31 x 15 inches
Material: Vinyl Vegan Leather
Item weight: 45 Pounds
Round ottomans
Otherwise called circular ottomans, they are renowned for their attractive appearance. Some come with storage space, and some do not. Some have delicate surfaces, while many do not.
Next on the list comes one of our favorites: a round tufted coffee table from Modway, which can bring a refreshing and striking statement to a contemporary home.
Upholstered with fine leather material and generous padding provides gentle splendor. The legs are made out of plastic and are nonmarking.
Pros: Available in a wide variety of colors.
Cons: For tiny apartments, the product happens to be an oversized footstool.
Available colors: Black, Atomic Red Orange, Azure, Beige, Brown, Granite, Grey, Kelly Green, Laguna, Light Grey, Oatmeal, Orange, Sunny, Teal, Wheatgrass, White Vinyl. Sizes: Round
Dimensions: 40″D x 40″W x 16.5″H
Item weight: 36 pounds
Material: Vinyl Faux Leather
Outdoor ottomans
These are the types of ottomans mainly used for outdoor purposes, such as seater or lounger. They work impeccably inside also. They are usually water and heat resistant to heavy rain and harsh sunlight.
This patio sofa set has hidden ottomans underneath that can be pulled in and pulled out. This lavish product includes 2 single chairs, a coffee table, and 2 sliding cushions. The coffee table is kept hollow on both sides to help you put things with no difficulty.
The product is received in different boxes, one after the other, with an easy-to-follow instruction manual for assembly. It looks magnificent in the backyard, poolside, and balcony for relaxing and gives a rich vibe to your home.
The patio chairs are sturdy, with a rattan frame and comfortable cushions. Cushion covers can be removed for easy wash.
Pros: The frame is solid and sturdy, and the whole set adds a touch of glamour to your backyard.
Cons: Product is not shipped at a time which puts customers waiting. Some find assembly to be time-consuming.
Available colors: Beige, Blue, Blue Purple, Grey
Dimensions: 42 x 24 x 33 inches
Material: Sponge-padded cushions + PE rattan frame
Item weight: 60.9 pounds
Tufted ottomans
They have a tufted pattern on the surface or all over the body. Hence the name tufted ottoman. The tufted design gives them an alluring look and makes the fabric stay intact to the body.
This one is guaranteed to win in any room with a modern coffee table look and velvet upholstery. Available in both light and dark colors with a soft texture and minimalistic structure. The diamond stitch pattern does not become any hurdle in its comfort. All the tools required for assembly are included with the item.
Pros: A beautiful product with fantastic craftsmanship.
Cons: With deep button tufting, dust quickly accumulates, and it sometimes becomes challenging to clean it.
Available colors: Grey, Fuchsia, Navy, Dark Teal, Ivory, Light Green, Navy Blue. Sizes: Square, Round, Rectangle
Dimensions: 29″D x 29″W x 18.5″H
Item weight: 18.3 Pounds
Material: Velvet Polyester
Ottoman beds
They look just like an ordinary ottoman in folded form, but they turn out to be a comfortable sleeping bed when unfolded. They are preferred over standard wooden frame beds or traditional box spring beds. They are affordable, sturdy, available in various sizes, and easy to move around with their compact size.
Want a piece of multifunctional sleeper furniture that can work as a seater, footstool, chair, coffee table, and bed? Get Vonanda’s convertible sofa guest bed. It is produced using top-notch materials, making it a rigid and solid product to use.
What’s more to it? The backrest can be adjusted at 5 different levels to have maximum comfort. The folding feature of the product takes very little space and squeezes into any little space.
This is your ideal choice when you live in tiny space rooms, dorms, or apartments and can’t afford large beds. The seller offers 3 years warranty with 180 days of a free trial.
Pros: All in one sturdy multifunctional product.
Cons: The cushion is not very soft like a regular bed mattress.
Available colors: Dark Gray, Chocolate Brown, Denim Blue, Light Brown, Mustard Yellow, Velvet BlackBerry, Velvet Gray, Velvet Hunter Green, Velvet Salmon Pink.
