Ottoman Guide: Types, Sizes and How to Choose the Right One

8 min read

What Is an Ottoman?

An ottoman is a low, flat piece of upholstered furniture without arms or a back. It started in the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey) around the 18th century as a large cushioned platform that served as the main seating in a room. European travellers brought the idea home, scaled it down, and the ottoman as we know it was born.

Thomas Jefferson was one of the first English speakers to use the word. In 1789, he recorded paying for "an Ottomane of velours d'Utrecht" in one of his memorandum books. By the 19th century, ottomans had become a standard piece of bedroom and living room furniture across North America.

Today, the ottoman has evolved well beyond a simple footrest. Depending on the style you choose, it can replace a coffee table, provide extra seating when guests come over, hide blankets and remotes, or even convert into a guest bed. That versatility is what makes it one of the most practical pieces of furniture you can own.

Types of Ottomans

Not all ottomans are built the same. Here are the main types you will find when shopping, along with what each one does best.

Storage Ottoman

The storage ottoman is the most popular type in Canadian homes, and for good reason. It looks like a regular ottoman on the outside, but the top lifts off (or hinges open) to reveal a hollow interior. Use it to stash throw blankets, board games, kids' toys, remote controls, or anything else that clutters up your living room.

Storage ottomans come in two lid styles: fully removable tops that lift off completely, and hinged lids that open like a chest. Hinged versions are more convenient for quick access, while removable tops tend to sit flatter and work better as a seat.

Cocktail Ottoman (Coffee Table Ottoman)

A cocktail ottoman is a larger, flat-topped ottoman that sits in the centre of a seating arrangement, doing the job of a coffee table. They are usually rectangular or square, sit on short legs, and have a firm surface that can hold a tray of drinks or a stack of books.

If you have young children, a cocktail ottoman is a safer alternative to a hard-edged coffee table. No sharp corners to worry about.

Pouf

Poufs are small, round, soft ottomans that are easy to pick up and move around. They are typically filled with polystyrene beads, foam or fibre fill, and come in a wide range of colours and textures. Poufs work well as casual extra seating or a lightweight footrest you can toss wherever you need it.

Tufted Ottoman

A tufted ottoman features buttons or stitching pulled through the upholstery to create a quilted pattern. The tufting adds visual depth and a more formal look. Tufted ottomans pair well with traditional or transitional decor and tend to hold their shape longer because the tufting keeps the filling in place.

Sleeper Ottoman

A sleeper ottoman looks like a standard cube ottoman, but it unfolds into a small single bed. These are a smart solution for overnight guests when you do not have a spare bedroom. The mattress inside is thin (usually 3 to 5 inches), so it is not an everyday sleep solution, but it works well in a pinch.

Glider Ottoman

Glider ottomans are designed to pair with glider rocking chairs. They move back and forth on a smooth rail, matching the motion of the chair. You will see these most often in nurseries, where parents want a coordinated set for late-night feedings.

Ottoman Bench

An ottoman bench is a long, narrow ottoman that typically sits at the foot of a bed or along a wall. It provides seating and sometimes storage, and it works well as a transition piece between rooms. In a bedroom, it gives you a spot to sit while putting on shoes or laying out clothes for the next day.

How to Choose the Right Size Ottoman

Getting the size right matters more than most people think. An ottoman that is too tall will push your knees up uncomfortably. One that is too wide will overpower the room. Here is how to get the proportions right.

Height

The golden rule: your ottoman should sit about one inch lower than the top of your sofa seat cushion. Measure from the floor to the top of your sofa cushion, then subtract an inch. This height supports your legs without forcing your knees higher than your hips, which can cause lower back strain over time.

Most ottomans range from 15 to 20 inches tall. If you plan to use it as a coffee table, aim for the same height as your sofa seat or one to two inches lower.

Width and Depth

For a cocktail ottoman that replaces a coffee table, aim for one-half to two-thirds the length of your sofa. So if your sofa is 84 inches long, your ottoman should be roughly 42 to 56 inches wide. This keeps the proportions balanced.

For a standard footrest ottoman, match the width to one seat cushion of your sofa (usually 20 to 24 inches). This gives you enough surface to rest your feet comfortably without eating up floor space.

Spacing

Leave 14 to 18 inches between your sofa and the ottoman. This gives you enough room to walk around it while keeping it within easy reach from your seat. If the ottoman is too far away, you will not use it. Too close, and you will be tripping over it every time you stand up.

Best Ottoman Materials and Fabrics

The fabric and filling you choose determines how your ottoman looks, feels and holds up over time.

Upholstery Options

Performance Fabric (Microfibre, Treated Polyester): The most practical choice for families. Stain-resistant, easy to wipe clean and durable enough to handle daily use. If you have kids or pets, this is your safest bet.

Leather and Faux Leather: Leather develops a natural patina over time and cleans easily with a damp cloth. Faux leather offers a similar look at a lower price point, though it may crack or peel after several years of heavy use.

Velvet: Soft, luxurious and surprisingly durable in modern performance blends. Velvet ottomans add richness to a room, but they do show dust and pet hair more than other fabrics.

Linen and Cotton: Natural fibres with a relaxed look. They breathe well but stain more easily. Best for low-traffic areas or rooms without young children.

Filling and Cushioning

High-density foam is the best filling for an ottoman that needs to hold its shape under regular use. Look for foam that is 1.8 lbs per cubic foot or higher. Cheaper ottomans use polyester fibre fill, which flattens faster and needs regular fluffing.

For poufs, polystyrene bead filling gives that casual, bean-bag feel, while shredded foam provides more support.

Ottoman Uses by Room

Living Room

This is where ottomans do their best work. A storage ottoman in the living room hides throw blankets, remote controls and board games while giving you an extra seat when company comes over. A larger cocktail ottoman can replace your coffee table entirely. Add a decorative tray on top and you have a flat surface for drinks without sacrificing the comfort of an upholstered piece.

Bedroom

An ottoman bench at the foot of the bed is both practical and good-looking. Use it to sit while you put on shoes, lay out tomorrow's clothes, or store extra bedding and seasonal items. A storage ottoman in the bedroom can hold off-season clothes, extra pillows or linens that do not fit in your closet.

If you are pairing an ottoman with an adjustable bed frame, position it at the foot of the bed where it will not interfere with the base movement.

Entryway

A narrow ottoman bench near the front door gives you a place to sit while putting on or taking off shoes. Choose one with storage underneath to hold scarves, mitts and other winter gear.

Home Office

A small ottoman under your desk works as a footrest to improve posture during long work sessions. Elevating your feet takes pressure off your lower back, especially if your desk chair does not have great lumbar support.

How to Care for Your Ottoman

A good ottoman should last years with basic maintenance. Here is how to keep it looking fresh.

Fabric Ottomans

• Vacuum regularly with an upholstery attachment to remove dust and crumbs
• Spot clean stains immediately. Blot (never rub) with a clean, damp cloth, working from the outside of the stain inward
• If the cover is removable, check the care label. Some can be machine washed on a gentle cycle
• Rotate cushions or flip the ottoman periodically to distribute wear evenly

Leather Ottomans

• Wipe down weekly with a clean, slightly damp cloth
• Condition leather every 6 to 12 months with a leather-specific conditioner
• Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading and drying
• Avoid household cleaners, soap or abrasive cloths

General Maintenance

• Check the legs and frame periodically to make sure they are secure
• Tighten any loose screws before they cause wobbling or damage
• Use furniture pads under the legs to protect hardwood floors