They were big in the 1970s, fell out of favour in the ‘80s and ‘90s, but now they’re back and seriously popular again! Ottoman style furniture is so on-trend right now, and there are so many interesting designs to choose from that there’s bound to be one that suits your interior décor. They’re smart, the ottoman seats and benches are surprisingly comfortable, and they’re incredibly practical – what’s not to love about the ottoman? 

If you’re not familiar with the idea, then very simply, ottoman style furniture doesn’t have arms or a back. But they do have one big advantage in the form of some very useful storage space hidden inside. You can go from a simple ottoman box that usually doubles up as a foot-stool or a full-size ottoman bench with a lift-up seat and tons of extra storage space underneath – ideal for a hallway or children’s room. Here are a few ideas on how to decorate with an ottoman so that it fits in with your design elements and flow.

Ottoman style furniture

Indoors or outdoors, ottoman style furniture is ideal for everyday use. In the garden, you’ll find ottoman boxes often make up part of a set of patio furniture, and are usually rattan or wicker-style designs. They’re rugged, long-lasting and a perfect addition to your exterior space. 

Indoors, ottoman boxes can be used to store magazines to keep your living room clutter-free, or in the bedroom they can be used as extra storage space at the foot of the bed. 

Vintage vs modern

You can quite easily tell a vintage style ottoman from a more modern version as the vintage version has legs that raise it off the ground. Modern ottoman boxes tend to sit flat on the floor. Vintage versions are ideal if you have a more traditional home décor style, whereas the more modern designs work well in minimalist or modern design plans. 

Ottoman chairs

Unexpected guests? Run out of space on the sofa? An ottoman chair is a great addition to living room furniture and can be stored when not in use. Ottoman chairs are usually deeply upholstered, making them surprisingly comfortable to sit on. They’re not essential, but when you really need that extra seat they’re invaluable additions to any home!

Ottoman chairs can also be a great addition to a kid’s bedroom, especially if they have friends over for a play date or sleep-over. Choose bright patterns such as a charming patchwork version, and remember that the storage space will also come in useful to help them keep their bedrooms tidy too!

Leather luxury

While the majority of ottomans are either upholstered in different fabrics, or have a rattan base with a cushioned top, one of the most popular versions of these practical little home décor extras is the leather ottoman. They look super-sophisticated and fit right in with a modern interior plan, and thanks to the robust nature of leather they are easy to keep clean and looking beautiful for years to come. In fact, the more they age, the better looking they get.

The final decision when it comes to choosing your ottoman is what shape do you want? The most common is a square or rectangle, although other designs are available, with circular ottomans a close second to the ever-popular cube. That decision is all down to personal taste and preferences, but remember to pick ottoman boxes and chairs that offer you the practicality of extra storage space too – perfect if you’re home is a little smaller and storage space is at a premium.