Using an Ottoman as a Coffee Table

Using an ottoman as a footstool coffee table is a fantastic alternative to a standard coffee table, not only will you have a soft, comfy upholstered item of furniture to take center stage in the living space to place drinks on.

Can you use an ottoman for a coffee table?

Using an ottoman as a footstool coffee table is a fantastic alternative to a standard coffee table. Using an ottoman means that not only will you have a soft, comfy upholstered item of furniture to take center stage in the living space to place drinks on. It also doubles up as somewhere that offers comfort for placing feet upon and can act as spare seating.

Using an upholstered ottoman means you can mix and match the colour with the rest of the sofas and chairs in the room. Available in various shapes, sizes and styles you’re sure to find the perfect one for placing in front of your sofas and chairs. Some even offer storage space beneath a lift up lid to hide away essential, but unsightly items.

How do I choose the correct Ottoman?

Choosing a coffee table that’s perfect for the living space is essential. Shop for one that doesn’t dominate the space, but is large enough to offer ample space to display items with the use of a coffee table tray, whilst at the same time ensuring there is enough area left to offer a bit of spare seating or somewhere for at least one pair of feet to rest.

A plus point of deciding between an coffee table vs ottoman a with storage is the opportunity to create space by hiding away items that would otherwise cause clutter. Although this type of ottoman has a lift up lid attached with hinges, when it’s closed you would be none the wiser, as it looks like a regular ottoman.

Ensure you carefully measure the intended floor space and look for an ottoman that creates a focal point, provides enough area for display and seating purposes, but not too large that it creates an obstacle that results in people bumping into furniture as they walk around the room.

When it comes to selecting the most suitable fabric you need to be aware that this will be an item of furniture that will be fairly heavily used on a daily basis. It may even suffer from the odd drink or food spillage. With this in mind, look for a material that is stain resistant i.e. has been treated so that when liquid is spilt on the fabric it doesn’t seep into the pile instantly. This allows time for it to be mopped up before soaking in. Some fabrics are also naturally stain resistant and are worth looking out for.

Leather is clearly a good choice, as this can be cleaned periodically to keep it looking its best. It’s water resistant and therefore is able to repel dirt and stains a little better than other fabrics.

Make use of online retailers that offer fabric samples. This way you determine how well any potential fabric will match up to your existing furniture.  It should also feature a fairly firm, flat surface. Avoid ottomans that have cushions placed on top as this will make it impossible to store things on, nor will you be able to display items securely with the use of a coffee table tray.