Sizes: Rectangular
Dimensions: 27″D x 37″W x 17″H
Material: Linen + Metal + Sponge
Item weight: 65.9 pounds
Max Weight Recommendation: 440 lbs
Ottoman dog beds
These are the ottomans used as pet houses, a few of which can also serve as footstools for humans.
Get your furry friend a perfect cozy bed for sleeping from HomePop, a tufted bench, and an ideal footstool. A must-have pet house for any dog for a cozy night’s sleep and warmth feel. Faux leather covering and ottoman looks don’t make it look like a pet house.
It impeccably blends into any home décor and looks just like any other furniture set. The tufted cushioned top also gives a comfortable place to sit and relax. Pet can enter the house from the front opening, and for our convenience, the lid can be lifted from the top, which opens on hinges.
Pros: The pet house is lightweight and subsequently easy to carry.
Cons: Some users complained that the product had a bad smell.
Available colors: Brown
Sizes: Rectangle
Dimensions: 38″ x 18″ x 18″ inches
Material: Polyurethane Faux Leather
Item weight: 29 pounds
Large ottomans
These are the oversized ottomans preferred by large apartment owners that also serve as coffee tables.
Next on our list is a large coffee table made from vegan leather. It is large and quite sophisticated. The furniture showcases a deep button tufting throughout its body, making a striking statement in a contemporary home.
It can function as a versatile seat in the entryway, lounge area, living room, or family room. The generous padding with a square design offers enough area for relaxing.
Pros: Instantly glams up any area.
Cons: Not so soft, as told by some reviewers.
Available colors: White. Sizes: 48, 60, 72 inches – Large Square, Round
Dimensions: 39 x 39 x 16.5 inches
Item weight: 42 pounds
Material: Vegan Leather
Max Weight Recommendation: 400 lbs
Small ottomans
Small ottomans are tiny ottomans used for footrests or as seaters.
This vintage cube ottoman has a trendy design featuring a button-tufted surface and nailhead trim around the edges giving it an eye-catching look. This accented tufted set has round solid-wooden bun feet.
It is furnished with two concealed hinges to keep the lid open and quickly access the coffee table inside. It is well constructed with sturdy legs and a wooden frame, guaranteeing long durability with magnificent stability. The bottom has a non-slip pad to keep the bench in its place and prevent scratches on the floor.
Pros: It is easy to install with effortless cleaning. The small size helps it fit in any congested area.
Cons: Has minimal area for storage inside.
Available colors: Dark Grey, Red, Brown, Olive Green, Navy Blue
Sizes: Square
Dimensions: 24.2″D x 18.1″W x 17.7″H
Material: Faux Leather
Item weight: 20.9 pounds
Max Weight Recommendation: 22 pounds
Pouf ottomans
Poufs are the adorable little accent furniture set without legs, and it sits on the floor. Some poufs have pre-filled stuffing, and few come without the filling.
Add warmth and a different arena to your home from a natural-looking pouf made from natural jute. Used by many as a highlight piece, this product can be brought to use as a footstool, small coffee table, or additional seating place.
This small pouf goes well in tiny apartments or farmhouses to add a vintage look.
Pros: Pre-assembled. Hence, no assembly is required.
Cons: Not a stiff product.
Available colors: Natural
Shape: Round
Dimensions: 20.5″D x 20.5″W x 10.5″H
Material: Jute
Item weight: 8.13 pounds
Rectangular ottomans
Perhaps rectangular-shaped ottomans are widely preferred of all because of their versatility. Apart from using it as a bench, they are perfect as a bed end bench and a coffee table. They also fit perfectly against the wall because of their shape.
In most of the furniture sets, we have seen only the top area being tufted and the rest to be plain. However, this rectangle table has a tufted design all over it.
Made from 100% polyester, this tufted bench is sure to wow the guests. With smooth velvet upholstery and stunning aesthetics, it will upgrade the home.
Pros: No assembly is required.
Cons: Large size makes it not so good choice for moving around.
Available colors: Grey, Fuchsia, Navy, Dark Teal, Ivory, Light Green, Navy Blue. Sizes: Rectangle, Round, Square
Dimensions: 18.75″D x 50.75″W x 15.75″H
Item weight: 20.72 Pounds
Material: Polyester
Square ottomans
They are not as common as rectangular-shaped ottomans but are favorable for storage. Most of the small-sized ottomans come in square shapes used to rest feet.
