8 Large Ottoman Ideas for Living Rooms That Need Versatile Furniture

Some living rooms ask a lot of their furniture. They host film nights, family meals on trays, hobby afternoons, midweek work calls and the occasional gathering of friends. In rooms like these, a large ottoman often earns its place faster than any other piece. It is part seat, part table, part storage and part footrest, all in one quiet form.

Why a Large Ottoman Works So Well

A large ottoman gives you a generous surface without the hard edges of a coffee table. It can be styled with a tray, sat on when guests arrive, or used as a long footrest across the front of a sofa. In open plan rooms it also helps zone the seating area, marking out where the lounge begins and ends. If you are still planning the layout of your room, our living room furniture range is a good place to picture how the pieces sit together.

1. A Long Bench Ottoman Across a Three Seater

A rectangular ottoman that stretches across most of a three seater sofa is a strong centrepiece for a family room. It gives several people somewhere to rest their feet at the same time, and offers a long surface for trays at film nights. Choose a low profile design so it does not block the view of the television.

2. A Square Ottoman Between Two Sofas

In larger lounges with two sofas facing each other, a square ottoman in the centre creates a calm focal point. It works in place of a coffee table, but with a softer feel underfoot. Add a wide tray and keep the styling low so the surface still functions when guests arrive. This setup suits homes built around our corner sofas or two seater pairings.

3. A Round Ottoman for Curved Layouts

If your seating is angled, curved or arranged around a fireplace, a round ottoman softens the geometry of the room. The lack of corners makes it safer for children and easier to walk around in tighter spaces. A round ottoman also pairs well with a curved sofa, where a square design can look slightly off.

4. A Storage Ottoman for Small Living Rooms

For flats and smaller terraces, a large lift top storage ottoman is one of the most useful pieces you can buy. It swallows up throws, board games, magazines, remote controls and seasonal cushions in seconds. Look for a sturdy hinge, a clean interior lining and a top that doubles as a soft seat. Our footstool and ottoman collection includes plenty of storage friendly designs.

5. A Tufted Ottoman for a Traditional Scheme

If your living room leans classic, a deep buttoned or tufted ottoman adds quiet character. The detailing catches the light, breaks up plain upholstery on a sofa and pairs well with antique side tables and softly patterned rugs. Stick to muted tones such as soft grey, dusty pink, navy or olive for a timeless finish.

6. A Modern Slab Ottoman for Minimal Rooms

For pared back, modern interiors, a low slab style ottoman with hidden legs gives a clean horizontal line. It sits comfortably with sculptural sofas, low coffee tables and large floor lamps. Choose a neutral fabric in stone, oat or charcoal so the piece blends rather than competes with the sofa.

7. A Patterned Ottoman as a Statement Piece

If your sofa is plain, a patterned ottoman can carry the personality of the whole room. A geometric weave, a soft stripe or a herringbone texture adds interest without overwhelming the space. Tie it back to the sofa with one or two cushions in a matching tone so the room still feels considered.

8. A Velvet Ottoman for Soft Luxury

A large velvet ottoman is one of the most flattering pieces in a living room. The fabric catches the light beautifully, deepens the colour palette and gives the room a quiet sense of richness. Pair it with a fabric sofa from our fabric sofa range for a calm, layered scheme.

Getting the Proportions Right

Whichever style you choose, scale is the most important thing to get right. A large ottoman should sit at roughly the same height as the sofa seat, or slightly lower, and be no longer than two thirds of the sofa width. Leave around 40 centimetres of clear floor between the sofa and the ottoman so people can move around it without bumping their shins.

Practical Buying Tips

Check the frame, the legs and the fabric carefully before buying. A good large ottoman has a sturdy hardwood or engineered frame, reinforced legs and a hardwearing upholstery that will hold up to daily use. If you have pets, look for a fabric that can be wiped or vacuumed easily. Always measure your doorways and stairwells before ordering, as a large ottoman can be surprisingly difficult to manoeuvre into a smaller flat.

FAQs

How large should a living room ottoman be?

A large ottoman should be around two thirds the length of your sofa and sit at roughly the same height as the seat cushions.

Can a large ottoman be used as a coffee table?

Yes. Add a sturdy tray for cups, books and remote controls so you keep the soft look of the ottoman with the function of a table.

Are storage ottomans hardwearing?

A well made storage ottoman uses a reinforced frame, a strong hinge and a hardwearing fabric so it stands up to daily family use.

What rug suits a large ottoman?

A rug that sits under both the sofa and the ottoman ties the seating area together and stops the floor from feeling broken up.