Whether you need extra storage space, a place to rest your feet, or an accent piece that complements your current furniture, you can’t go wrong with an ottoman. These versatile additions can be as handy as they are stylish, adapting to your needs in living rooms, offices, bedrooms, and even outdoors.
Also known as a footstool, an ottoman can cover a wide range of needs, as designer Annie Kersey of Purple Cherry Architects explains: “It can be used as a footrest for a club chair, extra seating in a larger family room space, or as a coffee table with a tray placed on top.”
With so many different styles and shapes to consider as you choose the perfect ottoman for your space, we’ve done the hard work for you. We compiled buying tips from two interior designers and researched countless ottoman options, seeking out stylish and functional products that suit every decor scheme. We considered details like upholstery fabric choices, colors, frame and materials, and storage space to choose the best ottomans for every room and budget.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Best for Small Spaces:
Best With Storage:
George Oliver Halvorsen Tufted Square Storage Ottoman at Wayfair$220
Best Leather:
Best Tufted:
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What We Like
Durable engineered wood frame
Wide selection of upholstery fabrics and colors
Removable legs
Supports up to 300 pounds
What We Don't Like
Can only be spot cleaned and vacuumed
Pottery Barn’s Universal Upholstered Round Ottoman can either make a sleek statement as a living room centerpiece or blend in seamlessly with your existing decor. No matter how you use it, this ottoman is expertly crafted for long-term durability and versatile enough to be used as a footrest, coffee table, or extra seat.
Its kiln-dried engineered wood frame (a detail that enhances its longevity) and cushy foam offer support for up to 300 pounds of weight, and the internal wood block construction increases its stability and strength. Its soft, rounded shape allows it to bring balance into any room, and it’s spacious enough for adults, trays, and more to sit atop its surface.
Additionally, when it comes to choices, this ottoman offers plenty. Featuring an impressive selection of different fabrics – including performance options that are designed to withstand heavier use –you can opt for something neutral, an exact match for your existing furniture, or lean luxurious with rich velvet and chenille options. You can even customize the removable legs, which come in two finish shades, for an extra level of personalization.
The one disadvantage of this Pottery Barn round ottoman is it isn’t super easy to clean. The upholstery can only be spot-cleaned (and you’ll want to blot spills ASAP when they happen!) or vacuumed to remove fur, hair, and dust. However, thanks to the wide variety of different fabrics and color choices, it’s easy to find an option that suits even the busiest, most spill-prone homes.
Shape: Round | Dimensions: 38.5 x 38.5 x 18.5 inches | Material: Engineered wood, foam, fiber, and upholstery fabric | Storage: No
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What We Like
Available in several colors
Versatile
Double-sided lid
What We Don't Like
Prone to scratching
Looking for something a little easier on your bank account? Check out the Accent Storage Ottoman by Convenience Concepts. This versatile piece is 23 inches wide, 16 inches deep, and 16 inches tall. You can set dishes, books, or magazines on the flat surface or flip the top over if you need a proper serving tray.
We also appreciate the hidden storage compartment inside, making it ideal for small spaces. Made of wood with vegan leather upholstery, this ottoman comes in several colors, including neutrals and bold statement hues. The material might be prone to scratching, but it's still a great deal, considering the price.
Shape: Rectangular | Dimensions: 23 x 16 x 16 inches | Material: Wood, faux leather | Storage: Yes
Best for Small Spaces
Article Cilo Ottoman
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What We Like
Compact and versatile
Sturdy frame
Chic upholstery options
What We Don't Like
Tricky to clean
No storage
For small spaces, we recommend the Cilo Ottoman from Article. Measuring 17.5 inches tall and 16 inches in diameter, it's the perfect compact size. Though the Cilo doesn't have storage, it's got a sturdy wooden frame and high-density foam cushioning with rubber webbing.
This simple yet undeniably charming piece comes in several chic upholstery options. We're talking warm sienna, textured dove gray, olive green, denim blue, and ivory bouclé, plus two genuine leather colors. The latter might be tricky to clean, so you might want to make a shoes-off rule for anyone who uses it as a footrest.
Shape: Round | Dimensions: 16 x 17.5 inches | Material: Wood, foam, polyester or leather | Storage: No
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What We Like
Large, smooth surface
Dozens of upholstery options
Performance fabrics available
What We Don't Like
Some assembly required
No storage
Need something bigger? Wayfair's Emilio Ottoman might be your best bet. It's over 4 feet wide with a smooth, flat, generously sized surface perfect for placing serving trays.
