What could be more pleasant than returning home after a hard day’s work or an exhausting business trip, sitting in your favorite chair, and laying your tired legs on a soft ottoman? Or sit with a group of friends by the fireplace or on the terrace, playing a board game? The presence of this piece of furniture in the interior automatically promises convenience, comfort, and coziness.
Still, an ottoman is perhaps one of the most underrated pieces of furniture in modern interiors., all in vain! It not only decorates the space and makes it more functional, but also successfully complements the upholstered furniture.
This oversized and convenient accessory that fills the atmosphere with special charm and comfort should be a central guest in every home! In today’s article, we will talk about the role of ottomans in the interior, what they are and where they should be placed.
Types of ottomans and their advantages
- Wireframe. They are of two types: open and closed. Options with an open frame are visually similar to chairs without a back, with a soft seat – they have upholstery on all sides (textile, leather, or velvet), sometimes an inner drawer, and hidden legs. Such models look stylish, they are stable and serve for a long time.
- Frameless. Such poufs retain their shape and stability thanks to special free-flowing fillers. They are mobile, inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to use. Using a frameless ottoman chair, you can quickly organize a relaxation area in the living room, on the terrace or balcony.
- Transformers. With a slight movement of your hand, such models can turn into a folding bed, sofa or coffee table. The transformer ottoman is very convenient when arranging a small space, where every square meter should be used as functionally as possible.
- On legs. Such models visually resemble a small bench or low stool. They are durable and look impressive in modern interiors.
- On casters. Characterized by maximum mobility, it easily moves within the entire interior, from the hallway to the living room.
Upholstery options: which one is better
Most often, textiles or leather are used in the manufacture of ottomans. However, the modern market showcases wicker options – models made of plastic or wood.
✓ Textile – the most versatile option for an ottoman that you plan to be used for its intended purpose and often. Fabric upholstery, be it polyester or flock, matting or jute, velour or velvet, is not as strongly susceptible to mechanical abrasion as leather, is easy to clean, and does not require special operating conditions. A wide range of fabrics and countless color options allow you to choose the type of pouf that will successfully fit into space, complement it and give a feeling of warmth and home comfort.
✓ Leather – options from genuine leather or leatherette look spectacular and, in certain styles, allow you to give the room a holistic and complete look. With frequent use, the upholstery on leather ottomans can wear off over time. However, the aged look will add a vintage feel to the piece of furniture. In addition, models made of leather or leatherette are hypoallergenic.
✓ Wicker – such ottomans are usually made of rattan or jute. They bring a special charm and a feeling of closeness to nature to space. They are also ideally complemented by the following interior styles: ethnic, eco, shabby chic, or boho.
✓ Forged – the peculiarity of such models include a forged metal frame. Such poufs are graceful and refined, giving the interior a touch of luxury. They also fit well into classic interiors.
✓ Wooden – a wooden frame looks stylish and fits perfectly into the interior of a loft, Provence, retro, eco, or minimalistic home. It is a practical accessory for modern interiors where functionality is valued – in addition to the main role of the pouf, such an accessory can serve as a coffee table.
✓ Plastic – such options are hygienic and original. A plastic ottoman can be of any color or shape, perfectly complementing pop art style homes or public places’ designs.
Where to place the ottoman?
In some rooms, such items are simply irreplaceable. Most often they are located:
▸In the living room. If there is not enough space for installing massive armchairs, if you want to create a full-fledged seating area, if you need an additional footrest, the ottoman will easily cope with the functions assigned to it. If it can also serve as a coffee table at the same time (it has a special overlay-table top) or has a box for storing things inside it, the functionality of this piece of furniture rises to heaven.
▸In the bedroom. They can be installed near the dressing table or docked to the bed. The classic version of a bedroom ottoman is one of a nude or pastel shade and with capitonné upholstery (carriage tie).
▸In the nursery. Ideally, the ottoman for a child’s room is stable and low. In this case, curly poufs in the form of animals, bright colors, and fun prints can be the perfect decision.
▸In the hallway. Here the pouf is simply irreplaceable. It’s much easier to put on and lace up your shoes quickly while sitting on an ottoman than squatting. In addition, you can put a bag or a hat on it, while a model with a niche can accommodate the necessary accessories.
▸On a balcony, loggia, or terrace. Frameless ottomans will be the most optimal solution for these spaces. They are lightweight, mobile, comfortable, and easy to clean.
Colors, shapes, sizes, and decor – you’ll find all types of ottomans in the online catalog homeydesignstore.com. The assortment of outlet items at reasonable prices offers you the possibility to choose an ottoman of any shade and shape, both for modern or classic interiors.
In order not to miscalculate with the color of the pouf for the living room, choose the shade that is in harmony with the rest of your upholstered furniture. If you want to add volume and personality to space, opt for upholstery with a print or ethnic pattern.
If your interior is in neutral tones, choose bright options to create an accent color. However, in this case, make sure that the color of the ottoman is also presented in decor or textiles (in the colors of curtains or cushions).