Dating back to the Ottoman Empire (the clue is in the name), the ottoman style was brought over to European shores in the late 18th Century to grace boudoirs across the world.
Characterised by a piece of furniture that doesn’t have a back or arms, it resembles a low couch and can be used as a table, stool, footstool, additional seating or as a handy storage solution to keep the likes of linen, magazines or whatever else to hand without cluttering up your space.
Generally larger than a pouffe, they’re traditionally circular or octagonal but modern geometric design schemes have paved the way for rectangular models with versatility to place in any room in the house. Architectural silhouettes offer roomy and refined models that can suit even the most compact of spaces.
Their appeal is enduring, placed in hallways, at the end of your bed, under a window or adjacent to your sofa so you can put your feet up and relax.
Shop the most elegant ottomans below.
Loha Blue Velvet & Rattan Ottoman
The juxtaposition of natural rattan with opulent velvet makes this ottoman a stylish statement piece to liven up a dull corner of your home. Storage and seating combined, it has been upholstered in a cushioned blue topper that ensures comfort, while the hugely popular natural wood fits among the latest interior trends.
Sofia Velvet Ottomans
If your home follows a neutral colour palette and you’re looking for an injection of colour, this ottoman from Graham & Green comes in four pastel and neon hues that are bright without feeling overpowering. They have a plush velvet construction and come in coral, pink, turquoise and blue but the colours may soften or pop depending on your lighting.
Asare 110cm Upholstered Ottoman Storage Bench, Pine Green and Brass
Get creative with your storage solutions by introducing an ottoman like the Asare from MADE. It doubles up as a place to stash clutter, while keeping everything close to hand. It is made up of a sumptuous velvet that comes in an array of neutral hues; grey, caramel, and royal blue as well as blush pink, pine green and a boucle white.
Seattle Ottoman
Create the ultimate lounging experience in your living room by incorporating this ottoman that will encourage you to take a load off. It has a simple square silhouette with the added bonus of a comfortable cushion to increase the quantity of seating in your home when the whole family is over. It has been constructed from solid birch and plywood and can be covered in the fabric and shade of your choice - whether velvet, cord, weave, wool or leather suits your space best.
Cosy Ottoman
For the houseproud, there is nothing more frustrating than guests putting their feet up on your furniture but with this cosy ottoman from Cox & Cox, it is what the product is designed for. Ottoman turned coffee table, it’s a multifunctional piece that will elevate the comfort factor in your living room. Choose between the linen or velvet fabrics as well as many adaptable tones.
Eloise Velvet Pleated Ottoman
With an Art Deco-style elegance, this ottoman will make a luxe finish. It has been upholstered in a soft blush velvet fabric with a pleated design for extra intrigue. The lid is removable and opens to reveal a spacious interior.
Sheki Upholstered Ottoman - Charcoal / Venetian Red
For those among you not subscribing to the grey, neutral colour palette of recent interior trends, you may be more interested in furniture items that will become an interesting and noteworthy design detail in your home. Enter Oka’s Sheki ottoman. The coffee table-blanket box-footrest furniture hybrid has been adorned with a hand-embroidered pattern of a beautiful bloom design. It also opens up with a decent amount of storage space within.
Gus Button-Tufted Ottoman in Jet Black Velvet
There’s something about upholstery that gives furniture instant sophistication as proved here by the Gus Ottoman from Perch & Parrow. Sturdy and stylish, it has a versatile look that makes it adaptable whether you have a modern or traditional design scheme. Pair with glass and metal for the former and cosy rugs for the latter. Place alongside gold touches for a 1920s opulence.
Velvet Mulberry Red Storage Ottoman
When you picture an ottoman, this is perhaps the exact style that springs to mind. A classic rectangular shape, it’s covered in a luxe fabric and has an upholstery embellishment on the plush velvet top. The material comes from Designers Guild and is available in a range of colours but this burgundy hue makes a strong case for colourful furniture with its warm, inviting feel.
John Lewis & Partners Rouen Upholstered Ottoman Storage Box
Proving you don’t need to spend an arm and leg to customise your furniture, John Lewis is offering this storage box in a seemingly endless array of fabrics and colourways. There’s Topaz for a linen effect, Saga for woven durability, Erin for a sumptuous soft option, Opulence for luxe velvet, Mole for woven linen, Relaxed Linen for well, you can guess and Marylamb for a natural textile. It is then embellished with an upholstery and wooden feet.
