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

An upholstered ottoman makes a soft, sociable alternative to a hard coffee table, but its padded top needs a slightly different approach to styling. The secret is a firm, generous tray that gives cups, candles and vases a stable base, with the rest of the surface left free for feet, games and the occasional extra guest. In this guide we share twelve easy ideas for styling an ottoman coffee table, from choosing the right size of tray and placing it off centre to grouping objects in threes, stacking books, adding plants and layering a throw. We also cover the practical side of living with an ottoman, including using the storage inside, refreshing the arrangement with the seasons and knowing when to leave it bare. Finally, we look at how to size an ottoman against your sofa, which upholstery fabrics are easiest to style and live with, and how an ottoman supports flexible, multipurpose rooms....