Refresh Your Living Room Style with Ottoman Ideas

Ottomans are versatile pieces of furniture that can quickly refresh the style of your living room. With the right ottoman, you can add a pop of color, introduce unique textures, and create designated spaces for relaxing, socializing or storing items. Ottomans are available in a range of shapes, sizes and styles to complement any decor. Read on for ottoman inspiration to give your living room an easy style pick-me-up.

Popular Ottoman Styles for Living Rooms

From storage benches to cocktail tables, ottomans are available in many styles that can serve both stylish and functional purposes in your living room.

Storage Ottomans

Storage ottomans are one of the most practical ottoman styles, providing hidden storage within the piece. Many feature lift-top lids that smoothly rise with gas springs or piston lifts to reveal spacious interior compartments. These are perfect for stashing away spare blankets, board games, media accessories, and anything else you want out of sight but still easily accessible. Storage ottomans come in a range of shapes, sizes, and materials to work in any living room style. Small leather or upholstered cube storage ottomans can serve as side tables or footrests. Large rectangular coffee table ottomans provide ample storage for all your living room needs. Look for durable, stain-resistant fabrics if using for high-traffic areas.

Tufted Ottomans

Tufted ottomans feature deep button-tufting across their surface, giving them an elegant, Chesterfield sofa-inspired look. The tufted detail adds lovely texture and dimension. Tufted ottomans are commonly covered in leather, velvet, or linen upholstery. Leather tufted ottomans take on a luxurious, upscale aesthetic, while velvet and linen offer a relaxed, casual vibe. Tufted ottomans work wonderfully as coffee table replacements, additional seating, or footstools. Place one in front of your living room sofa or lounge chairs so you can kick your feet up and relax in style.

Cocktail Ottomans

As their name implies, cocktail ottomans are perfect for resting drinks, snacks, or anything else you need within arm's reach. They feature a flat, tray-like top that makes an ideal surface for serving and entertaining. Cocktail ottomans are lower to the ground than other ottoman styles. Their low profile lets you easily reach items placed on top without having to bend over too far. Go for a circular cocktail ottoman with a wood or glass top for a swanky look. Or try a quilted fabric cocktail ottoman on casters that can easily glide around your living room. Top your cocktail ottoman tray with barware, coasters, and cocktail table books.

Bench Ottomans

Bench ottomans provide plentiful padded seating along with hidden storage space inside. Many feature removable lids or foldable seat cushions to access the spacious storage compartments within. Bench ottomans work well paired in front of sofas or arranged facing each other with a coffee table in between to create conversation groupings. Upholstered bench ottomans in soft, cozy fabrics add comfort to your living room seating. Wood framed bench ottomans have a sleeker, more structured look. Use bench ottomans in place of traditional coffee tables to allow for flexible additional seating during get-togethers.

Accent Ottomans

Inject a pop of personality into your living room with accent ottomans. Typically smaller in scale, accent ottomans can be bold, colorful statement pieces. They come in fun, eye-catching patterns and textures like embroidery, fringe, or animal prints. Materials like velvet, linen, wool, and tapestry offer an eclectic, boho vibe. Accent ottomans provide a playful way to complement your existing living room decor. Place one in front of an accent chair or at the end of a sofa to add a punch of color. The right accent ottoman can really make your living room style pop.

Strategic Ottoman Placement Ideas

Ottomans are so versatile they can serve a purpose in just about any spot in your living room. Here are some great ways to creatively incorporate ottomans into your layout.

Ottomans as Coffee Tables

One of the most popular ways to use an ottoman is in place of a traditional coffee table. Ottomans offer many benefits over standard coffee tables. Their shorter height lets you easily reach items placed on top. The surface is perfect for holding trays, decorative objects, coffee table books, and more. Some ottomans, like storage and lift-top styles, allow you to customize the height. Ottoman coffee tables also provide hidden storage within, keeping game pieces, coasters, remotes, and other items out of sight but still easily accessible by simply lifting the hinged top.

Ottomans for Extra Seating

Ottomans pull double-duty as both stylish decor and functional seating. Place ottomans strategically around your living room to provide additional, flexible spots to sit when you have guests over. Square cube ottomans and upholstered bench styles work well. When not in use for seating, tuck ottomans out of the way to open up floor space. Having a few ottomans handy gives you added options when a seating area feels crowded or people want alternate places to perch when socializing.

Ottomans at the Foot of Beds

While ottomans are most commonly used in living rooms, they also come in handy in bedrooms. An ottoman placed at the foot of the bed provides a nice spot to sit while putting on shoes or an extra surface to stack books and accessories. Storage ottomans are especially practical for holding extra blankets, linens, or seasonal clothing. Upholstered ottomans with padded tops also work well for propping your feet up before bed. Coordinate your bedroom ottoman with existing decor by choosing one that matches your headboard or bedding.

Ottomans Against Walls

Ottomans can serve as end tables or side tables when placed flush against walls or armchairs. This allows you to reach lamps, remotes, your phone or a beverage without having to strain or get up. Try a small cube ottoman with storage space inside for tucking away cables, chargers, and controllers when not in use. A rectangular ottoman against the wall provides ample surface area for larger items like snacks and barware. Place it within arm's reach of a lounge chair. Top it with a table lamp or decorative tray to complete the look.

Decorating and Styling Inspiration

Ottomans shouldn't just blend into the background. Use them as an opportunity to add visual interest, display cherished items, and show off your personal style.

Coordinating Colors

Choose an ottoman color or pattern that coordinates with key elements already in your living room. For example, pick an ottoman in the exact same hue as your curtains or accent pillows. Or choose one that matches your area rug or artwork colors. This makes the ottoman seem like an integrated part of the overall decor. Solid ottoman colors in neutral shades like grey, navy or cream are easy to match. Printed or patterned ottomans should incorporate colors already found in your room palette for a unified look.

Layering Textiles

While some ottomans have their own beautiful upholstery, you can also customize them further with textile layers. Drape a cozy throw blanket across a leather ottoman to soften the look. Adding a decorative pillow or cushy rug pad on top creates a luxe, layered effect. Fold up a chunky knit blanket on top of a tufted ottoman for cold nights. Try topping a patterned ottoman with a sisal or jute rug for interesting textures. Layering textiles makes an ottoman more inviting while showcasing your favorite fabrics.

Trays and Baskets

The flat surface of ottomans allows for gorgeous presentation of trays, baskets, and dishes. For everyday use, choose sturdy trays with slightly raised edges to corral remote controls, barware, coffee table books, or board game pieces. Nestle a woven wood tray atop a leather ottoman for natural contrast. Metallic brass or silver trays add a hint of glam. Place decorative baskets on top to house items like throw blankets or entertainment accessories. Trays and baskets keep items organized while contributing to the overall aesthetic.

It's easy to see why ottomans are a living room staple. They come in endless shapes, sizes and styles fit for any space. Use ottomans as coffee tables or extra seating to refresh your living room layout. Or pick a tufted ottoman or vibrant accent piece to upgrade your decor. Position them strategically as side tables or footrests. And don't forget to style the surface with cozy textiles, trays, or baskets to show off your personal flair. Ottomans are a versatile way to add both style and functionality to your living room.