A truly versatile addition to your home, the possibilities are endless for ottoman ideas. An ottoman can have a variety of functions in a room, it can be used as a footrest or for extra seating, to act as a coffee table, and as a display area for books and magazines.
A great feature for living room ideas, ottomans can also be used throughout the home, working well in both bedroom, bathroom, and landing areas, adding both a practical surface area and an inviting touch of shape and texture.
Whether you choose a traditional footed design to pair with your sofa or opt for a boldly patterned style to add a pop of color to a bedroom, there is a range of ottoman ideas to choose from to best coordinate with your space.
OTTOMAN IDEAS – 13 BEAUTIFUL WAYS TO STYLE THIS PRACTICAL YET DECORATIVE FEATURE
From ottoman placement ideas to different finishes and styling techniques, we have gathered our favorite ottoman ideas to provide you with some stylish inspiration for this flexible furniture piece.
1. CREATE AN ELEMENT OF CONTRAST
An ottoman is a great way to be bold with design ideas and create an element of contrast in a room.
‘If you want to add some interest to your living space but in a more subtle way, choosing an ottoman in a contrasting color or pattern can create a feature out of this furniture piece – without the design being too overpowering,’ says Homes & Gardens’ Editor in Chief Lucy Searle.
In this living room, the pink patterned ottoman design beautifully contrasts with the gray and yellow scheme, with the hints of pink used in the decorative cushions tying the overall scheme together.






Add throw pillows to whatever room needs an extra dose of comfy. Individually cut and sewn by hand, each pillow features a double-sided print and is finished with a concealed zipper and faux down insert. Keeping an assortment of throw pillow designs on hand is the easiest way to give any space an instant refresh. Available in four sizes.
<< More Throw Pillow Styles >>
2. CHOOSE A DURABLE LEATHER DESIGN
As ottomans are often multi-purpose pieces with a number of uses, choosing a durable material, such as leather, will ensure that your ottoman ideas stand the test of time in your home.
Leather ottoman designs not only add a luxurious element of texture to a room but also provide a smooth surface area which is great for doubling up as a coffee table.






Our floor pillows are the perfect pick for seating in a pinch. They’re overstuffed and firm to never lose their shape and the high-quality print makes sure the design stays crisp and colorful. Available in round or square, with two size options.
<< More Floor Pillow Styles >>
3. MATCH YOUR OTTOMAN TO YOUR EXISTING COLOR SCHEME
To create a cohesive design scheme, a simple styling tip for your ottoman is to match the piece with the paint ideas used in the space.
In this family living room, the beautiful green paint shade used throughout is elevated by the matching ottoman design, creating a stylish connection and celebration of the color green.
The dark wooden feet also perfectly match the flooring, grounding the ottoman to the space and further enhancing this united design atmosphere.






Our outdoor floor cushions are the super comfy and style-forward option for outdoor seating. They’re UV coated to protect against fading and water resistant so you can avoid scrambling to bring them inside whenever there’s a touch of weather. Grab a few to have on hand whenever seating is hard to come by or for a fun option for kids to use out in the yard.
<< More Floor Cushion Styles >>
4. USE AN OTTOMAN IN A BEDROOM SPACE
‘Ottomans are often associated with living rooms, placed in front or beside the main seating area, however, they are also a great addition to a bedroom space, creating an extra element of comfort and texture,’ says Homes & Gardens Editorial Director Sarah Spiteri.
A go-to place to position an ottoman in bedroom spaces both small and large is at the foot of the bed. This established design idea creates a practical and inviting seating area that neatly extends the bed design.
Whether you match with your bed linen or create an element of contrast, remember that ottoman ideas are not just limited to the living room.






It’s easy to get lost in sleep in our warm yet lightweight comforters. Colors pop on this bedding staple and they will surely be the focal point of your bedroom’s decor. Choose from either synthetic microfiber or our unbleached, long-staple 100% cotton. Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen and King sizes.
<< More Comforter Styles >>
5. COORDINATE WITH YOUR CURTAINS
From bold printed curtains to neutral block color designs, coordinating your ottoman with your curtains can effortlessly make the piece feel integrated into your space.
In this living room, the bright, pink striped fabric used on the curtains and ottoman create a colorful statement and beautifully complements the muted, pink-purple paint color used on the walls.
Making the most out of a beautiful piece of material and using the same print throughout a space can create a thoughtful and considered design.






