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Your ottoman can be so much more than just a place to rest your feet after a long day.
These versatile pieces transform your living room into a stylish, functional space that works as hard as you do. Whether you need extra seating, a coffee table alternative, or a stunning focal point, ottomans deliver on every front.
Let’s explore 33 creative ways to incorporate ottomans into your home decor and make your living room absolutely shine.
01. Natural Fiber Braided Ottoman Style
Credit: Stacy Zarin Goldberg
You’ll love how braided ottomans crafted from jute or sisal bring that perfect organic vibe to your space. Try stacking two together to create unexpected height and visual drama in your eclectic living room.
Layer in a cowhide rug, woven wall hanging, and textured pillows to complete this inviting look that feels both collected and intentional.
02. Coordinated Sofa and Ottoman Pairing
Credit: Marty Baldwin
You can create a polished, cohesive look by matching your ottoman to your sofa perfectly. Break up all that uniform fabric with textured throw pillows and a decorative tray that adds personality.
When you’re working with solid upholstery, introduce contrast through a bold patterned rug or eye-catching wallpaper that brings dimension to your room.
03. Skirted Slipcover Ottoman Design
Credit: Julie Soefer
A rectangular slipcovered ottoman with elegant pleated skirting instantly elevates your room’s sophistication level. Those gorgeous pleated edges soften the boxy shape while adding decorative flair you’ll absolutely adore.
Choose a rich brown slipcover to warm up neutral walls, and enjoy the convenience of machine-washable fabric that keeps your space looking fresh and clean.
04. Cozy Fireside Ottoman Arrangement
Credit: Christina Schmidhofer
You can design the ultimate cozy corner by pairing wingback chairs with a small wheeled ottoman near your fireplace. Those casters make it incredibly easy to roll the ottoman wherever you need it without any heavy lifting.
Switch effortlessly between using it as a coffee table or footrest, and add a shaped cowhide rug to complete this inviting nook.
05. Coffee Table Book Display Styling
Credit: John Merkl
Fresh flowers in a beautiful vase create an instantly classic look on your ottoman. Stack your favorite coffee table books on a decorative tray to add varying heights and showcase those gorgeous blooms.
Always start with your widest book at the bottom, even if it’s not the thickest, so everything stays perfectly balanced and stable throughout the day.
06. All-White Slipcover Ottoman Scheme
Credit: Sara Bradley
You’ll create a serene sanctuary with an all-white palette featuring matching slipcovered sofa and ottoman. These washable slipcovers are incredibly practical, especially when you’re committed to keeping everything pristine and bright.
Consider buying an extra slipcover set so you can rotate between two, which significantly reduces wear and keeps everything looking brand new longer.
07. Storage Shelf Ottoman Solution
Credit: Dane Tashima
Keep your living room clutter-free with an upholstered ottoman that features a handy built-in storage shelf underneath. This double-duty piece works beautifully as both coffee table and storage solution in one smart package.
Use decorative baskets or create neat stacks on that shelf to maintain an organized, polished look that makes quick cleanup absolutely effortless.
08. Wood Frame Upholstered Ottoman
Credit: Jessica Klewicki Glynn
You get the best of both worlds with a wooden ottoman featuring a bottom storage shelf and plush upholstered top. The square shape looks especially stunning when you emphasize it with a matching square tray in dark wood.
This sophisticated piece brings both comfort and style to your white living room while providing that extra storage you desperately need.
09. Reading Nook Footstool Ottoman
Credit: Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Create your dream reading corner with a plush armchair paired with a matching slipcovered ottoman that serves as the perfect footrest. The decorative pleated skirt adds soft, romantic detail that beautifully contrasts with clean-lined modern furniture pieces.
This white slipcovered combination brings ultimate comfort while maintaining that modern rustic aesthetic you’re going for in your space.
10. Farmhouse Wire Tray Ottoman
Credit: Lincoln Barbour
A wire and wood tray brings authentic farmhouse charm while providing a flat, stable surface on your tufted ottoman. You’ll love how the open design lets you see everything inside, from stacked books to decorative treasures.
The built-in handles make it super easy to lift the tray off when you need to use the ottoman for seating or footrest purposes.
11. Symmetrical Living Room Ottoman Layout
Credit: Christina Schmidhofer
You can achieve perfect balance with an oversized rectangular ottoman centered between two matching sofas on a neutral jute rug. The dark wood frame beautifully ties in exposed ceiling beams and your painted brick fireplace.
This creates stunning contrast against lighter upholstery and flooring that makes your entire symmetrical layout feel intentional and professionally designed.
