Versatility key to the oft-overlooked ottoman
Canada’s Barenaked Ladies once suggested in a song that an ottoman would make a perfect home furniture gift from the wishful millionaire (to go along with that “nice chesterfield”).
In truth, as U.S. design expert Cathy Hobbs writes in the Detroit News, the easily movable ottoman can serve a home or condo well as a great decor item — and certainly an affordable one.
“The beauty of using ottomans is their versatility,” Hobbs says. “Ottomans can help add function to a small or odd-shaped nook, as well as pull double design duty. Often, ottomans take on a dual role in the home, like seating and a coffee table or seating and storage. The cost is also attractive as well, as many can be purchased for $100 or less, depending on the size and material.”
Need an instant portable seat, especially for kids? Pull up an ottoman. The best part, explains Hobbs, is that said seat can be used in pretty much any room (living room, family room, entryway). For bedrooms, children can use an ottoman to do tasks that may put them closer to the floor, such as tying their shoes or doing an arts and crafts project.
Ottomans can come in any shape (round, square, rectangular), may contain a feature that allows for storage, or be simply used “as great furniture pieces to place a coat or keys on or to tie your shoes before heading out to face the day,” says Hobbs.
As for which fabric or material to best select, “good choices include a fabric or material that may be suited for hospitality use such as leather or a highend vinyl such as Naugahyde,” Hobbs says.