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How to decorate an ottoman


35 Ottoman Decor Ideas to Replace Your Coffee Table

Living Room

Written by 

Zakhar (aka Zee)

October 27, 2022

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If you’ve taken the plunge to replace your coffee table with an ottoman, you may be wondering how to create an attractive aesthetic that can add depth and texture to your space. After all, an ottoman is another blank canvas that can be used to show off your unique taste and add interest to an otherwise functional setting. But discovering how to layer blankets and accessorized trays can seem like an overwhelming task.

It doesn’t matter what layout you may have or the size of the space to be filled, there are endless options for you to choose from. If you want to make a statement, choose an oversized piece and layer it with blankets in accent colors and unique textures. You can play with unique colors and patterns if you have a smaller, accent piece or want it to act as more of a focal point in your bedroom or living room. Check out this collection to find inspiration for your home.

01 of Modern Living Room with Mirrored Ottoman Decor

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A large window illuminated this living room, which is decorated with a dark green velvet sofa and two leather chairs. Three matching black and wood side tables are placed near each seat, while a large, round ottoman of tufted gray upholstery is resting in the middle on top of a dark gray and white printed rug. A small mirror and large glass vase small green botanicals serves as ottoman decor.

02 of Faux Fur Ottoman Decor

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A large white sectional sofa is decorated with white and purple throw pillows in this home’s living room. Vintage frames and hand lettered signs hang on the wall above, with a small round side table placed at the end of the sofa. A beige tufted bench serves as an ottoman and is accessorized with a faux fur runner, pine boughs, and a white lantern with a glowing candle.

03 of Living Room with Gray Ottoman and Faux Fur Accessories

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A brightly lit living room with a vaulted ceiling is designed around a large wood-burning fireplace with gray tile. Curved alcoves with wood shelves are built into either side with white and tan seating around the room. A gray upholstered ottoman is placed under a large round brass light fixture. A faux fur runner is draped beneath a wood tray decorated with a large white vase overflowing with pink roses.

04 of Modern Leather Ottoman Decor

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This modern living room features a low gray sofa and matching chair, both of which are accessorized with white, sage green, and pale red throw pillows. A dark red rug rests on the bleached hardwood floors, with a rectangular, sleek, tufted leather ottoman sitting in front of the sofa. A round interwoven tray is accessorized with a white vase filled with pale red flowers.

05 of Round Basket on a Black Flowered Ottoman

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A round wicker basket sits on a black flowered ottoman in this bonus room with a gabled ceiling. A white picture holding dried stems sits next to a candle in the basket. A light-colored rug rests on the dark wood floors in front of a white sofa. Twin white armchairs sit side-by-side on the right-hand side of the room.

06 of White Sectional with Tufted Ottoman Tray Decor

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This living room is illuminated by a large window with a woven roman shade and gray curtains. A large white sectional sits underneath accessorized with white, gray, and brown throw pillows and a brown faux fur throw. In the center rests a white tufted ottoman with a wood tray decorated with a white vase and leaves and stacked books.

07 of Wicker Tray Oversized Tufted Ottoman Decor

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A large white mantle sits around a black fireplace with a dark herringbone wood floor and wainscot detailing on the white-painted walls. Stacked wood is placed on either side with a large leafy green potted plant resting on the hearth. An oversize white tufted ottoman sits in front of a beige sofa, with a large wicker basket.

08 of Modern Open Concept Room with Leather Ottoman

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A bright, airy kitchen is designed with a large island wrapped in wood and white, solid surface countertops. A low, light gray couch is placed in front of the island, accessorized with white, beige, and navy blue pillows. A leather ottoman sits on a light, traditionally patterned rug with a wood tray set on top. A stoneware vase filled with white flowers serves as ottoman decor.

09 of Plaid Ottomans with Brown and White Blankets And Woven Tray

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The cozy nook of this home is decorated with neutral colors from the white shiplap to the white and beige throw pillows on the wood bench. Three windows illuminate two brown plaid ottomans under a large lantern light fixture. Two layered brown and white blankets are draped on the corner, with a woven rectangular tray placed nearby decorated with a large glass vase filled with leaves.

10 of White Ottoman with Potted Trees

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A dark, traditional rug lies over the golden hardwood floors of this home’s living room. A white sectional sofa wraps around the room, illuminated by a large window hung with a wreath. In the center of the floor is a white ottoman accessorized with a woven tray, three small potted trees, and a neat stack of books.