12. Layered Round Tray Styling
Credit: John Bessler
An oversized round tray sitting atop a round ottoman creates beautiful visual harmony in your neutral living room. This layered approach with different materials introduces subtle contrast without adding any new colors to your carefully curated palette.
You’ll appreciate how this simple styling trick adds depth and interest while maintaining your cohesive, monochromatic design scheme throughout the space.
13. Elongated Bench Ottoman Alternative
Credit: Carmel Brantley
A bench-style ottoman keeps your living room feeling open and airy while serving as a chic coffee table alternative you’ll love. Its elongated shape mirrors your sofa perfectly and provides plenty of walking space around the room.
Rich cognac leather warms up cool blue and green accents while harmonizing beautifully with beige grass-cloth wallpaper for balanced, sophisticated style.
14. Color Coordinated Ottoman Accessories
Credit: Annie Schlechter
Pull colors from your existing room palette when you’re styling your ottoman for a cohesive, designer look. Bright blues paired with coral shades keep your living room feeling lively, fun, and full of personality.
A coral tray holding blue accessories continues your color scheme seamlessly across the ottoman surface for a polished, intentional appearance that impresses guests.
15. Convenient Ottoman Bar Setup
Credit: Tria Giovan
You won’t need to leave the comfort of your couch when you set up a mini bar station on your ottoman. A low-profile tray holds glasses, your favorite whiskey, and a classic decanter for sophisticated entertaining.
Just add ice and you’re completely ready for impromptu guests or a relaxing nightcap without any fuss or extra trips to the kitchen.
16. Layered Ottoman Coffee Table Styling
Credit: MC2 Photography
Start with a large tray as your foundation, then stack coffee table books on one side to create varying heights and visual interest. Place a decorative bowl or beautiful box on top of your book stack for added dimension.
Add a tall vase with fresh flowers and finish with a playful element like a decorative game to inject personality into your carefully curated arrangement.
17. Dual Braided Ottoman Pairing
Credit: John Stoffer
Braided ottomans introduce wonderful texture to your bright enclosed porch while complementing whitewashed wood surfaces beautifully. Their soft, rounded shapes create pleasing contrast against all those linear architectural elements surrounding them.
In smaller rooms with oversized sectionals, a pair of ottomans offers a smart space-saving alternative to bulky coffee tables that crowd your floor space.
18. Coordinating Colored Tray Accent
Credit: Anthony Masterson
A painted wood tray matching your throw pillows adds that perfect cohesive finishing touch to your living room design. When you’re styling a tufted ottoman, a tray becomes essential for safely holding drinks or delicate flower vases.
Layer in stacked magazines and a colorful bouquet to add beautiful texture and varying heights that make your display feel complete and professionally styled.
19. Bold Geometric Pattern Ottoman
Credit: Rachel McGinn
Transform your tired ottoman into a stunning statement piece by reupholstering it with bold geometric fabric that catches everyone’s eye. This fun update breathes new life into outdated furniture pieces you might otherwise replace entirely.
Consider swapping the legs for a fresh new set or simply refresh existing ones with paint or wood stain for a complete makeover.
20. Practical Coffee Table Ottoman Styling
Credit: Jean Allsopp
When you’re using an ottoman as your coffee table, style it so it’s both gorgeous and functional for daily life. An oversized tray corrals pretty items like flower vases alongside practical necessities like remotes and coasters perfectly.
Play with varying heights using tall and short pieces, but make sure nothing blocks conversation or your television view during movie nights.
21. Contrasting Shape Ottoman Decor
Credit: Lindsay Salazar
Pairing a round tray with a rectangular ottoman creates visual interest that prevents your room from looking flat and one-dimensional. These contrasting shapes add that designer touch you’re looking for in your space.
Mix materials too by combining worn leather with natural wicker for a beautifully layered look that feels collected and intentional rather than matchy-matchy throughout your stunning living room.
22. Refined Square Ottoman Design
Credit: Jay Wilde
A square upholstered ottoman matching your cream walls and furniture creates beautiful cohesion while the wood frame introduces rustic contrast. This material juxtaposition works perfectly against refined tile surrounding your fireplace for balanced style.
When using lots of neutral solids, bring in one statement pattern through a vintage-style area rug or accent wall that adds necessary visual variation and interest.
23. Multi-Purpose Versatile Ottoman
Credit: Victoria Pearson
An ottoman ranks among the most versatile furniture pieces you can invest in for your home’s functionality. It transforms effortlessly from coffee table to side table, footstool, or extra seating depending on your changing needs.
