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Interior decoration isn’t simply about finding the right furniture and setting it all up. While the basic elements of the living space are almost universal and completely necessary, the way they’re put together can create a unique atmosphere that’s entirely yours. Oftentimes, this involves the use of pieces that don’t always get much recognition, such as ottomans.
These versatile furniture items have been around for centuries, but modern indoor ottomans are designed with comfort and style in mind. It’s more than just a plain cushion to sit on, it offers a plethora of uses that can virtually transform your space. As such, having a comfortable yet stylish furniture ottoman in your living room can be a superb addition to your space.
The Origins of Modern Ottomans
These humble pieces of furniture have a storied history that reaches back centuries. Starting off as low seats in the Middle East, ottomans became popular in Europe during the 1600s. Their initial purpose was to serve as luxurious footstools in noble households, but they eventually evolved into a piece of furniture that could also be used for storage and even seating.
As time went on, they had a more significant role in luxury households, and eventually, they grew popular enough to be found in most homes. As the design of these pieces improved over time, modern ottomans have become incredibly versatile pieces of furniture that can be mixed and matched with numerous styles. They also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with a number of potential uses.
Main Types of Indoor Ottomans
Once you decide to buy ottomans for your home, the first obstacle you’ll face is deciding which type to get. Fortunately, there are several distinct options, each of them with its own advantages and drawbacks:
Storage Ottomans
These ingenious designs can be used as both a seat and a storage unit in one. They often come with lids that open up to reveal a space inside that can be used to store items like blankets, books, and more. The best part is that the lids are usually padded so they can also be used as a comfortable seat as well, with a surface that’s great for resting your feet.
Poufs
These are usually round ottomans with a soft, comfortable cushion on top and no other features. They’re fantastic for providing extra seating without taking up too much space in the room, as they can be easily moved around as needed. They often come in bright colours or fun patterns to add an extra element of style in a living room.
Tufted Ottomans
A more posh version of the traditional style, tufted ottomans usually feature buttons and stitching on the top cushions. This gives them a more luxurious look that can easily fit into almost any room. They tend to be slightly pricier than other varieties but they can definitely add an extra bit of class to your interior design.
Coffee Table Ottomans
Everyone knows that the living room decor extends beyond the sofas themselves, and this is quite a convenient addition to the equation. These unique furniture pieces are essentially a combination of an ottoman and a coffee table. The top is usually made out of wood, while the bottom has a comfortable cushion for resting your feet. This is great for people who don’t have much space as you can use the ottoman in place of both a coffee table and a footrest.
Gliders
These pieces of furniture are similar to regular ottomans but with a twist. They come with legs that are designed to make the ottoman move in a rocking motion, which can be incredibly soothing and relaxing for those who enjoy taking naps on it. They often come in pairs, so they can be used as additional seating in the living room.
How Do You Choose an Ottoman for Your Living Room?
Once you’ve settled on a type of furniture ottoman, you’ll still need to consider other factors before buying one. Oftentimes, even the most basic types have distinct designs and materials that you need to take into account.
Materials
The most common materials used for ottomans are leather, suede, fabric, and wood. Each of these materials has its own unique characteristics that should be taken into account depending on the look you’re trying for.
For instance, leather and suede are great for a modern, minimalist look. They’re also quite durable and easy to clean. Fabric ottomans, meanwhile, offer more variety in terms of colours and patterns but can be harder to clean if they get stained. Finally, wood is the most traditional option that looks great in almost any style of interior decorating.
Shape and Size
The shape of the ottoman is also an important factor. Most of them come in classic round and square shapes, but there are also other options such as rectangular, oval, or even hexagonal. You should choose one that fits perfectly with the existing furniture in your living room.
When it comes to size, you need to consider how much space you have available. Since they can be used for multiple purposes, it’s important to measure the area where they will be placed in order to get one that fits perfectly. Ottomans come in various sizes, from small ones that are ideal for kids’ rooms to larger ones that can seat several people comfortably. Even if you have limited space, you can opt for something like a storage ottoman that can also double as a footrest.
