Ottoman Buying Guide

At its most basic, an ottoman consists of a padded cushion, usually atop a wooden frame for resting your feet. No armrests, no back supports, no fuss, no muss. Of course, there are countless variations on the basic theme. Ottoman frames appear in eye-catching shapes and designs; ottoman upholsteries come in colorful leathers, fabrics and patterns; and building on their reputation as footstools, ottomans can double as coffee tables, storage spaces and even fold-out beds. This ottoman buying guide breaks down every ottoman component into a few clear, easy categories, so you'll have no trouble choosing the ottoman for you.

Ottoman shapes

The shape of an ottoman has a big impact on the space surrounding it, not just in terms of how it looks but in terms of how it feels and functions. The first question concerns ottoman corners versus no corners, but there's still room for fine-tuning. If you really want to get an idea for how a particular shape would work in your living room, you can create a quick mock-up using empty cardboard boxes.

Round ottomans

Round ottomans are particularly good at packing a lot of comfort and versatility into a small frame, and they look good doing it. A round ottoman adds depth and dimension to a room that's in danger of succumbing to a grid pattern. Place a round ottoman in a small conversation nook to create a communal focal point. Better yet, combine one with a round couch for a truly unique, contemporary look.

Square ottomans and cube ottomans

Square ottomans are adept at supplementing the look of the upholstered furniture surrounding it, whether it's a matched ottoman pattern or an accented ottoman cube. Also, square ottomans are good alternatives to coffee tables in some houses, especially when you really need to add warmth and softness to an area. Look for ottoman sets in square shapes, custom-made to the specs of an exquisite sofa, loveseat or sectional. If you think a long, rectangular ottoman is right for your space, but you are reluctant because of the bulk, consider buying a pair of svelte, square ottomans or a trio of cube ottomans. When you move them together, unify them with a long tray or table runner; when you move them apart, distribute them among your living room chairs for personalized comfort.

Rectangular ottomans

Most modern rectangle ottomans take a page from coffee tables and storage bench seats by combining storage, display potential and generous surface area. When space permits, a rectangular ottoman is all you need to round off a cozy nook or living room centerpiece. Consider moving your coffee table to a secondary seating area, making way for a modern, rectangular ottoman in your living room's spotlight.

Ottoman dimensions

There are no standard dimensions for ottoman furniture, certainly not in the way you might expect with apparel or even mattresses. Instead, there are de-facto ranges that contemporary ottoman furniture tends to follow. Just be sure you buy an ottoman that floats your feet at the preferred height -- the average height is usually 16 inches, but there is some leeway -- and won't be in anyone's way. Dick Van Dyke may make tripping over an ottoman look easy, but it's not for everyone.

Ottoman width, length and circumference

Round ottomans: Round ottomans come in sizes from 15 to 23 inches in diameter. These single-serving pieces are perfect when you need a footstool that you can easily roll wherever you need it, any time.
Cube ottomans: Portable memory-foam cube ottomans tend to measure around 15 inches per side and 12 to 14 inches tall. Larger, fabric cube ottomans can measure up to 20 inches per side, a significant difference.
Square ottomans and rectangular ottomans: Highly stylized square ottomans, like cocktail ottomans, come in a bevy of sizes. Sides can measure anywhere from 18 inches to 40 inches long. If you love the look of a particular square ottoman but don't have the space, check to see if there are variations on the construction. Some cocktail ottomans offer a rectangular option that cuts large square ottomans in half, making them twice as long as they are wide, making the ideal coffee table ottoman.

Ottoman materials

Leather ottomans

There are obvious advantages to leather ottomans. Leather is stronger and more resistant to tearing, bunching or staining than virtually any other textile. At the same time, leather has a soft, responsive quality that makes it an ideally comfortable covering for any kind of furniture.

If you're filling in a large space, choose a black leather ottoman as a stand-out piece. If you're putting the finishing touches on a small room, consider a beige leather cocktail ottoman. Especially in the case of leather, the right upholstery color will positively affect the proportions in your living room. For information on leather ottoman care, consult Overstock.com's Living Room Chair Buying Guide

Fabric ottomans

While you might be able to pull off the look of a leather ottoman and a fabric sofa, the reverse is more challenging. On the other hand, if your living room already features fabric furniture, you have a wealth of fabric ottoman upholsteries to choose from. Pick out a microfiber ottoman in a bright grass green to draw a connection between your window treatment and the center of the room. Get a fabric ottoman and an assortment of inexpensive, attractive ottoman slipcovers to coordinate your ottoman by season or by throw pillow.

Rattan ottomans

Popular for indoor and outdoor patios, wicker seating is especially inviting when accompanied by a good rattan ottoman. Rattan is the most popular fiber for constructing wicker ottomans, admired for its durability, flexibility and breathability. It's durable, it's light and it's easy to personalize. With a few brush strokes, you can turn a white rattan ottoman into a modern, custom pink, green or black wicker ottoman. Just keep your rattan furniture away from extreme heat and humidity and treat it with the occasional cleaning to ensure you enjoy it for years.

Memory foam ottomans

Some of the most affordable, coordinated ottomans to come on the scene in the last ten years are memory foam ottomans. Memory foam is a polyurethane material that can be elastic or supportive depending on the degree of heat in contact with it. Highly recommended for those with chronic foot pain, memory foam ottomans are also lightweight, unfussy and easy to adorn with slipcovers of your choice. If you'd like to know more about memory foam, check out our Memory Foam Buying Guide.

Ottoman designs, features and extras

Storage ottomans

Finding a logical area for your throw pillows and blankets can be one of your living room's greatest challenges. Storage ottomans offer the complete package: a place for your fleece throws and cashmere blankets and a place for your feet. Your average, small square black storage ottoman has enough room for about three folded blankets. If you need space for blankets as well as board games, consider a bench ottoman with storage to spare.

Table and tray ottomans

Coffee table ottomans and tray ottomans are extremely popular. Coffee table ottomans solve the problem of feet on the coffee table. And they create all-in-one centerpieces for small living rooms to cozy quarters. At the other end of the spectrum, tray ottomans give you all-in-one furniture that's personalized to any seat in the house. Versatile, mobile and separable, you can use your ottoman tray for a laptop stand or breakfast in bed. The downside? If you want the convenience of the tray and the comfort of the ottoman at the same time, you'd better get two or buy your trays separately.

Button-tufted versus pillow-top ottomans

For practical reasons, if you're looking for a coffee table ottoman or tray table ottoman, stay away from tufting. If you're looking for a chair ottoman or an attractive footstool, then you'll be happy to find tufted ottomans have a lot to offer. Tufting keeps an ottoman's foam and cotton filling from shifting or bunching, which is prone to happen after repeated use. Button-tufted ottomans also have an elegant, classic look that's surprisingly affordable.

Other ottomans

For rocking chairs and recliners without a foot support, you might want to buy a glider ottoman. Gliders make fantastic nursery furniture and remain a big hit with children as they grow older. There's nothing quite like the soothing sway of a glider to put your kids to sleep.

For occasional houseguests and compact sleeper storage, consider buying an ottoman sleeper. Not only is the handy bed ottoman comfortable and unassuming when down, the convertible aspect will wow every visitor lucky enough to enjoy it.