The Ottoman: Your Living Room's Secret Weapon
Have you ever found yourself watching TV with your feet dangling off the edge of the sofa? Or maybe your nephew asks where he should put his backpack, or you need an extra seat for game night? That’s when you realize your living room is missing an ottoman.
This unsung hero of furniture serves many purposes: it can be a footrest, extra seating, a coffee table, a hidden storage solution, and even a makeshift laptop desk when you're working from the couch.
At Dufresne Furniture, we understand that your living room needs to be as functional as you are. That’s why our ottoman collection goes beyond just basic footstools.
Finding the Ottoman That Fits Your Life
Ottomans are flexible seating that doesn’t take up much space. You can pull them out when friends visit, then tuck them away when you need floor space. They are ideal for condos, apartments, or any setting with limited square footage.
Storage Ottomans - Here’s a Canadian secret: when winter brings bulky blankets, and everyone is tracking in snow, hidden storage becomes your best friend. Just lift the top and toss in throws, remotes, kids' toys, or that stack of magazines. Out of sight, problem solved!
Oversized Ottomans - Go big or go home! Oversized ottomans are ideal for large living rooms or family spaces where everyone needs a comfortable spot to relax. They work beautifully with sectionals, can accommodate multiple people putting their feet up at once, and some are even large enough for the whole family to gather around for a board game night. Think of them as the ultimate multitaskers for spacious rooms.
Accent Ottomans - Sometimes your living room needs that one piece that makes people say "I love that!" Accent ottomans bring personality with bold patterns, unique textures, or eye-catching colours. Use them to add a pop of colour to a neutral room or introduce an interesting texture like velvet or tufted fabric. They're smaller statement pieces that complement your main furniture while adding visual interest.
Material Options to Match Your Lifestyle
Fabric Ottomans - Soft, cozy, and available in a variety of colours and patterns, fabric ottomans add warmth to your space. They're comfortable to rest your feet on and easy to coordinate with existing furniture. Look for performance fabrics if you have kids or pets, as they resist stains and wear while remaining plush.
Leather Ottomans - These are the workhorses of the ottoman world. Easy to wipe clean, durable for daily use, and they actually improve with age. Perfect for busy families or if you plan to use your ottoman as an alternative coffee table. Spilled coffee? No problem, just wipe it up.
Leather-Look Ottomans - Want the sophisticated look and easy maintenance of leather without breaking the bank? Leather-look ottomans (also known as faux leather or leather-match) offer a sleek, polished appearance with excellent durability. They are great for households where practicality is just as important as style.
How to Choose an Ottoman for Your Living Room
Size Matters - Your ottoman should be roughly the same height as your sofa seat or slightly lower. Too tall and it feels awkward; too short and you're straining to rest your feet. Measure your sofa cushion height before you shop.
Shape and Placement - Round and oval ottomans are easier to walk around and gentler on shins (parents of toddlers, you know what we're talking about). Square and rectangular ottomans offer more surface area and work well as coffee table replacements.
Storage or No Storage? - Be honest about your space. If you're always looking for places to stash stuff, get an ottoman with storage. Living a minimalist life or already have plenty of storage? Go for style and comfort instead.
Colour and Coordination - From neutral tones like grey, beige, and black to bold accent colours like blue or red, choose an ottoman colour that either blends seamlessly with your existing furniture or adds that pop of personality your room needs.
Frequently Asked Ottoman Questions
Can I use an ottoman as a coffee table? Absolutely! Many people prefer them, especially with kids or pets around. Just add a serving tray on top to keep drinks stable and create a flat surface. Remove the tray when you want to put your feet up.
How far should my ottoman be from my sofa? Leave about 14 to 18 inches between your sofa and ottoman. Close enough to comfortably rest your feet, far enough that you won't bang your shins getting up. If you're using it as a coffee table, you can go slightly closer.
What's the difference between an ottoman and a pouf? Poufs are typically smaller, lighter, and easier to move around. They're great as extra seating or footstools, but don't usually offer storage. Ottomans are sturdier, often larger, and can handle more wear and tear.
Are storage ottomans good for small spaces? They're perfect for small spaces! You get a footrest, extra seating, AND hidden storage without adding extra furniture. Look for ones with removable tops rather than hinged lids for easier access in tight quarters.
Can I mix and match ottoman styles? Yes! You don't need your ottoman to perfectly match your sofa. Mixing textures and styles adds personality. Just keep one element consistent, like colour family or height, to make sure everything feels intentional.
Ready to Complete Your Living Room?
Your perfect ottoman is out there, waiting to become the hardest-working piece in your home. Whether you want hidden storage to finally organize that mess, a stylish coffee table alternative, or just a proper place to put your feet up after a long day, we've got options that fit your space, your style, and your budget.
Shop our full collection of ottomans online or visit your nearest Dufresne location to see them in person. Want personalized help finding the right size and style for your room? Book an appointment with one of our furniture experts who can walk you through your options. No pressure, just great furniture and honest advice!