6 Reasons Every Home Needs an Ottoman

Every home in Australia needs furniture that adapts to daily life. Ottoman has quietly become the most versatile piece in modern living. It fits in small spaces, large open rooms, and everywhere between. Whether used as a seat, a surface, or storage, it proves its worth immediately.

What Is an Ottoman?

An ottoman is padded furniture without arms or a back. It comes in multiple shapes and can serve as a seat, pouffe, or footrest. Many homes use a storage ottoman or storage bench to hide blankets, toys, or books. Fabric ottomans, velvet ottomans, and boucle ottomans are common choices in Australian homes today. Each option works as casual seating, extra seating, or even compact seating in a small apartment. Unlike a lounge chair or armchair, it stays flexible and portable.

6 Reasons to Love Ottomans

Seating That Saves Space

An ottoman works as flexible seating when guests arrive. Unlike bulky sectional sofas or bean bag chairs, it tucks into corners when not needed. A square ottoman or round ottoman can double as a seat for kids, while a square ottoman or rectangle ottoman can work as a bench. For small-space furniture, no other cushioned seat competes. It is space-saving furniture without feeling temporary. Families appreciate pet-friendly furniture and kid-friendly furniture, and ottomans tick both boxes.

Turn Your Sofa into a Chaise

Pairing an ottoman with a sofa changes how you lounge. Place a rectangle ottoman against one side and you instantly get the feel of a chaise or chaise lounge. Many Australians prefer modular sofas because they can rearrange pieces as needed. Adding an ottoman to a modular sofa extends it without buying extra units. It’s multifunctional furniture at its best; providing comfort, extending seating, and keeping the layout flexible.

Beyond the Living Room

Ottomans are not limited to living room furniture. At the foot of the bed, a storage bench provides convenient space for storing extra blankets or footwear. In entryways, a stool or cushioned seat helps when putting on shoes. In home offices, a modern footstool helps stretch out during long hours. Even outdoor spaces can use portable furniture like ottomans that move easily from shade to sun. Their role goes far beyond accent furniture, they blend with every corner of home decor.

The Accent Piece

Accent furniture sets the mood of a room, and ottomans fill this role easily. A tufted ottoman brings a soft furniture look to a lounge chair setting. A velvet or boucle ottoman adds texture to interior design without being overpowering. Compact seating in bold fabric can become a statement, while neutral upholstered furniture fades into the background. Either way, it adapts. Unlike collapsible seating or bean bag chairs, it looks intentional while still serving as casual seating.

Ottoman as a Coffee Table

Ottomans can replace traditional coffee tables. A sturdy square ottoman with a tray table on top serves drinks or snacks. A rectangle ottoman can act as both bench and side table. For families in Australia, this option softens the center of the room and makes it safer for kids. While ottomans serve this role, some households still prefer to keep separate coffee tables for larger gatherings. Having both options means complete flexibility in living room design.

Functions as a Footstool

The most classic role of an ottoman is still as a footrest. A modern footstool next to an armchair provides instant relaxation after a long day. Unlike a chaise lounge, it can be moved aside when more floor space is needed. A padded stool works for everyone, from kids to grandparents. It is cushioned, supportive, and simple. When paired with a sectional or sofa, it becomes essential daily-use furniture.

Ottomans bring adaptability into every Australian home. They seat guests, extend sofas, hold blankets, act as tables, and work as footrests. They fit into big homes and small apartments. They suit every style of interior design. At Marco Furniture, we help families choose ottomans that match their living room furniture and storage needs. 

FAQs

Is it better for an ottoman to be higher or lower than the couch?

An ottoman should sit level with or slightly lower than the couch seat. This keeps it comfortable as a footrest and balanced as extra seating.

Can you mismatch an ottoman?

Yes. An ottoman does not have to match your sofa or armchair. Contrasting fabrics or colours often make it stand out as accent furniture.

Should your ottoman be as wide as your chair?

It does not need to be as wide as your chair. A square ottoman or small pouffe works well with an armchair. Larger rectangle ottomans suit sofas or sectionals.

What’s the best spot for an ottoman in the living room?

Place it in front of a sofa, beside a lounge chair, or at the center as a table. Its position depends on how you want to use it—seat, surface, or storage.

What to pair with an ottoman?

Pair it with sofas, modular furniture, lounge chairs, or even casual bean bag chairs. It also pairs well with tray tables when used as a coffee table substitute.