Ottoman Coffee Table

The ottoman coffee table is popular in today’s homes and with good reason. With shrinking home sizes and a growing emphasis on practical home decor, this multitasking piece of furniture has become a must-have.

But what exactly is an ottoman coffee table, and how do you find the best ottoman tables for your space? In this guide, we'll explore the top options that combine style, functionality, and comfort, making them ideal for any living area. 

Let’s start with the ottoman itself

An ottoman coffee table is a combination of both an ottoman and a coffee table merged to create one piece—simple as that. It is larger than a standard ottoman and typically takes up enough space so everyone gathering can access it easily.

Essentially, the cocktail ottoman has the added characteristic of an oversized surface—typically measuring 36” wide or more—to both kick up your feet and accommodate a serving tray to provide a sturdy surface for drinks. It often exceeds the traditional coffee table's versatility and the total value it brings to a space.

What Does an Ottoman Coffee Table Bring to a Living Space?

Ottoman coffee tables are softer than a solid surface table. They can make a space feel less rigid and more inviting and comfortable.

Ottoman coffee tables also add versatility to your space because they’re multifunctional. Replacing a wooden round coffee table with a round storage ottoman instantly gives you extra space and helps declutter the room.

Ottomans work well in almost any room and with any room decor, especially if you choose the size, shape, material, and features based on your current needs. In addition, you can add to what your ottoman brings by placing a serving tray on top—this is the perfect spot for drinks, a plate of snacks, or even a vase of dried flowers.

Designed to support your feet as you sit, Ottomans are incredibly practical pieces of equipment. Despite its apparent sole purpose of supporting your feet, Ottomans can improve circulation and your general posture. Additionally, when a chair is too large for you, Ottomans are the perfect piece of equipment.

Ottomans have a plush surface made of leather or fabric, so any elements are naturally softened and texturized. In a living room, try an ottoman as a coffee table: place a tray with a vase, a tray with a candleholder, or a coffee table book.

If you want to speak to an ottoman's plush/fabric/seating elements (as opposed to a table function), layer on a throw blanket over the side of an ottoman, contrasting colors and textures for style.

What Should You Look for in an Ottoman Coffee Table?

True to the name, ottoman coffee tables serve many purposes — from storage benches to formal coffee tables, so you’ll first want to search for the main reason you need the ottoman. From here, deciding which features to look for will be easier. Regardless of why you need the ottoman, you'll want to ensure that it complements the aesthetic of the space you're using it in.

Deciding what you need might require some measuring and planning, but finding the perfect fit is more than worth it.

Height:

The ideal height of an ottoman is at or slightly below seat height. Keep in mind that stuffing will introduce some added height to the unfilled ottoman. The padding will be anywhere between 2-4 inches. The exact added height is determined by personal preference.

Size: 

How the ottoman fills up, or floats in the space of the room matters. Ideally, it should be large enough that every seat that surrounds it can easily reach it with their hands and feet. It’s awkward if a nearby chair or sofa is almost close enough, but not quite. . . 

On the flip side, the ottoman should not be so large that it consumes the space. You should ensure that the ottoman leaves enough space between itself and the seating to be able to walk around the conversation area comfortably, and that your vacuum can easily maneuver between as well. It’ll make your cleaning life much easier! 

A good rule of thumb is to look for ottomans with a diameter or length of 36” or more and a height in the range of 16-20”. That said, you want to ensure that the ottoman leaves enough space between itself and the seating to be able to walk around the conversation area comfortably.

Silhouette/Shape:

Choosing a square, rectangular or round shape can also make a critical difference. If a space is smallish or feels a little squishy, a round shape will help. Rounded edges help to give the illusion of more space and make maneuvering around a tight room easier. 

Also, if a room has lots of hard or square edges, adding some rounded or oval features can soften the look and make the room feel more pleasing. 

Consider pairing L-shaped sectionals with round-shaped ottomans to balance out the rectangular lines of the seating.

Material: 

Look out for a durable material that contrasts against the furniture's material, so pair upholstered sofas with leather ottomans or vice versa. 

If you don’t love leather, then consider pairing an upholstered sofa with an ottoman upholstered in a patterned fabric.

You want to view the room and ensure the ottoman doesn’t get lost among other furnishings or feel too matchy-matchy.

Features: 

Storage is generally a good option, so if you can snag a stylish cocktail ottoman with hidden storage, go for it!

One Ottoman Is Great, Is More Even Better? 

It can be a challenge when there is too much space between seating, knowing it’s ideal to make sure every seat has a place to prop a foot and a beverage. Extra long sectionals can be challenging in this way. 

Sometimes one extra large ottoman can do the trick, however a massive ottoman may feel too bossy and overbearing. 

Another space that can be tricky is one that’s narrow and has seating that runs long but not wide. A big ottoman won’t fit width ways, but is actually needed in a long, linear fashion. 

Using multiple ottoman’s can be a great solution to a myriad of these space issues. You may opt for two Coffee Table Ottomans instead of one large square ottoman so that they could be moved around independently as needed. Having two of them makes it so that every seat (and feet) in the room has easy access to an ottoman. They are used not only for propping feet, they’re also benches for extra seating, as well as a great surface for our frequent game playing, and can be easily stored under a higher piece of furniture when not in use.

When a space is really large or awkwardly shaped, three or even four, ottoman’s can be the magic solution. These can be moved about and placed individually. 

I love the look and practically of four square ottoman’s which can be bunched together for a cohesive look when not in use. These can then be pulled apart and moved to where they are needed as guests are sitting around chatting or watching TV.