How Do You Style an Ottoman Coffee Table? 12 Easy Ideas

You style an ottoman coffee table by giving it a firm, flat base for objects, usually a large tray, and then keeping the arrangement low, light and easy to move. Because an upholstered top is soft, anything placed directly on it can tip, so a tray does the structural work while books, a candle, a plant or a small bowl add character. Leave part of the surface bare so it can still be used as a footrest or extra seat.

That flexibility is the reason so many people choose an ottoman over a hard coffee table. It is softer on shins, quieter underfoot and often hides storage inside. Our collection of modern footstools and ottomans UK covers round, square and rectangular shapes in fabric, velvet, boucle and leather, and the twelve ideas below will work with almost all of them.

The Foundations: Trays, Scale and Balance

1. Use a tray large enough to matter

A small tray on a large ottoman looks like an afterthought. Aim for a tray that covers roughly a third to a half of the top. Wood, rattan, lacquer and metal all work; choose one that contrasts with the upholstery so it reads clearly. A walnut tray on cream boucle, or a brass tray on deep green velvet, gives the arrangement a confident frame.

2. Place the tray off centre

Centring a tray is tidy but can look formal. Shifting it towards one end leaves an open area for feet, a board game or a plate, and creates a more relaxed, lived in look. On a round ottoman, set the tray slightly towards the sofa side so it is easy to reach.

3. Work in odd numbers

Groups of three objects tend to look more natural than pairs. Try something tall, something medium and something low: a vase of stems, a candle and a small dish, for instance. Varying height stops the tray looking flat.

4. Keep weight low

Heavy, top heavy objects are best avoided on a soft surface. Choose pieces with a wide, stable base, and save tall glass vases for firmer furniture. If you have children or pets, a lidded candle or battery candle is safer than an open flame.

Adding Character and Texture

5. Stack a few books

Two or three large books laid flat create a stable platform and add colour through their covers. They also raise a small object to a better height. Choose titles you actually enjoy dipping into; a stack that gets opened is more appealing than one chosen purely for looks.

6. Bring in something living

A small plant, a posy of garden flowers or a few cut branches in a squat vase soften the arrangement and bring colour. Trailing plants such as string of pearls look lovely spilling slightly over a tray edge. Dried grasses and seed heads work well in autumn and winter and need no care.

7. Layer a throw

Folding a throw across one end of the ottoman adds warmth and a second texture. It also protects the upholstery if the ottoman doubles as a footrest. Pick a colour already present in your cushions so the room feels joined up.

8. Play with contrasting materials

Soft upholstery pairs beautifully with hard, cool surfaces. Marble coasters, a ceramic bowl, a stone candle holder or a glass cloche all create a pleasing tension against fabric. The contrast is what makes the styling look considered.

Making It Work for Real Life

9. Plan for feet

An ottoman coffee table will be used as a footrest, whatever the plan. Accept it and design for it. Keep the tray to one side and choose objects that are easy to lift away. Some people keep a second, smaller tray empty so the whole arrangement can be moved in one go when the family settle in for a film.

10. Use the storage inside

Many ottomans have a lift off or hinged lid with space beneath. Use it for the clutter that tends to gather on a coffee table: remotes, chargers, blankets, board games, children’s toys. With those out of sight, the styled top stays calm without daily tidying.

11. Change it with the seasons

Because an ottoman arrangement is small, refreshing it is quick and inexpensive. In spring, bring in fresh flowers and paler ceramics. In summer, try a bowl of fruit or shells. In autumn, swap to warmer woods, pinecones and amber glass. In winter, add a chunky knit throw and candles.

12. Know when to leave it bare

Sometimes the best styling is none. A beautifully upholstered ottoman in a strong colour or rich texture can stand on its own, particularly in a room that already has plenty going on. If the room feels busy, remove everything and see whether the piece works better as a simple, sculptural block.

Fitting the Ottoman Into the Wider Room

An ottoman coffee table should feel part of the scheme rather than a standalone piece. Think about how it relates to the rest of your living room furniture UK sale finds, particularly the sofa and chairs around it.

Height: The top of the ottoman should sit level with the sofa seat or a little below. Too high and it blocks the view; too low and it feels lost.

Size: For a straight sofa, look for an ottoman around half to two thirds of the sofa’s length. With a corner sofa, a large round or square ottoman often fills the space more comfortably than a long rectangle.

Colour: You can match the sofa for a calm, tonal room, or choose a contrasting colour to make the ottoman a focal point. A neutral sofa with a jewel toned velvet ottoman is a simple way to add personality.

Grounding: A rug beneath the ottoman defines the seating area. Our modern rugs UK collection includes flatweaves and deeper piles; a flatweave is easier if the ottoman has castors and gets moved around.

Hard surfaces nearby: Because an ottoman is soft, it helps to have somewhere firm close at hand for hot drinks. A pair of side tables UK at either end of the sofa gives everyone a stable spot for a mug, leaving the ottoman free for display and feet.

Choosing the Right Upholstery for Styling

The fabric affects both how the ottoman looks and how easy it is to live with.

• Boucle has a looped, textured surface that looks soft and tactile. It suits neutral, relaxed rooms but can snag on rough tray feet, so add felt pads beneath trays.
• Velvet brings depth of colour and a slight sheen. It shows pressure marks where feet rest, which some people enjoy as part of its character.
• Linen and cotton blends feel casual and natural. They pair well with rattan and light woods.
• Leather and faux leather offer a firmer surface that is easier to wipe clean. Trays sit more securely, and the ottoman suits family rooms and studies.

Keeping an Ottoman Looking Fresh

An ottoman that is used every day will gather crumbs, dust and the occasional spill, so a simple routine helps. Vacuum the top and sides once a week with an upholstery attachment, paying attention to seams and buttons where dust settles. Blot spills straight away with a clean, dry cloth rather than rubbing, which can push liquid deeper into the fibres.

Rotate the tray position every so often, particularly on velvet, so that pressure marks and fading are spread evenly. If the ottoman sits near a sunny window, a throw over the most exposed side offers some protection. Check the care label before using any cleaning product, and test it first on a hidden area such as the underside of the lid.

Finally, look at the feet. Castors should turn smoothly, and fixed feet benefit from felt pads if the ottoman sits on a wooden or tiled floor. Small checks like these keep the piece stable, which in turn keeps your styling secure.

Ottomans in Multipurpose Rooms

In smaller homes the living room may also be a guest room or a playroom. An ottoman coffee table is well suited to that kind of flexibility. It can be pushed aside to open floor for a sofa bed, used as extra seating when friends visit, and emptied of its tray in seconds. If your sofa folds out for guests, our guide to matching sofa beds with coffee tables in UK homes explains how to keep the room practical once the bed is open.

For the full range of ottomans, footstools and coffee tables to build your scheme around, visit Furniture in Fashion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put a tray on an ottoman coffee table?

Yes, and it is the most reliable way to style one. A tray provides a firm, level base on a soft top, so cups, candles and vases sit securely. Choose one large enough to hold a small group of objects.

How do I stop things falling off an ottoman?

Use a tray with a raised lip, choose objects with wide bases and avoid tall, narrow pieces. Firmer, tightly upholstered ottomans are more stable than deeply padded ones.

Can an ottoman replace a coffee table completely?

It can, especially in family rooms. Most people add side tables nearby for hot drinks, since a soft top is less suited to mugs than a hard surface.

What size ottoman should I get for my sofa?

Look for one around half to two thirds of the sofa’s length, with the top level with or just below the seat. For corner sofas, a larger round or square shape usually fits better.