A linen Upholstery with deep button tufting that anyone will love. Its beautiful appearance can match any living room with its classic style and variety of colors. Around the edges, it is crafted with a double layer of nailhead trim which gives a fascinating look to the overall table.
Just like its upper part, the bottom part is no less attractive. In most of the furniture where we see a wooden base, this sofa stands out with caster rolling wheels to quickly move the table across our home.
Pros: It has a unique design and is convenient to move from place to place as it has rollers at the bottom.
Cons: Not available in durable fabric like leather.
Available colors: Blush, Granite, Gray, Ivory, Linen, Navy, Charcoal, Granite large. Sizes: Square with casters, Square with shelf
Dimensions: 33.5″L x33.5″W x 18″H
Item weight: 38.3 pounds
Material: Linen
Uses
Footstool
With their low profile and cushioned surface, they become a perfect footstool to relax your feet.
A Versatile Table
When an ottoman isn’t a footstool or a seat, it’s a table. It can be an excellent coffee table to sit around and have a sip of tea with family and friends or toss it with magazines and novels and enjoy reading.
Lifesaver
When there are many uses and no place available to sit, use them for sitting.
Additional storage
Provides ample storage space to keep your things hidden, creating mess-free room. Put away blankets, books, throws, pillows, cushions, or children’s toys.
Why should I buy an Ottoman?
Adds Extra Seating
The ottomans may not be as oversized as sofa furniture sets, but they can be a lifesaver when you have unexpected guests over your place. Just pull it over and use it as a seat or as a footstool or coffee table.
Stash Your Stuff
In tiny apartments, not having enough space is the most significant issue people face today. Most of the area is taken up by the furniture sets, and there’s no space left for other small stuff. Go for storage ottomans which take up most of your small things that create a mess around your room.
Ideal for smaller spaces
Though available in large sizes, many small-sized ottomans can fit into any given small space. Folding ottoman beds are the best way to save a ton of space.
Keeps your bedroom tidy
With storage ottomans, you can hide all your stuff inside and keep your room tidy and organized.
Buying guide
Purpose
With so many ottomans available in the market, it is sometimes overwhelming to decide on one ottoman. So ask yourself, “Why do I need this?”. For storage purposes, just for decoration purposes, as a coffee table or a footrest? Once you decide on this, it’s easier to buy your dream ottoman.
Size
They come in large and small sizes. Big ones are suitable for apartments and homes with a lot of space. Do not go with oversized ottomans when you live in a small area, as they take up most of your room.
Wheels
When you happen to be a person who keeps shifting things from here to there, one with wheels attached to its legs is the best option.
Pattern
They come with a button-tufted and diamond-tufted pattern. In diamond type, buttons are deeply inserted, while in button type, they are almost on the surface and are visible. When you want something to use for a long time, perhaps you should be going after diamond ones as the fabric remains intact and buttons don’t fall off easily.
Water resistance
When buying outdoor furniture sets, it is essential to check if the product is waterproof. Some sellers mention their outdoor ottomans to be water-resistant and rust-free. However, that is not the case in many instances. To get clarity, contacting the seller itself is sometimes not enough. Read each review and decide for yourself.
If planning on having a large storage ottoman, check whether they come with wheels, so it is easier to shift it inside out. Nevertheless, it is also true that you do not find many of these with wheels.
DIY storage ottoman coffee table
Frequently asked questions
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What is ottoman furniture?
It is a piece of furniture set with no arms and backrest.
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Why is furniture called ottoman?
It is called ottoman because of its origin in the ottoman empire, where it was first invented and later brought into European countries.
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Does all ottoman furniture have a storage unit?
No. Mostly the storage unit is found in ottoman benches.
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How far should the ottoman be from the couch?
It depends on what you are using it for. As a seater, it should be a minimum of 30 inches apart, and to use it as a footrest, keep it 12 inches apart.
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What is pouf vs. ottoman furniture?
Poufs
They lie on the ground as all the poufs have no legs.
Less firm and more like pillowy.
Many use it for decoration purposes.
Ottomans
Almost all of them have legs with a few attached with rolling wheels.
They are more firm and sturdy.
It is multifunctional that can be brought into many use.