Design Guide: Using an Ottoman as a Coffee Table
Ottomans have more than moved beyond the realm of a simple footrest. In contemporary spaces more innovative designs open up a world in which an ottoman can not only double as a coffee table but entirely replace a conventional coffee table. This may not be your first choice of coffee table, but you’ll find softer, more flexible living-room centerpiece in ottomans, as well as a versatile piece of furniture. What’s more, an ottoman intended to double as a coffee table is a great option for smaller living rooms, dens, and side sitting rooms where space is at a premium. However you choose to use an ottoman, there is a bit of thought and intention that must go into properly styling it. Here are our best tips on using an ottoman as a coffee table.
How to Use an Ottoman as a Coffee Table
An Ottoman can serve as a footrest, additional seat, or tabletop, but using it in any of these ways depends on the piece’s height, proportions, and how the room is used.
Begin with proportion. The ottoman should be large enough to be proportional to the sofa without filling walkways or crowding the seating arrangement. This means following a simple formula: a coffee table (and therefore an ottoman used as a coffee table) should be one-half to two-thirds of the length of the sofa’s main seat. Leave 14–18 inches between the ottoman and the seat and armrests so people still reach the surface and move around it comfortably.
For height, ensure the top of the ottoman/coffee table matches, or is within two inches of, the height of the seat cushions.
Finally, place the ottoman in the same place you would your coffee table. An ottoman is usually more restricted in shape—either square, circular, or rectangular—so that’s also something to keep in mind when considering style and whether an ottoman is a good replacement for your coffee table.
Use a Tray for a Stable Surface
Because ottomans are typically for enhancing the comfort of lounge chairs and sofas, they are usually upholstered. This gives them an overstuffed, often uneven tabletop surface. This is not always a problem, and there are options with smoother upholstered surfaces, but you’ll need to consider some solutions to this problem to keep the piece functional.
A tray is the simplest way to convert a soft ottoman into a practical tabletop. Choose one with a broad, flat base and made from lightweight materials so it doesn’t sink into the cushioned top. Consider a tray with a raised edge to further ensure items don’t go tumbling off. This helps contain glasses, remotes, and small objects. And if something spills, the lip of the tray is there to catch it before you need to break out the upholstery cleaner.
Style the tray with minimal accessories. Include a candle for everyday atmosphere, maybe a small, portable table light, some books, and a sculpture. If you’re brave, and the area doesn’t get a lot of traffic, a bud vase with flowers or seasonal décor is also a great option.
Ottoman and Coffee Table: Which Is Better?
This is a question each person and room must answer itself. An ottoman is usually better for more relaxed rooms where comfort and flexibility are priorities. It’s also a great way to soften more strict, modern décor and furnishings. However, a traditional coffee table can be the finishing touch to a space like that, and is better for rooms where you are frequently hosting. Coffee tables also offer more options for storage, display, generally acting as a more practical solution.
You do not have to choose only one. A good happy medium is pairing a compact side table beside the sofa while the ottoman anchors the seating area and takes the place of a normal coffee table. In a larger room, an ottoman can sit near one end of the sofa and a small table, or series of tables, can serve the other seats.
There are no wrong answers here, we simply encourage you to consider the use of the room, zones where guests gravitate to, and the overall functionality for your specific lifestyle.
Choosing the Right Shape and Size
As we said before, ottomans are more limited when it comes to shape. There are three primary shapes, each suited to certain room flows and sofa sizes.
- Round Ottoman Coffee Tables. A round ottoman creates that natural circulation with its rounded shape. They work best with compact sofas, curved seating, and L-shaped sectionals.
- Square Ottoman Coffee Tables. A square ottoman brings balance to seating groups or the central opening of a U-shaped sectional. It completes squared off arrangements or is that sharp edge to contrast the overstuffed cushion.
- Rectangular Ottoman Coffee Tables. A rectangular ottoman spans the length of a standard sofa and provides generous surface area. It is often the easiest replacement for a conventional rectangular coffee table and is great for larger, more open areas used for hosting.
Best Materials for an Ottoman Coffee Table
An ottoman will be mostly upholstered. You should look for durable, tightly woven upholstery because it is easier to maintain than delicate or highly textured fabric. Leather is a great, durable option that can be wiped clean, does not quickly absorb liquids, and develops a unique character over time. There are certain ottomans as well that offer performance textiles which can be stain resistance making them perfect for busy family rooms. Remember that while tufting adds visual detail it can also create challenging surface that isn’t as even, making spills more likely, and making it harder to thoroughly clean.
The best material, in the end, does depend on how frequently and how hard the room is used, whether or not you have children and pets running through the space, and if you are willing to use protective measures like trays and throws to limit messes.
Ottoman Coffee Table FAQs
- Can you put drinks on an ottoman? Yes. We recommend using a rigid tray rather than placing drinks directly on upholstery. The tray distributes weight, protects the fabric, and reduces spills.
- How high should an ottoman coffee table be? Aim for approximately the same height as the sofa seat or one to two inches lower. An ottoman can be higher than the sofa or chair seat, but it shouldn’t be by more than an inch or two.
- How far should an ottoman be from the sofa? Standard practice is to leave about 14–18 inches between the ottoman and the sofa edges.
- Can an ottoman and coffee table be used in the same room? Yes. Place each in a separate seating zone or pair a small coffee table with an ottoman when the room is large enough to preserve clear walkways.
- Is a tufted ottoman practical as a coffee table? You can absolutely use a tufted ottoman as a coffee table alternative. However, we highly recommend styling it with a large tray to even out the surface. The tray can also be removed if you want the tufting to be seen.
Curating a Versatile Living Room
Our final note on using an ottoman as a coffee table is about styling. A tray, of course, is almost vital, but then we suggest adding in photos, candles and candle holders, books, vases, and other sculptural décor you love. Keep it simple because, remember, this is a versatile piece that will be used to rest your feet and as a practical tabletop surface. Avoid styling it with easily breakable items or things that are too tall and block your line of vision.
Using an ottoman as a coffee table is a great way to create a versatile and flexible living room space. It allows you to easily incorporate more cushions and upholstery for a softer more cozy look, while still being an elegant and modern centerpiece.
Shop HORNE’s collection of living room furniture to find the perfect piece for all your living and seating areas.
