In recent years, the humble ottoman has undergone a transformation from a purely functional piece of furniture to a stylish and versatile component of modern interior design. One of the most popular ways to repurpose an ottoman is as a coffee table, adding a unique touch to your living room. In this article, we will explore the various ways to style an ottoman as a coffee table, providing you with inspiration and practical tips to elevate your home decor.
Choosing the Right Ottoman
Before we dive into the styling aspect, it’s essential to select the right ottoman for your living room. When choosing an ottoman to use as a coffee table, consider the following factors:
Size and Scale
The size and scale of your ottoman are crucial in determining its effectiveness as a coffee table. A large ottoman can overwhelm a small room, while a tiny one may get lost in a spacious area. Ensure that the ottoman is proportional to the room and the furniture surrounding it. A general rule of thumb is to choose an ottoman that is about the same height as the seat of your sofa or armchair.
Shape and Style
Ottomans come in various shapes and styles, from round and square to hexagonal and rectangular. Consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve in your living room. For instance, a round ottoman can add a touch of elegance, while a rectangular one can provide a more modern look.
Upholstery and Material
The upholstery and material of your ottoman can greatly impact its overall appearance. Choose a material that complements the existing furniture and decor in your living room. For example, a leather ottoman can add a sophisticated touch, while a velvet ottoman can bring a sense of luxuriousness.
Styling Your Ottoman Coffee Table
Once you have chosen the perfect ottoman, it’s time to style it as a coffee table. Here are some tips to get you started:
Tray or Platter
To create a functional surface, place a tray or platter on top of the ottoman. This will provide a flat surface for placing drinks, snacks, and decorative items. Choose a tray or platter that complements the material and style of your ottoman.
Lights and Accessories
Add some ambiance to your living room with candles, lanterns, or table lamps placed on the ottoman. These will not only provide soft lighting but also add a decorative touch. You can also use vases, bowls, or decorative boxes to add a pop of color and texture.
Metallic Accents
Metallic accents such as gold, silver, or copper can add a touch of glamour to your ottoman coffee table. Use metallic vases, picture frames, or decorative items to create a cohesive look.
Textiles and Throws
Throws and blankets can add a cozy touch to your ottoman coffee table. Choose materials that complement the upholstery of your ottoman and add a pop of color with a throw blanket.
Practical Considerations
While styling your ottoman coffee table, don’t forget about practical considerations. Here are some tips to ensure your space is functional and beautiful:
Storage
If you plan to use your ottoman as a coffee table, storage is essential. Consider an ottoman with a hollow interior or storage bins underneath to store magazines, books, or remotes.
Load and Capacity
When choosing an ottoman as a coffee table, ensure it can handle the weight capacity you need. A sturdy ottoman with a solid base can provide a stable surface for your drinks, snacks, and decorative items.
Design Inspiration
To help you get started with styling your ottoman as a coffee table, here are some design inspiration ideas:
Minimalist Chic
Create a minimalist look by placing a simple glass tray on top of the ottoman. Add a few books, a vase, or a small decorative item to complete the look.
Bohemian Oasis
Transform your space into a bohemian oasis by adding a colorful throw blanket, a few pillows, and a woven basket on top of the ottoman.
Modern Luxe
Create a modern luxurious look by placing a sleek glass or metal tray on top of the ottoman. Add a few candles, a vase, or a decorative box to complete the look.
Ottomans in Different Rooms
While we have focused on styling an ottoman as a coffee table in the living room, ottomans can also be used in other rooms to add a unique touch.
Bedroom Ottoman
Use an ottoman as a storage unit in your bedroom. Add a tray or platter on top to create a small coffee table or a place to store your bedtime essentials.
Outdoor Ottoman
Bring your outdoor space to life by using an ottoman as a coffee table on the patio or deck. Choose a weather-resistant material and add a few pillows, blankets, and decorative items to create a cozy atmosphere.
In conclusion, styling an ottoman as a coffee table can be a fun and creative way to add a unique touch to your living room. With the right ottoman and a little bit of styling expertise, you can create a beautiful and functional space that reflects your personality.