11 of Decorated Gray Ottoman with Woven Tray

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An open floor plan features a white kitchen with a white subway tile backsplash and lantern light fixture behind a large gray sectional sofa. A matching square ottoman is set in the middle of a large navy blue and white floral rug, the top of which is decorated with a white throw blanket and woven tray. Two orange and white pumpkins and a painted mason jar filled with flowers a set on top.

12 of Oval Tufted Ottoman with Black Oval Tray

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A large picture window with a woven roman shade illuminates this living room with a charcoal gray front door. A white sofa is set underneath with white and blue throw pillows and matching white side tables on each side. A light gray tufted ottoman is decorated with an oval black tray and a blue pottery vase with dried flowers.

13 of Wingback Chair with Matching Ottoman and Decor

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An off-white wingback chair rests in the corner of this room, laid with a blush pink pillow. A matching ottoman is placed at the foot, on which a wood tray rests with an open book on top. A white side table sits nearby, with a lamp, stacked books, and vase of pale pink flowers decorating the space. Behind this sits a large mirror with wood lattice detailing.

14 of Neutral Living Room with Mirrored Ottoman Tray Decor

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A wall of windows illuminates this neutral living room, which is decorated with a light beige couch and patterned pillows. A matching tufted ottoman rests in front, decorated with a large, round mirrored tray with a gold metal edge. A large textured glass vase is filled with white flowers, with two gold heron statues and a gold leaf bowl with costers completing the ottoman decor.

15 of Tufted Ottoman with Woven Tray Decor

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Large windows framed with white curtains illuminates this neutral living room. An off-white sectional sofa is decorated with white and tan plaid throw pillows with a white tufted ottoman set in the middle. A woven tray accessorizes the top with a wood bowl filled with ornaments, a potted vase, and a white candle.

16 of Tan Leather Ottoman with Wood Tray

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A large tan leather ottoman rests on a light traditional rug in the middle of this home’s living room. A round wood ottoman tray decor is placed in the middle with a small potted succulent on top. A white sofa accessorized with multicolored pillows is set against the wall under a drawing of a highland cow.

17 of White and Blue Striped Ottoman Decorated with Wood Tray

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This traditional living room is illuminated by two french doors on either side of a white mantle and fireplace. Two beige sofas face one another across a blue and white striped ottoman, which is decorated with a wood tray and a white and blue china vase filled with yellow flowers.

18 of Teal Plaid Ottoman with Round Wood Tray

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A comfortable leather chair is placed in the corner of this living space, with a potted plant resting nearby. A teal and white plaid ottoman sits in front of a teal sofa, with a round wood tray stacked with woven coasters and a small snake plant on top. On the floor is a shag white rug.

19 of White Farmhouse Living Room with White Ottoman

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This neutral living room is designed with white shiplap walls and large white beams on the ceiling. On the wall hangs eight prints with gold frames above a gray tufted sofa with white throw pillows. In front rests a white ottoman with a vintage gray tray and a white vase filled with white roses.

20 of White Living Room with Ottoman Tray Decor

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A round, white tufted ottoman is placed in the center of a white and brown woven rug. A rustic ottoman tray decor is placed in the center, on top of which lays a white potted plant and mirror, white candle, and coasters. Behind the ottoman sits a beige loveseat with a white throw and white and beige throw pillows.

21 of Gray Ottoman Tray Decor

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A large gray ottoman sits on top of a gray and burnt orange rug beneath a large wicker light fixture in this living room. It is surrounded by gray sofas and matching gray chairs accessorized with orange, yellow, and white throw pillows. The top of the ottoman is decorated with a neatly draped beige blanket, on top of which rests a woven tray, stoneware vase with flowers, and book.

22 of White Farmhouse Living Room Chair

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Gray and white farmhouse living room chair is placed next to a wood and white upholstered bench. A round white ottoman coffee table is placed in front of the bench on rustic stained wood flooring.

23 of Country Chic Living Room with Tufted Ottoman

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A rustic countryside living room is decorated with white shiplap and illuminated by windows on each wall. A white sofa and twin white and wood armchairs are centered around a round, white tufted ottoman set with a large wire tray and vase filled with pink and purple flowers. Floral pillows rest on each seat with a large white rug on the floor over hardwood floors.

24 of Woven Ottoman Decorated with Tulip

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A farmhouse-inspired living room features a large brown sectional on a light geometric patterned rug. A extra large woven ottoman is accessorized with a large wooden tray, glass vase filled with tulips, and small potted succulent.

