We all love an Ottoman!
A large ottoman to act as a focus for the seating in a large library, and provide more seating when entertaining.
An ottoman might appear a relatively straightforward addition to a sitting room, but choose the right one and it can pull an entire scheme together. Choose the wrong one, and it can feel like an elephant in the room. No matter what scale of room you are in, there are a few things worth considering….
What is your ottoman actually for? Resting your feet, balancing a tray of drinks, displaying a stack of glossy coffee-table books or simply looking decorative? A well-chosen tray can provide a practical surface for accessories and drinks, while books and carefully chosen objects add personality. Think about storage underneath, too. It can be useful for keeping books close to hand, although an open space that quietly collects dust can be less appealing!
Shape and proportion. Should you opt for straight, tailored legs or something more curvaceous? You might consider walnut, oak, or a painted leg to pick up a colour elsewhere in the scheme. These details matter. An ottoman should feel as though it belongs, even if it is deliberately a little different.
Should the base be open, allowing the eye to travel beneath it and creating a greater sense of space, or a solid, upholstered box that anchors the seating area? The answer depends on the room and the furniture around it. Sometimes continuity is key, and at other times, a little contrast is precisely what is needed to open up a space or give it a more defined, intimate feel.
Practicality. Castors can be invaluable if you like to rearrange your furniture for entertaining, whereas a solid base may be perfectly suitable if it is destined to stay put.
Height is important, too. Ideally, the ottoman should relate comfortably to the height of your seating, with enough room around it to move freely. Too high, too low or too large, and it can quickly become an obstacle rather than an asset.
Now for the fun part - the upholstery. An ottoman is a wonderful opportunity to splash out on that rather fabulous fabric you have been eyeing. You may need only a metre, depending on its size and pattern, so why not be a little extravagant? A bold colour, a beautiful weave or a striking pattern can bring a room to life, provided it connects with the colours and textures around it. Then there is the finish, a curved top, piping, or even a contrast edge? If you really want to turn up the glamour, we have a particular weakness for a bullion fringe - always luxurious!
Truly bespoke. Sometimes, the best solution is a shape that is entirely bespoke. For one client we designed a beautiful circular ottoman to go in a London flat with limited space for entertaining. Cleverly concealed beneath it are pull-out stools, providing extra seating when guests arrive. It was a handsome centrepiece with a very practical trick up its sleeve.
Whether you are looking for a simple finishing touch or a clever piece of furniture that works a little harder, there is plenty to consider. Get the proportions, materials, colours and details right, and an ottoman can be so much more than somewhere to put your feet.
These details make a difference, and paying for an interior designer can do just that. Every item is considered, buy drawing on our experience to land on those details that make a room. If you are still struggling to decide, do get in touch.
+44 203 866 4430