Ottoman Chair Guide: How to Choose the Right Style
•Posted on October 30 2026
An ottoman is a versatile piece of furniture that adds comfort and function to your home. Use it as a footrest, extra seating, storage, or a tabletop surface for a tray. With different sizes, shapes, and designs available, an ottoman chair can also complement your existing furniture and bring your living space together.
For condo owners and small-space dwellers, a compact ottoman can make the most of limited floor space. Whether you need a warm spot to rest your feet or extra storage for everyday essentials, OUR HOME can help you choose the right option to keep your home comfortable and organized.
Ottoman vs. Footstool vs. Accent Chair: What's the Difference?
Ottomans, footstools, and accent chairs can all make a living space more comfortable, but they serve different purposes. Knowing their differences may help you choose the right piece for your home.
|
Furniture Type |
Main Purpose |
Key Features |
Best For |
|
Ottoman |
Footrest, extra seating, or flexible surface |
Usually upholstered and has no backrest; some models offer storage |
Living rooms, bedrooms, and small spaces |
|
Footstool |
Foot support |
Typically compact and designed mainly for resting your feet |
Beside a sofa or chair |
|
Accent chair |
Primary or additional seating |
Has a backrest and may include armrests |
Living rooms, bedrooms, and reading corners |
An ottoman offers more flexibility than a traditional footstool, while an accent chair provides a dedicated place to sit. Pairing an accent chair with an ottoman creates a comfortable setup for reading, relaxing, or having a quiet moment at home.
Explore OUR HOME's accent chairs collection to find seating that matches your preferred ottoman style.
How to Choose the Right Ottoman Size and Proportions
The right ottoman should fit your furniture, leave enough room to move around, and serve its intended purpose. Before choosing one, consider these four factors:
1. Consider the Height of Your Sofa or Chair
If you plan to use an ottoman as a footrest, choose one that's around the same height as your sofa or chair seat, or slightly lower. This helps you rest your legs comfortably without raising your knees too much.
If you intend to use it for seating, consider a height that makes sitting down and standing up comfortable.
2. Match the Width to Your Available Space
Choose an ottoman that fits your seating arrangement without blocking walkways.
- Small rooms and condos: Compact square or round ottomans can fit beside a single chair or in a corner.
- Two-seater sofas: A small to medium ottoman can provide a convenient footrest or tray surface.
- Larger sofas and sectionals: Wider, rectangular ottomans can accommodate more than one person's feet and create a harmonious appearance.
Measure the available floor space before shopping, and allow enough room to walk around your furniture comfortably.
3. Choose a Shape That Suits Your Layout
An ottoman's shape affects both its appearance and how you use it. Square ottomans work best in small rooms or next to single chairs. Rectangular ones match best with sofas and sectionals as a complementary furniture piece. Round or oval options soften harsh corners, making them safer and easier to navigate in tight spaces.
4. Check the Overall Footprint
An ottoman's footprint refers to the amount of floor space it occupies. A large design may look eye-catching but can make a small room feel crowded.
Before buying, try outlining the ottoman's length and width on your floor with painter's tape. This helps you see how much space it will take up and whether it will interfere with nearby furniture or walkways.
Ottoman Sizing Guide
Use these measurements as a starting point when choosing an ottoman. The best dimensions will depend on your furniture, available space, and intended function.
|
Furniture or Placement |
Suggested Ottoman Width |
What to Consider |
|
Compact accent chair |
30-55 cm |
Keep the setup proportional to the chair |
|
Small two-seater sofa |
40-60 cm |
Choose a size that works as a footrest or tray surface |
|
Three-seater sofa or sectional |
60-110+ cm |
Consider a wider surface for shared use |
|
Foot of the bed |
60-110+ cm |
Match the ottoman's width to the bed and available clearance |
These are general sizing suggestions, not fixed rules. Always check the ottoman's actual dimensions and measure your space before deciding. If you plan to use it as a coffee table, choose a firm, stable surface and use a suitable tray.
