Ottomans for Flexible Living
An ottoman can take on different roles within a living space. Position one alongside a sofa or lounge chair as a footstool, use a larger upholstered design as flexible occasional seating, or introduce a generous ottoman at the centre of a seating arrangement as an alternative to a conventional coffee table. Consider how you intend to use the ottoman before choosing its size and height. A design used primarily as a footstool should relate comfortably to the height of the adjoining seat, while a larger ottoman can become a more substantial element within the room.
Round and Square Ottomans
Shape influences both the character of an ottoman and how it sits within the surrounding furniture. Round ottomans can introduce a curved form alongside more linear sofas and tables, while square designs can create a stronger relationship with modular and structured seating arrangements. Huset’s collection includes ottomans in different dimensions, making it possible to choose a compact individual piece or a larger form with greater presence within the room.
Fabric and Leather Ottomans
Upholstery gives an ottoman much of its material character. Fabric offers a broad range of textures and colours, while leather develops its own surface character over time. An ottoman can coordinate with the upholstery of a Sofa or Lounge & Occasional Chair, or introduce a contrasting colour or texture to the setting. For a hard central surface rather than an upholstered one, explore our Coffee Tables.
Explore Ottomans at Huset
Explore ottomans online or visit Huset’s Cheltenham showroom in Melbourne to experience selected designs, upholstery and configurations. Our collection includes standalone ottomans as well as designs created to complement particular seating collections. If there is a specific ottoman you would like to see, contact our team before visiting to confirm its current showroom availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
An ottoman can be used as a footrest, occasional seat or upholstered element within a living room. Larger, firmer designs may also be positioned in front of a sofa as a soft alternative to a coffee table, depending on the individual product.
The terms overlap. A footstool is generally a smaller piece intended primarily for resting your feet, while an ottoman can be larger and may also provide occasional seating or form part of a sofa arrangement.
Some ottomans can provide occasional seating, but suitability depends on the construction of the individual product. Check the product specifications if you intend to use an ottoman regularly as a seat.
Consider the size and height of the surrounding sofa or chair, the available floor space and how you intend to use the ottoman. Larger designs will have more visual presence, while compact ottomans can provide a footrest or occasional seat without occupying as much floor space.
Not necessarily. An ottoman can coordinate with the sofa's upholstery for a more consistent setting or introduce a different colour, texture or shape for contrast.
A larger, firm ottoman can sometimes be used as a soft alternative to a coffee table. Consider the stability and intended use of the individual product, particularly if you plan to place objects on its upholstered surface.