Invite the sun inside on your terms. Our blackout window curtains are a denser alternative to your standard window curtain, blocking out most light and proudly featuring your favorite designs. Whether you live in a busy apartment or a peaceful neighborhood, it’s always nice to have the option to shut out the sun and relax inside by the candlelight. Available in either single or double panel options...
<< More Blackout Curtain Styles >>
6. USE AS A PLATFORM FOR DECORATIVE TRAYS AND OBJECTS
Ottomans are renowned to create an inviting surface area where you can get creative with decorative trays, ornaments, and objects.
Providing a practical platform much like a coffee or side table, your ottoman can be beautifully decorated with flowers, books, and accessories. Styling them with objects such as these can also make them feel more personal and connected to a space.






Rectangular pillows add depth and variety to your couch or bed. Individually cut and sewn by hand, each pillow features a double-sided print and is finished with a concealed zipper and faux down insert. Mix and match patterns and designs or use as complements to our throw pillows and bring your home’s look together. Available in four sizes.
<< More Rectangular Pillow Styles >>
7. CHOOSE AN OTTOMAN WITH A SPACIOUS METAL FRAME
For a more lightweight design, choosing an ottoman with a slender metal frame can enhance the feeling of space in a room.
Great if you want to use an ottoman in a small living room and not make the area feel too overcrowded, using see-through options, like above, use an elegant mix of contrasting materials whilst amplifying a feeling of space.






Cozy up with our unbelievably soft throw blankets. Crafted with sherpa fleece, these blankets actually get softer the more times you wash them. Coordinate with throw pillows and rectangular pillows for whatever nook needs a little extra dose of comfy. Available in three sizes.
<< More Throw Blanket Styles >>
8. USE AN INTEGRATED COFFEE TABLE AND OTTOMAN DESIGN
You certainly can have both a coffee table and an ottoman in the same space, but there are many innovative, integrated coffee table and ottoman designs out there that elegantly combine the two designs.
Many designs unite a solid, coffee table surface with the soft, comforting elements of an ottoman placed underneath. This creates an enhanced, multipurpose design that is great for saving on space in a room, ideal for small living room ideas.
In this striking living room space, the bright red, upholstered ottoman elements can be pulled out from underneath the white table design, seamlessly creating additional seating and surfaces when needed.






Express your style all over your home with a feature-worthy rug. They’re made from a woven, polyester chenille for a soft and textured look. Plus, choosing from our wide array of designs, you’re sure to find just the rug to match your decor. Rugs are one of the best, attention-grabbing pieces to design a room around. Use the colors within the rug to help choose art prints, furniture fabric and accent pillows.
<< More Rug Styles >>
9. CREATE A RELAXED LOOK WITH A LOW OTTOMAN
Using a low ottoman without feet can create an enhanced, relaxed vibe in a living space.
‘A low ottoman can create a more contemporary, informal feel in a room. Being grounded to the floor embraces a laid-back feeling and can make people feel comfortable and at ease when they walk into a room‘, says Jennifer Ebert, Homes & Gardens’ Digital Editor.
In this living room, the large square ottoman is perfectly paired with the textured rug, creating an inviting, soft atmosphere and gathering point in the center of the room.






Add throw pillows to whatever room needs an extra dose of comfy. Individually cut and sewn by hand, each pillow features a double-sided print and is finished with a concealed zipper and faux down insert. Keeping an assortment of throw pillow designs on hand is the easiest way to give any space an instant refresh. Available in four sizes.
<< More Throw Pillow Styles >>
10. USE A PRETTY PAIR
Why have just the one ottoman? For a balanced, symmetrical look in your living space, using multiple ottomans is a great way to add texture and color to a room, as well as providing multiple surfaces that can act as seating, display areas, and footrests.
Whether you choose matching designs like in the cozy living room above or opt for contrasting styles dotted around a room, having more than one ottoman will always create both an area of style and practicality.






