Dufresne Ottomans, Fabric, Leather, Storage, and More
A functional and stylish ottoman holds your coffee, props up your feet after a long day, stashes extra blankets out of sight, and still looks great while doing all of it. At Dufresne Furniture and Appliances, we offer ottomans in every size, material, and style to match your lifestyle.
Types of Ottomans to Fit Your Space and Style
Storage ottomans are the crowd favourite for good reason. Lift the lid and you have a hidden compartment for throw blankets, board games, kids' toys, or anything else that tends to take over your living room floor. They come in round, square, and rectangular shapes, so whether your space calls for a large square ottoman anchoring a sectional or a compact round piece beside a chair, there's a size that fits.
Upholstered ottomans without storage are the go-to when you want pure comfort and a minimalist look. These work especially well as a footrest in front of a recliner or accent chair, or as a low coffee table alternative in front of your sofa. Tufted ottomans bring a traditional feel, while sleek, clean-lined options lean more contemporary.
Fabric ottomans are the most popular choice, available in performance fabrics that resist stains and pet hair. Leather and leather-look ottomans wipe clean easily and age well over time. Still deciding between the two? The leather vs. fabric furniture guide on the Dufresne blog breaks down the differences.
How to Choose the Right Ottoman
Start with size. A good rule of thumb is that your ottoman should be roughly half the length of your sofa and sit about 14 to 18 inches away from it. For sectionals, a large square ottoman is usually the most practical since everyone can reach it. If you're working with a tighter floor plan, a round ottoman takes up less visual weight and is easier to move. For more on making the most of limited space, the tips for furnishing a small room are worth reading.
Think about how you'll use it most. Primarily a footrest? Go with a firm, padded upholstered ottoman. Doubling as a coffee table? Look for a flat top and add a tray for drinks and remotes. Need storage? A lidded storage ottoman handles both. Whatever style you choose, protecting your upholstery from the start pays off. The five ways to protect your furniture are worth building early.
Frequently Asked Ottoman Questions
What is a storage ottoman? A storage ottoman is an upholstered seat or footrest with a hollow interior you access by lifting the top. It gives you a place to sit, prop your feet, and hide everyday clutter all in one piece.
What is an ottoman used for? Ottomans can be used as footrests, casual coffee table alternatives when paired with a tray, extra seating when guests arrive, and storage for blankets and everyday clutter. Most households end up using theirs for all of the above.
Can an ottoman be used as a coffee table? Yes, and it's a popular choice in homes with young kids where sharp coffee table edges aren't ideal. Set a sturdy tray on top for drinks and remotes. A large square or rectangular ottoman in a durable fabric holds up best for everyday use.
What is the difference between an ottoman and a pouf? Ottomans are larger, structured pieces with a solid internal frame, firm upholstery, and often built-in storage. Poufs are smaller, lighter, and softer with no rigid frame, making them easy to toss around the room. If a pouf better fits what you're looking for, see the poufs available at Dufresne.
Shop ottomans online at dufresne.ca or visit any of our 15 locations across Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan to find the right fit for your home.