Storage Ottoman vs. Standard Ottoman
Both storage and standard ottomans add comfort to a room. The main difference is whether you need extra space to keep household items out of sight.
|
Feature |
Storage Ottoman |
Standard Ottoman |
|
Main purpose |
Comfort and storage |
Comfort and flexible use |
|
Storage capacity |
Has a compartment for small household items |
No built-in storage |
|
Everyday uses |
Footrest, extra seating, and storage |
Footrest, extra seating, or tray surface |
|
Best for |
Small homes that need additional storage |
Rooms with enough existing storage |
|
What to check |
Interior capacity, lid support, and ease of access |
Cushion firmness, stability, and size |
Choose a storage ottoman if you need a place for blankets, pillows, or other small items. A standard ottoman may be a better fit if you mainly want a comfortable footrest that's easy to move around.
For either option, check the product's weight limit before using it as a seat. If you choose a storage model, make sure the lid opens fully without hitting nearby furniture.
How to Use an Ottoman Around Your Home
One of an ottoman's biggest advantages is its usefulness. Depending on its size and construction, you can use it in different rooms and adapt it to your daily needs.
- As a Footrest in the Living Room: Place an ottoman in front of your sofa or chair to support your feet while you watch TV, read, or relax.
- As an Alternative to a Coffee Table: An ottoman with a firm, stable top can serve as an alternative to a traditional coffee table. Place a sturdy tray on top for drinks, snacks, books, or small decorations.
- As Extra Seating for Guests: An ottoman can provide additional seating when friends or family visit. Lightweight designs are especially convenient because you can move them around as needed.
- At the Foot of Your Bed: Place an ottoman at the end of your bed for a convenient spot to sit while getting dressed or putting on your shoes. A storage design can also hold extra blankets, sheets, and other bedroom essentials.
- In an Entryway: A compact ottoman gives you a place to sit while you put on or take off your shoes. It's a practical alternative when there's not enough room for a larger bench.
- In a Reading Corner: Pair a comfortable accent chair with an ottoman to create a relaxing reading spot. The chair provides support while the ottoman lets you stretch out your legs.
For more furniture ideas, explore OUR HOME living room collection.
Choosing an Ottoman That Suits Your Interior
Your ottoman needs to complement your home's style while meeting your everyday needs. It doesn't have to match every piece of furniture, but its color, material, shape, and proportions should work with the rest of the room.
Here are a few factors to consider:
- Color: Neutral shades such as beige, gray, and brown can blend easily with existing furniture. A contrasting color can add visual interest.
- Material: Fabric upholstery creates a soft, inviting look, while leather or faux leather can offer a smooth surface that's easier to wipe clean.
- Shape: Round designs can soften angular furniture, while square and rectangular ottomans can give a more structured look.
- Size: Choose proportions that complement your sofa, accent chair, or bed without filling the space.
-
Maintenance: Consider how often you'll use the ottoman and how easy its material is to clean.
Find the Right Ottoman for Your Home
The right ottoman can make your home more comfortable while bringing function and style. Whether you need a comfortable footrest, extra seating for guests, or storage in a small condo, consider your room's layout, your existing furniture, and how you want to use it.
Explore OUR HOME online for ottomans and ottobenches to find a piece that fits your needs and interior. Visit the nearest OUR HOME store for more options and home furniture.
FAQ
-
What is an ottoman chair used for?
An ottoman chair is a versatile upholstered piece that can serve as a footrest, extra seat, or tray surface. Some designs also include hidden storage. You can pair an ottoman with an accent chair to create a comfortable spot for reading or relaxing.
-
What is the difference between an ottoman and a footstool?
An ottoman can serve as a footrest, extra seat, tray surface, or storage solution, depending on its design. A footstool is generally meant mainly to support your feet. Check each piece's dimensions and weight capacity to decide how to use it.
-
Should an ottoman be higher or lower than a sofa seat?
An ottoman used as a footrest is usually most comfortable when it's level with or slightly lower than the sofa seat. The ideal height depends on your furniture and how you want to use the ottoman.
-
Is a storage ottoman better than a standard ottoman?
Neither is automatically better. A storage ottoman is useful when you need extra space for blankets, pillows, or small household items. A standard ottoman works well if you mainly need a footrest or additional seating.
-
Can I use an ottoman as a coffee table?
Yes, as long as the ottoman has a firm, stable surface suitable for this purpose. Use a sturdy tray to hold drinks, snacks, or books, and check the product's weight limits. Avoid placing drinks directly on soft upholstery.