Use one alone or pair two together under a console, and enjoy introducing texture, bold patterns, and color continuation throughout your thoughtfully designed space.
24. Classic Leather Nailhead Ottoman
Credit: Jay Wilde
You can’t go wrong with a timeless leather ottoman featuring elegant nailhead trim that pairs with any design style beautifully. The dark leather creates stunning contrast against light, bright aesthetics in your modern farmhouse living room.
Turned legs and nailhead detailing bring dressy sophistication that elevates your entire space without overwhelming your carefully curated open living area design.
25. Hidden Ottoman Storage Solution
Credit: Brie Williams
A pair of ottomans in vibrant prints brings color, texture, and extra seating when your house fills with guests for entertaining. Keep them tucked under your entryway table and out of foot traffic until you need them.
Or hide them in plain sight by using them as everyday footrests that pull double duty as occasional seating whenever the situation calls for it.
26. Clustercore Ottoman Vignette
Credit: Werner Straube
Create a stylish vignette on your ottoman coffee table by thinking in odd numbers and assembling three decorative items with different characteristics. Choose pieces that vary in shape, height, and material for maximum visual interest without clutter.
A white marble tray holding a tall vase, rectangular wooden box, and round metal plate creates that perfect balanced look you’re after in your space.
27. Elegant Tufted Leather Ottoman
Credit: James Nathan Schroder
A tufted leather ottoman adds instant elegance to any room in your house with its refined, sophisticated appearance. Leather’s natural beauty pairs seamlessly with virtually any color scheme you’re working with throughout your home.
The tufted detailing elevates the piece to stylish furniture choice status that beautifully complements stone fireplaces, striped sofas, and blue-gray accent colors perfectly.
28. Contemporary Grid Pattern Ottoman
Credit: Patrick Biller
An oversized round ottoman featuring a sleek grid pattern becomes an attractive focal point in your contemporary living room design. Its dark charcoal color softens the sharp contrast between black built-in shelving and cream upholstered armchairs beautifully.
The fun geometric pattern adds interesting counterpoint to organic jute area rugs that ground your entire sophisticated, modern living space with natural texture.
29. Vibrant Patterned Accent Ottoman
Credit: Helen Norman
An ottoman with fun, bold patterns introduces vibrancy to your living space without the commitment or expense of wallpaper or large upholstered furniture. As an accent piece, its smaller size complements rather than overwhelms your existing decor beautifully.
You’ll love how this approach lets you experiment with color and pattern in a low-risk way that’s easy to change later.
30. Mixed Shape Accessory Styling
Credit: Michael Partenio
Add contrast and visual interest by mixing accessory shapes, like placing a rectangular tray on your round ottoman for dimension. A simple black tray lets gorgeous contents like fluffy hydrangeas become the star of your display.
You can sand and paint any wood tray to match your exact color scheme, creating cohesive ties to elements like your living room curtains throughout the space.
31. Outdoor Patio Pouf Ottoman
Credit: Carson Downing
Replace bulky outdoor coffee tables with lightweight poufs that add extra seating on your patio without taking up precious space. These versatile pieces move around easily, pair beautifully together, and work equally well inside or outside your home.
You’ll appreciate the flexibility they bring to your outdoor entertaining and relaxation areas throughout the warmer months and beyond for year-round enjoyment.
32. Coastal Knitted Pouf Style
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
A knitted pouf ottoman brings comfortable, lived-in vibes that make your living room feel approachable and cozy for everyday relaxation. The neutral knitted texture keeps things interesting while maintaining your breezy blues and white color scheme beautifully.
Complete your coastal theme with accessories like fresh flowers and collected seashells that bring the beach indoors in a sophisticated, curated way.
33. Soft Round Tufted Ottoman
Credit: Annie Schlechter
A round ottoman softens harsh lines in spaces filled with sharp, angular furniture pieces for better visual balance. The tufted design adds texture and visual interest while keeping your neutral color scheme consistent and cohesive throughout the room.
Its round shape complements sculptural pendant lights beautifully, creating a warm, inviting look that ties your entire design together with intentional, thoughtful style.
Final Thoughts
Your ottoman choices can completely transform how your living room looks and functions every single day.
Whether you’re drawn to classic leather, breezy coastal poufs, or bold geometric patterns, there’s an ottoman style that perfectly matches your personality and needs. These versatile pieces work harder than almost any other furniture in your home.
Start experimenting with these styling ideas today and watch your living room evolve into the beautiful, functional space you’ve always dreamed of creating.
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