Ottoman vs Coffee Tables: I Go for the Coffee Table, Here is Why
Ottoman and coffee tables are both pieces offer a distinct look, but when ottoman vs coffee tables on what would be the centrepiece in the living room, I will go for the coffee table.
In this article, I will tell you why. Even though I love a cute Ottoman, I just think it serves a different purpose when placed in the centre of your living room. I will share some tips from my experience on how you make an Ottoman work if you do go for it.
Let’s Fact-Check Two Reasons: What is the true Motivation Behind Your Consideration of an Ottoman?
When considering your home’s aesthetics, the concept of flow (making the eyes travel in a pleasing way) is vital. Let’s fact-check two reasons when deciding to opt for an ottoman as a coffee table.
Are you considering an ottoman due to budget issues, or do you actually want a footrest? Because you could choose a nice marble coffee table as a timeless statement piece of furniture that anchors your living space with enduring style and longevity.
Let’s discuss Ottoman vs Coffee Table in the Context of Home Styling
Although there are no rules in home styling, and there are so many different ways to do it, I`ll speak from my experience when working with clients. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of the look👇 of using an ottoman as a coffee table. I tend to prefer coffee tables over ottomans for several reasons. Let me tell you why.
Firstly, who is going to sit in the middle of the room, anyway😂? Secondly, think about it this way: your sofa is usually padded and comfortable, and when you choose an Ottoman, it typically shares a similar fabric texture, which can make the look a bit bland.
We’re talking about a stylish look – You’d want it to contrast with the material that’s vibrant and holds a lot of visual weight.
Two Ways to Make the Ottomans Work in Your Space
There are many ways to do home styling. I won’t personally opt for an ottoman as a coffee table, but that doesn’t mean we can’t choose ottomans. I own ottomans myself. There are two ways to make an ottoman work in your space.
The first way is you get that visual contrast by choosing a leather or a hard material for an ottoman. Then you get the contrasting look, but you’d need a tray to finish the look. Secondly, you could still choose a round ottoman that you like, but it should be placed in, for example, a walk-in wardrobe or a foyer where you welcome your guests, but I won’t use it as a coffee table.
Ottomans Offer Casual Comfort
Ottomans are ideal if you want a casual, cozy look. Their soft, padded covers bring a relaxed vibe. Ottomans are perfect for:
- Lounging – Ottomans allow you to kick your feet up and get comfy. Their cushioned style makes them an ultra-inviting footrest (but go for a small size).
- Extra seating – Many ottomans open up to provide extra seating for guests. Some are even big enough to serve as an ideal seat for little ones.
- Storage – Look for ottomans with interior storage to stow away blankets, board games, and more. This hides clutter while keeping items handy.
- Flexibility – Lightweight ottomans are easy to move around to reconfigure your layout or use in different rooms.
The following are my picks. I think they could work with most sofas and have a nice look (on the side but not as a coffee table). Here are my picks of the Ottomans:
This furry ottoman with gold legs adds a different texture and visual interest to enhance your living room.
Black and white striped, furry texture, giving it a cosy feel. It contrasts nicely with any colour design.
Beautiful chocolate brown ottoman. It has a soft, suede-like texture and a tufted top, which adds to its comfy, cushioned look.
With the black tray it could be your coffee table If you really, really, really want to choose an Ottoman.
Love the clean, rounded edges. They are complemented by a patterned elements of your selections, which introduces a contrasting element to the room’s softness.
Love the arch-shaped, off-white bench with a textured, nubby fabric.
This is an elegant, tufted leather ottoman in a soft grey tone, a versatile piece for both traditional and contemporary homes.
Love the colour.
Nice round, caramel-coloured leather pouf. The smooth surface and warm tone would make any room feel welcoming.
The dark brown faux fur pouf adds a rich, visual layer to your living area that gives you extra luxurious feel.
Nice simple little addition and it gives you an extra storage room as well.
Love this square fur pouf with a geometric black and white pattern. Just adds a striking visual element to a room.
This round pouf features a patchwork of tan and beige hues in a diamond pattern. Its earthy tones and soft texture add a warm, inviting touch to any space.
This is a round, woven pouf in a light grey colour. It looks like a big, soft basket and would be a cosy spot to sit or rest your feet.
Like the velvety fabric and same concept from the one above.
Coffee Tables Anchor the Room in Style
Coffee tables take a more polished, structured approach. Their hard surfaces give a sense of permanence that firmly anchors the living room. Coffee tables shine when you want:
- Focal point – A bold coffee table becomes a room’s centerpiece. It draws the eye and defines the layout.
- Surface space – Flat tops offer ample room for serving food, displaying books, and more.
- Durability – Coffee tables withstand wear better than soft ottomans. Their hard build stands up to spills, scratches, and scuffs.
- Visual weight – Substantial coffee tables feel grounded versus lightweight ottomans.
The following are my picks for the gorgeous, timeless style of coffee table❤️:
I absolutely lovvvvvve this marble coffee table ! It’s stunning in its simplicity, with the black and white giving it a timeless elegance.
This is a golden table with a unique design. The top and bottom are wide and circular, and there’s a shiny sphere in the middle. It looks modern and would stand out in a room.
A round coffee table with a black and white striped pattern. It has slender, tapered legs that give it a sleek look. It’s stylish and would make a statement in any room.
The bone inlay square table is quite nice. While I typically prefer round tables, but in certain settings this just as stylish. Definitely a good pick.
Gorgeous colours with beautiful finished edge, the marble table with the gold accents leg that is just the definition of luxury.
Love the pattern of the table top.
This stylish silver coffee table stands out with its unique handcrafted texture on the surface, adding a modern touch to your décor.
This beautiful marble table features lovely salmon-coloured hues that can complement any style and fit into any space
This contemporary. black coffee table with its unique organic design will effortlessly complement any room, especially if it features a variety of colours, adding an extra touch of sophistication to your space.
“This is ideal for those who love wooden furniture. The cool hexagon design gives it a unique and stylish appearance.
I find this coffee table truly stunning. It has a sophisticated appearance, thanks to its dark brown metal base. The surface texture also comes in various options.
You can go wrong with black and white and gold.
Same like above, but just give you a different variation. Could be a lovely side table as a match pair.
I really like this coffee table with a golden appearance and an intriguing texture on its surface. It can add a modern touch to your space.
Best of Both: Ottomans + Coffee Tables Together
Consider this perspective: if you genuinely like the Ottoman’s style, and budget isn’t a limiting factor, why not get both? You’ll often find Ottomans in a comparable style but slightly smaller – for example, a Costellini velvet ottoman. You can have a beautiful coffee table as your centrepiece and a smaller ottoman that can serve as a footrest or an elegant addition.
- A large coffee table acts as an anchor, while a smaller ottoman adds secondary seating or a footrest.
- Or, choose two small ottomans to accompany a bold coffee table. This provides flexibility while keeping the sturdy table as the focal point.
- Place an ottoman in front of a couch and position the coffee table closer to accent chairs.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it comes down to personal taste. You really can’t go wrong when doing home styling because there are no real rules! Whether you choose an ottoman or coffee table, just be sure it fits the overall aesthetic of your living room and enhances the existing layout. With the right styling, both can look absolutely beautiful.