The Emilio is available in nearly 50 upholstery options. You can choose from a wide range of colors and materials, including some performance fabrics. We should note that this ottoman doesn't have built-in storage, and some assembly is required, but it shouldn't take long to put together.
Shape: Rectangular | Dimensions: 49 x 27 x 20 inches | Material: Solid and manufactured wood, foam, springs, fabric | Storage: No
Best With Storage
George Oliver Halvorsen Tufted Square Storage Ottoman
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What We Like
Sizable surface
Safety hinges
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
Some assembly required
If built-in storage is a must-have feature, consider the George Oliver Halvorsen. This sizable ottoman is 16.5 inches tall with a 36-inch-square tufted surface. The split lift top has safety hinges that open to reveal a hidden storage compartment.
This versatile furniture piece has a wood frame, foam cushioning, and vegan leather upholstery in your choice of 14 colors. The smooth semi-shiny material is super-easy to wipe clean. Partial assembly is required, but all you have to do is attach the legs.
Shape: Square | Dimensions: 36 x 36 x 16.5 inches | Material: Solid and manufactured wood, foam, faux leather | Storage: Yes
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What We Like
Full-grain tanned Italian leather
Simple and modern
High-quality design
What We Don't Like
No storage
If you're keen on genuine leather, the Poly & Bark Denver Ottoman has your name on it. This simple, modern piece has a rubberwood frame, foam and feather cushioning, and full-grain tanned Italian leather upholstery.
Measuring 43 x 25 x 17 inches with no legs, the generously sized Denver sits flush to the floor. It comes in three colors—cognac tan, Madagascar cocoa, and onyx black—each undeniably sophisticated and versatile. This ottoman is pricey and doesn't have any storage, but there's no denying the high-quality appeal.
Shape: Rectangular | Dimensions: 43 x 25 x 17 inches | Material: Rubberwood, foam, feathers, poly fill, leather | Storage: No
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What We Like
Available in a variety of upholstery fabrics
Easy to assemble
Tufted, well-cushioned top
What We Don't Like
Professional cleaning is required for stains
Somewhat limited color choices
With its mid-century modern styling and its bold hues, Article’s Sven Ottoman is a standout choice for any living room. While it’s designed to make the perfect pairing with the brand’s Sven Sofa, this tufted ottoman looks great when paired with other pieces, too. It’s built with a solid and composite wood frame and features a base filled with foam padding; the uppermost layer is extra cushy and plush, with a blend of feathers and fiber to make a comfortable place for feet or sitting.
We love the variety of upholstery options available for the Sven Ottoman, though the color options are limited. You can choose from vibrant green velvet, dark black and brown hues of leather with a unique grain and texture, or dark woven blues.
If you opt for leather, you’ll love how the ottoman changes with patina over time. Just keep in mind, though, that professional cleaning is required if this ottoman develops stains or dirty areas.
Shape: Rectangle | Dimensions: 30 x 25 x 18 inches | Material: Solid and composite wood, foam, fiber, feathers, and upholstery fabric (or leather) | Storage: No
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What We Like
Multi-use design
Unique yet versatile
Sizable surface
What We Don't Like
No storage
co*cktail ottomans have a somewhat low profile and a flat surface, acting as both a footrest and a place to set a serving tray with drinks or snacks. We like the Christopher Ottoman from Kelly Clarkson Home. Measuring just over 4 feet long and 18 inches tall, it's got a unique oval shape and features one giant button tuft in the center.
This piece has a solid and engineered frame and polyester fabric upholstery in your choice of light beige, medium gray, or muted blue. It doesn't have storage, but the striking yet versatile design is still one of our favorites.
Shape: Oval | Dimensions: 48.5 x 32.5 x 18 inches | Material: Solid and engineered wood, foam, polyester | Storage: No
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What We Like
Compact and versatile
Playful yet sophisticated
Genuine top-grain leather
What We Don't Like
No storage
Poufs make great footrests, floor seats, and accent pieces, too. We're loving the Mistana Cherise, a round pouf-style ottoman with genuine leather upholstery in your choice of gray, camel, white, gold, or turquoise.
It measures 14 inches tall and 20 inches in diameter, the perfect compact size for a living room, walk-in closet, bedroom, reading nook, or vanity. Featuring a subtle hemstitched motif, this versatile piece easily walks the line between playful and sophisticated.