Our outdoor floor cushions are the super comfy and style-forward option for outdoor seating. They’re UV coated to protect against fading and water resistant so you can avoid scrambling to bring them inside whenever there’s a touch of weather. Grab a few to have on hand whenever seating is hard to come by or for a fun option for kids to use out in the yard.
<< More Floor Cushion Styles >>
11. POSITION IN A BATHROOM TO CREATE A LUXURIOUS ATMOSPHERE
Ottoman ideas are often considered to be found in a living room or bedroom, however, using an ottoman when considering bathroom ideas can create a heightened atmosphere of luxury and relaxation and really transform the use of the space.
Ideal if you want to make a large bathroom space feel cozy, placing an ottoman in the center of the room can create an inviting seat space and added an element of warmth and texture.
In this bathroom, the bench-style, tufted ottoman creates an elegant seating area and makes the most of the empty space opposite the bath.






Park it in style on this incredibly versatile bench, upholstered with vegan leather featuring all the designs you love. The perfect indoor bench, it will give any space an instant upgrade. Dress it with plush blankets or throw pillows to keep it elegant, but super cush.
<< More Bench Styles >>
12. ADD A SPLASH OF COLOR TO A NEUTRAL SCHEME
If you don’t want to go big and bold on your paint and wallpaper ideas in a space, adding color through upholstery and key furniture pieces is a simple and subtle way to add character to a room.
In this living space, painted in a palette of calming, neutral colors by Little Greene, the bright green ottoman creates a beautiful contrast and adds an inviting element of color and texture. An ottoman is a great platform for accent color ideas, adding an unexpected, vibrant shade through this piece of furniture is a quick way to add impact and interest.






Our peel and stick wallpaper is easy to apply and take off, leaving no adhesive residue. Featuring sharp, vibrant images, wallpaper patterns are ideal for accent walls, flat surfaces and temporary installations. Available in three panel sizes.
<< More Wallpaper Styles >>
13. LAYER PATTERN ON PATTERN
For a rich and vibrant look, choosing an ottoman with a print that contrasts with the rest of your scheme will make for a bold design rich with character and personality.
The colorful, checked ottoman in this striking living room enhances the elements of playful texture and pattern in the space. Using a mixture of different prints, colors, and styles in a room can create a unique, maximalist look that celebrates layered patterning.






From sideshow to show-stopper, our side tables will be a stunning modern accent to your space. Selecting from our wide array of artist’s designs printed with a satin finish on birch wood, you’ll take any room from zero to a hundred. Available in a square or round table top, and black or gold leg colors.
<< More Side Table Styles >>
WHERE SHOULD YOU PUT AN OTTOMAN?
There are no set rules on where you should put an ottoman in your home. Traditionally, they are used in a living room space, placed in front or beside a sofa or lounge chair. Ottomans are great for making a seating space feel intimate and engaging, and placing one near the main seating area in your home will not only make the space feel cozy and united but will provide a practical surface area.
However, the essence of an ottoman design is that it is a multipurpose piece, meaning that it can be used in rooms across the home.
As explored in this article, ottomans are great for use in the bathroom, bedroom, and living room, providing extra seating and a platform to rest books, decorative accessories, and, of course, your feet.
HOW DO YOU DECORATE AN OTTOMAN?
Depending on where you place the ottoman in your home, it can be dressed with an array of decorative objects and accessories.
Using an ottoman decorative tray creates a designated area where you can place flowers, coasters, books, and decorative pieces, whilst still leaving room for people to rest their feet or sit.
In a living room, an ottoman is a perfect place to display books and magazines, whilst in a bathroom, you can decorate with select toiletries or a small basket of towels.
An ottoman is a great area to showcase meaningful objects and accessories, so, however, you decide to decorate it, it can be a platform for both practical and personal pieces.
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