More Than a Footrest: The Ultimate Multitasker for Your Home
Long viewed as a simple companion piece, the humble ottoman has stepped into the spotlight. Today, it stands as one of the most versatile and impactful pieces in a modern home, acting as a style statement, a functional surface, and a comfortable seat, all in one sophisticated package.
An ottoman should never be just an afterthought; it’s a design opportunity. It's your chance to introduce function, comfort, and a dose of your personality into your living space. We'll guide you through how to choose and style the perfect piece, elevating your room from simply furnished to impeccably designed.
The Many Functions of a Modern Ottoman
The true beauty of a modern ottoman lies in its ability to adapt to your needs. This single, elegant piece can serve multiple roles, making it an incredibly smart investment for any home and a testament to clever design.
The Classic Footrest
Its original purpose remains its most beloved. There is simply nothing better than kicking your feet up after a long day. Pairing an ottoman with your sofa or favorite armchair creates the ultimate lounge-y environment, inviting you to relax and unwind with its pillowy softness and lasting support.
The Sophisticated Coffee Table
For a softer, more modern approach to your living room's centerpiece, a large ottoman is a brilliant alternative to a traditional coffee table. A firm, flat-topped leather ottoman offers a durable and luxurious surface that adds warmth and texture. To make it completely functional, simply place a large, stylish tray on top to create a stable spot for drinks, remotes, and your favorite decor.
The Impromptu Guest Seat
When entertaining, extra seating is always at a premium. An ottoman provides a chic and practical solution that feels far more intentional than a folding chair. It’s effortless to move wherever you need an extra spot, offering your guests a comfortable and stylish place to perch.
How to Choose Your Perfect Ottoman
Finding the right ottoman requires a thoughtful balance of form and function. To select a piece that seamlessly integrates with your space and style, consider these key elements.
Finding the Right Size and Scale
Proportions are everything in interior design. To ensure your ottoman looks intentional and not out of place, follow these simple guidelines:
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Height: For optimal comfort and a seamless look, your ottoman's height should be equal to or just slightly lower than your sofa's seat cushions.
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Length: When using it as a coffee table, aim for an ottoman that is about two-thirds the length of your sofa to create a visually pleasing balance.
Deciding on a Shape
The shape of your ottoman has a powerful influence on the flow and feel of your room.
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Round Ottomans: A round upholstered ottoman is perfect for softening a room with many clean lines, encouraging conversation and easy movement. For a touch of timeless style, a round leather ottoman delivers the same fluid shape with a rich, highly durable finish that only gets better with age.
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Square/Rectangular Ottomans: These classic shapes create a more formal, ordered aesthetic that aligns perfectly with a sectional or long sofa. Our tailored Sit Tight Ottoman brings a clean, structured feel, while the plush Crowd Pleaser Ottoman offers generous scale and comfort.
The Power of a Custom Upholstered Ottoman
Why settle for a close match when you can have a perfect one? With a custom upholstered ottoman, you have the power to create a piece that is truly and uniquely yours.
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The Perfect Match: For a seamless, high-design look, we can create your custom ottoman in the exact same performance fabric or luxurious leather as your BenchMade Modern sofa. This creates a cohesive and intentionally designed space.
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The Statement Piece: Feeling bold? Choose a contrasting color or a rich texture to make your ottoman the undeniable focal point of the room, adding a layer of personality and visual interest.
Styling Your Ottoman Like a Pro
Once you've designed your perfect piece, it's time to style it. These simple tips from the experts will help you create a look that is both beautiful and functional.
Start with a Tray
A decorative tray is the key to turning your ottoman into a practical surface. Whether you choose wood, metal, or lacquer, a tray provides a stable foundation for decor and everyday items while adding a polished layer.
Curate a Vignette
Group a few items of varying heights on your tray to build a visually interesting arrangement. Try a short stack of coffee table books, a taller vase with fresh greenery, and a small decorative object or candle to add depth and personality.
Add Softness and Texture
For a final touch of inviting comfort, casually drape a luxurious throw blanket over one corner of the ottoman. This adds a pop of color, a layer of texture, and makes the entire space feel more welcoming and complete.
The BenchMade Modern Difference: CUSTOM FURNITURE BUILT IN THE USA
Choosing a custom ottoman from BenchMade Modern means you’re choosing impeccable craftsmanship and a piece built just for you. We believe furniture should fit your life, not the other way around.
All our furniture is handcrafted in the USA and built to last, which is why we stand by our work with a lifetime warranty. Our famously simple process makes it easy for you to get exactly the size, shape, and material you want, delivered in weeks, not months. Explore some of our fan favorites, like the versatile Skinny Fat Ottoman or the bold OG Custom Ottoman.
Ready to find the multitasking masterpiece for your living room? Explore our collection and design a piece that is as unique as you are.