Shape: Round | Dimensions: 20 x 14 inches | Material: Leather, poly-cotton fill | Storage: No
Final Verdict
If you’re searching for an ottoman that’s sizable, comfortable, and sleek enough to blend into any space, our best overall pick, the Pottery Barn Universal Upholstered Round Ottoman is a classic. With soft round lines and an array of color and fabric options, it’ll work whether you need a living room centerpiece or a comfy place to prop up your feet. If you're in the market for something more affordable (or prioritize built-in storage), our best budget pick, the Convenience Concepts Designs4Comfort Accent Ottoman, is an excellent choice that blends together functionality and your budget.
What to Look for When Buying an Ottoman
Size
Ottomans come in a variety of sizes, and the right fit for your space is mostly a matter of your personal needs, preferences, and available space. In general, smaller ottomans are best utilized as accent pieces – they can typically be moved around a room as needed to double as a footrest, a small seat, or a visual “extra” that pairs with larger pieces like your couch or chairs.
Larger ottomans, on the other hand, can be centerpieces that sit right in the middle of your space. They, too, can double as footrests and seats, but they also work nicely as a spot to place trays, coffee table books, and other small accents.
When it comes to determining the best size for your space, look at how much available room you have. Can you fit a centerpiece-sized option like Pottery Barn’s Upholstered Round Ottoman, our best overall choice? If you need to go smaller, remember that you can always pair multiple ottomans together in one room and divvy them up as needed.
Style
Ottomans are available in a variety of different styles, from tufted options to those with built-in storage. Depending on your preferences, you can also opt for ottomans with skirted bases, added trim, nail heads, and more. While the style of ottoman you choose is really a personal preference, you should think about how you plan to use yours –in addition to your aesthetic – to guide your decision.
For example, if you don’t have a large space but want an ottoman that looks modern and provides comfort, a small boucle option like our best for small space pick, Article’s Clio Ottoman, can fit the bill. If you love the look of leather and prefer simpler, classic designs, Poly & Bark’s Denver Leather Ottoman, our best leather pick, will suit your style perfectly. If you’ll be placing your ottoman in a high-traffic room, you may want something simple but durable rather than fancy and covered in a delicate material.
Material
"Ottomans are a great opportunity to make a statement with [a] fun fabric or texture," says Annie Kersey of Purple Cherry Architects. That’s why material should always play a role in your shopping process. Upholstery options range widely, running the gamut from linen and tweed to leather and performance polyester.
Beyond the exterior upholstery that covers your ottoman, you'll want to take note of the frame and cushion, as these materials affect durability and comfort. While softer ottomans with less “hard” or sturdy frames can be wonderfully comfortable underfoot, you’ll want a more solid alternative for support. Solid wood and high-density foam are ideal, especially if you plan to sit on the ottoman or use it as a coffee table.
As Hunter notes, ottomans come in a variety of sizes. The right one for you is mostly a matter of your personal needs, preferences, and available space. But generally speaking, smaller designs are often used as accent pieces or an extra chair, and larger options are often used as both a footrest and serving surface in living rooms.
FAQ
What is an ottoman?
"An ottoman is simply an upholstered or generally softer stool," Kersey explains. "It can be used as a footrest for a club chair, extra seating in a larger family room space, or as a coffee table with a tray placed on top."
How do you clean an ottoman?
Like all other upholstered furniture, the proper way to clean an ottoman depends on the material. Regular vacuuming will help keep it fresh and prevent dust from building up in the cushion.
You can also wipe down the exterior with a mild cleaning solution and spot-treat it as needed. We recommend using a material-specific cleaning solution and doing a patch test on an inconspicuous area first, to be safe.
How do you reupholster an ottoman?
To reupholster an ottoman, you'll need a large piece of fabric, flexible measuring tape, an upholstery staple gun, and a basic sewing kit. After removing the existing upholstery, measure the new fabric to size and cut pieces for each side with a little extra slack. Then secure the fabric with staples, and sew the edges together, cutting off the excess.
DIY reupholstering can be complex. If you're not up for it or want specific details like tufting or corded edges, it might be best to hire a professional.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Hollandis a commerce writer, product tester, and regular contributor at The Spruce. For this story, she researched options from top brands and retailers, evaluating dozens of designs on the basis of their versatility, durability, design, and overall value.
Our Experts:
- Annie Kersey, interior designer at Purple Cherry Architects provided additional insight and recommendations.
- Heather Adams, Senior Commerce Editor for Bedding, Bath, and Home Decor at The Spruce, also offered additional support for this roundup with updated product selections and shopping insight.