What is the main advantage of using an Ottoman as a coffee table?
Using an Ottoman as a coffee table offers the flexibility of converting the space from a sitting area to a storage unit in one simple move. The unique design of an Ottoman allows for storing items inside, enabling users to declutter their living space efficiently.
Moreover, storage Ottomans can help maintain a minimalist appearance by concealing unwanted items. Whether it’s to store throw blankets, books, or even board games, an Ottoman with a removable top provides ample storage for one’s miscellaneous belongings.
How to choose the right size of Ottoman as a coffee table?
When choosing the right size of Ottoman as a coffee table, consider the space available in the living room, as well as the other furniture. For instance, a smaller room with tight spaces will suit a compact Ottoman. On the other hand, larger spaces with ample room will be better suited for an oversized or square-shaped Ottoman.
It is also crucial to measure the available space and consider the height of the Ottoman. Choose an Ottoman that complements the existing furniture by taking its height and dimensions into consideration. Opting for the right size will result in an optimized, seamless setup that provides an effortless visual flow.
What type of Ottoman is ideal for a coffee table?
A storage Ottoman with a sturdy base and a hard or tufted top would be an ideal choice as a coffee table. These storage units usually come with a removable top that provides ample storage for various items. Some popular options include wooden-base storage Ottomans, storage cubes with a reversible tray, or storage-hinged top Ottomans.
Storage cubes or oversized footstool designs can also function well as Ottomans with a side table setup. However, consider Ottomans with firm flat surfaces for long-lasting durability. Some materials to look for are rich leather, vinyl, or polyester, which have proven durable and easy to maintain over the years.
How to add the perfect lighting with an Ottoman coffee table?
To create the perfect ambiance, adding table lamps or floor lamps would complement an Ottoman coffee table setup. Placing bedside lamps on side tables near the Ottoman will allow users to direct the light according to their needs. Hanging pendant lights or sconces above the seating area could add a unique, elegant twist to a living room setup.
A critical factor in choosing the right lighting for an Ottoman setup is ensuring a seamless, mess-free appearance. Opt for floor lamps or wall-mounted lamps to avoid any clutter on the Ottoman’s surface. Always choose lighting that complements the rest of the room’s decor, avoiding any unnecessary or gaudy design choices.
How to incorporate seating options around the Ottoman coffee table?
A convenient seating arrangement around the Ottoman coffee table is essential for creating a harmonious setup. To begin, consider placing the primary sofa and/or armchair a couple of feet away from the Ottoman. These larger pieces can serve as ideal spots to rest.
In addition to these primary seating options, include accent chairs, side stools, or bean bags to complete the seating setup around the Ottoman. Such options offer users flexibility while maintaining ample legroom around the Ottoman coffee table. Balancing the seating arrangement with the rest of the furniture will enhance the functionality of the space.
How to decorate the Ottoman coffee table setup?
When it comes to decorating an Ottoman coffee table setup, users can explore an array of stylish ideas to transform their space. For instance, a vase with fresh flowers or a decorative sculpture can instantly elevate the ambiance of the space. If desired, top the Ottoman with decorative items or objects that share the same design theme.
However, be mindful of clutter when selecting decorative objects. Place just a few choice items that visually enhance the Ottoman and existing decor. Mix different textures such as velvety surfaces, leather, and rugs to create a visually appealing atmosphere that emphasizes sophistication and harmony.
How to maintain the Ottoman coffee table setup?
Maintaining the Ottoman coffee table is important for maintaining both the furniture and the aesthetic appeal of the space. A simple, yet effective approach, is to vacuum clean and wipe down the surface of the Ottoman with a gentle cleaning solution on a regular basis. Consider vacuuming upholstered surfaces as well and spot-treating stains promptly to prevent buildup.
Be mindful of storage load capacities to avoid over-loading the Ottoman with heavy items. This increases its lifespan by preventing structural damage. Make it a habit to declutter contents periodically, and re-arrange the setup to maintain its convenience, style, and usability.