In many instances, your best furniture investment involves a piece that serves more than one function in a room. One such piece is the hard-working ottoman. More than just a footrest that accompanies your favorite chair, an ottoman may include room for storage inside, serve as a cocktail table, or even convert from an ottoman to a chair. In addition, versatile ottomans come in every shape and size, sometimes with casters for mobility, and a bottom shelf that’s perfect for books and magazines or for displaying decorative items.
Chair Companions || In most cases, your ottoman will act as an automatic go-to for your chair, and sometimes appear in a matching fabric. This is a clean, cohesive look, but sometimes it’s fun to mix different shapes into your décor. Consider using a round ottoman in a different fabric to coordinate with your square-shaped chair to add intrigue to your look.
Stylish Accents || If you want your ottoman to take more of a starring role in your space, a cocktail ottoman is an excellent option. Place it in the center of a living room as a focal point, maybe a button-tufted leather model with beautifully turned legs and casters. Or, one with plush patterned upholstery and a bottom shelf for storing your magazines. You may want to add a tray to the top with a vase of flowers or china tea set for the finishing touch. If you choose one with inside storage, you can stash a throw or pillows inside for when the weather gets chilly.
The Works ||
If you really want your ottoman to do it all, consider one that goes beyond a cocktail ottoman – really, the only thing you have to provide are the cocktails and snacks! This piece includes a serving tray, two toss pillows, and a bottom shelf for storing them. If you enjoy entertaining guests, this type of
cocktail ottoman is the perfect choice. Another multitasking
accent ottoman features a cushioned top that lifts up on one side to convert to a chair with storage space inside – a truly ingenious idea, especially if you’re tight on space.