If you’ve been thinking of upgrading your decor, you may tend to underrate an ottoman. In reality, it adds so much to home decor. An ottoman is, in fact, a multi-purpose piece: extra seating, as a coffee table to rest accessories, a decorative footstool, space-savvy storage, you name it! This bad boy is so versatile—you can repurpose it in so many different ways on different days. So, when decorating your room, don’t underestimate what an ottoman can do 😉
In this blog post, we’ve put together our top tips for using ottomans for decor, one room at a time. So, you can make the most of ‘em, in terms of decor as well as functionality!
Benefits of Using Ottomans for Room Decor
Ottomans hold so much potential in the design world! Among others, their top benefits are:
They’re the ultimate multi-taskers. Ottomans provide a comfortable place to rest your feet, but that’s really just the beginning. They can easily transform into extra seating for unexpected guests—eliminating the need for bulky chairs that eat up space.
Ottomans may be storage-savvy. Many ottomans come with hidden storage compartments. Here, you can tuck away throws, pillows, board games, or anything else you want to keep out of sight but easily accessible. This is especially a pro if you struggle with clutter.
They’re lightweight. Unlike bulky chairs, ottomans are generally lightweight as well as movable. This allows you to easily rearrange them to suit your needs. Need extra seating? Pull them closer to the couch. Want a makeshift coffee table? Simply add a tray! This flexibility makes them ideal for maximizing space, especially in compact living areas.
They’re so stylish. Ottomans come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and colors; you can find one that perfectly complements your existing decor.
Ottomans are affordable. Compared to other furniture pieces, ottomans are relatively affordable.
Creative Ways to Use Ottomans for Room Decor
Now that you know the (immense!) benefits of using ottomans, let’s get straight to the point, and talk about how you can decorate each room of your house with these pieces.
Living Room
The living room is where ottomans will truly shine. So, don’t skimp on them here!
Use an ottoman as a coffee table. A single large ottoman can act as a unique and stylish coffee table for the center of your sofa setting. Point in context: the brown leather ottoman shown below (the leather will be easy to wipe clean in case you get a spill). When serving, you want to opt for a tray to create a stable surface for drinks.
Price: $2,805
Shop: Alchemy Fine Home
Use it for seating on demand. Ottomans provide extra seating for guests when needed—all without sacrificing valuable floor space. So, they’re perfect for casual gatherings or movie nights.
Product: Bower Ottoman - Small
Price: $399
Shop: The Citizenry
Make it a footrest retreat. Let’s not forget the classic use! Ottomans offer a comfy spot to kick back, relax, and put your feet up after a long day.
Price: $899
Shop: The Citizenry
Use an ottoman for decor. Elevate your living room decor by using an ottoman as a decor piece. We especially love the vintage touch the ottoman below is adding to the nook!
Price: $363
Shop: Alchemy Fine Home
Bedroom
The bedroom is where you relax, so you want to use an ottoman for a similar purpose.
Add an oversized chair and ottoman. If space isn’t a problem for you, you might like the decorative presence of Homebody’s oversized chair and ottoman. This is super chunky in build—and even comfier than it looks (especially considering its 5 layers of plush cushioning). Perfect to make the cozy nook in your bedroom, where you can unwind with a book.
Product: Coconut Chaise
Price: $3,320
Shop: HomeBody
Use it for quick seating. Pouf ottomans provide a convenient spot to sit while putting on shoes, tying laces, or accessorizing before heading out.
Price: $129.99
Shop: Homary
Use it as a seat for your vanity. An ottoman can make for a great vanity seat! If you have a mirror/dresser in your bedroom—and are looking for a stylish seat to use with it—an ottoman is just the right pick. You can tuck it under the table when not in use, and conveniently pull it out when you’re in for a makeover. We especially love the decorative presence of the ottoman below!
Price: $363
Shop: Alchemy Fine Home
Entryway
You might’ve never thought this out a lot, but an ottoman can be super useful in your foyer. Beyond the functionality they offer, ottomans can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for anyone walking into your home.
Use an ottoman for quick seating before you head out. Gone are the days of balancing on one foot while wrestling with shoes. Ottomans provide a comfortable spot to sit and take off or put on your shoes just as you walk in—or out—of your home.
Price: $1,275
Shop: Alchemy Fine Home
Add an ottoman to display your favorite accessories. Ottomans offer the perfect platform to showcase your personality. Place a decorative bowl on top to add a touch of style; this creates a visually appealing focal point for your entryway. We especially love Hunt and Bloom’s Mathews Ottoman—sure to create a design statement with its navy blue leopard print.
Home Office
You’d be surprised to know, ottomans can find good use in your home office, too!
Client meetings or brainstorming sessions with colleagues? An ottoman can provide seating space for a guest/colleague, without the bulk of additional chairs. This allows for flexible seating arrangements as well as impromptu collaborations.
Price: $499
Shop: Alchemy Fine Home
Double their duty by using them for storage. An ottoman with storage can be really helpful in the office. Use it to store your files with records—or even items for comfort, like a throw—and no one will know they’re there!
Price: $79.99
Shop: Yita Home
Finally, an ottoman can also make for a great ergonomic footrest in the office. If you’re feeling tired and in for a little break, set your feet on that ottoman and enjoy a cup of coffee.
Outdoors
If you didn’t know already—ottomans make for great outdoor use, too! They can be utilized for almost all of the reasons mentioned above (extra seating under the sun, decor, as a footrest or coffee table, etc.). Be sure to pick an ottoman suited for outdoor use, such as the one shown below.
Product: Provence Outdoor Ottoman - Boucle
Price: $890
Shop: House of Leon
Final Words
With our guide coming to a wrap, we hope you found the ottoman that suits your space best! If you’re looking for a piece for some other space of your home, share it with us in the comments section below. We’ll help you find one 😊