25 of White Sectional Sofa with Matching Ottoman

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Living room with two white windows and wood flooring boasts a white sofa accessorized with a beige knit throw blanket and a matching oversized white ottoman used as a coffee table.

26 of Cushioned Ottoman Paired with a Sectional Couch

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This living room boasts a large gray sectional couch filled with throw pillows. A large clock hangs above the couch. A light-colored cushioned ottoman holds a wicker tray with a bowl and plant in it. The ottoman sits on a dark area rug on top of a warm wood floor.

27 of White Shiplap Living Room with White Ottoman

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A farmhouse living room features white shiplap walls hung with vintage photographs and antique farm tools. The center ottoman is covered with a white slipcover and an antique wood tray. Small vases filled with white and pale orange flowers accessorize the tray.

28 of Round Ottoman Tray Decor with Fabric Pumpkins

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A striped armchair sits next to a tiled fireplace with a rustic wood mantle. On the mantle rests a curved mirror, stoneware jugs, and brass candlesticks. In the center of the room rests a round, white tufted ottoman with a woven tray filled with fabric pumpkins.

29 of Tufted Ottoman Tray Decor with Multicolored Candles

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A white sofa is resting on the wall beneath a hanging metalwork wall art and two black metal lantern sconces. Pale pink and striped blue pillows rest along the back of the sofa, while a white tufted ottoman is placed in front. A round woven basket is set on top of the ottoman with multicolored candles and a small vase of pink flowers.

30 of Grey Farmhouse Sectional Sofa with Ottoman

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Farmhouse living room grey tufted sectional sofa is paired with a matching ottoman coffee table standing on a white and grey vintage rug. The couch is adorned with white throw pillows.

31 of Farmhouse Living Room with Stripped Ottoman

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This farmhouse living room features a whitewashed brick fireplace with a wood beam mantel. A white and gray striped ottoman sits in the center of the room, with a white, burnt orange and brown plaid blanket laid across the top. A square woven ottoman decor tray is accessorized with a pale blue pumpkin, framed by two chairs on either wide.

32 of Floor to Ceiling Whitewash Brick Fireplace

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Stained wood mantel holding ornate gold frame mirrors is mounted to a floor to ceiling whitewash brick fireplace. A round tufted brown leather ottoman coffee table stands in front of the fireplace.

33 of Buffalo Plaid Ottoman Decor

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This home’s living room features white fluted pilasters and cherry hardwood floors, with a brown rug on the floor in front of the fireplace. A white and black buffalo plaid ottoman is placed in the center of the rug, with a white basket and a small potted lavender plant to decorate it.

34 of Office Space with Fireplace Sitting Area

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This office space offers a relaxing ambiance with a fireplace sitting area. A stained wood chair is covered with patterned cushions and a decorative pillow. A gray ottoman sits beside a white framed fireplace that displays white and blue ceramics.

35 of White Vaulted Ceiling with Stained Wood Beams

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A brown leather sectional sofa with an ivory and blue striped ottoman is placed on a blue patterned rug. The living room is lit by a gray wagon wheel chandelier affixed to a white vaulted ceiling with stained wood beams.

How To Decorate An Ottoman

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By Kristina Steele/March 14, 2022 10:57 am EST

Ottomans are a popular living room staple. They have come a long way in today's decor and can be used as a coffee table, footstool, or storage place, as per MyMove. Adding this type of furniture to the living space is becoming increasingly popular as it has such versatility. Displaying an ottoman in the living room is an important decision worth taking some time to make. There are several styles to choose from, such as overstuffed, cocktail, storage, table, or accent (via Grand Home Furnishings.) 

Choosing to add an ottoman, or a few, to your home increases its potential to become the focal point of your space, so take all the time you need to not only style it but to make it as functional as possible. If you are searching for design tips to spruce up your existing ottoman, or need further convincing to add one to your space, then keep reading! Here are our best living room ottoman ideas that will inspire you. 

Look at your existing furniture and determine function

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Some general guidelines can be helpful when beginning to style an ottoman to keep the decor practical and pretty. According to Housely, one could start their styling quest by taking existing furniture pieces in the room into consideration. An ottoman should complement the existing sofa, but does not necessarily need to match in pattern and fabric.  

Another style tactic to keep in mind when decorating an ottoman is determining its function in your home. What do you need the ottoman to do for you in your living area? How much space is required for day-to-day use? Will you be entertaining guests? Do you need a kid-friendly setup? Once you understand the functionality, you can decide how much space is needed for drink placement, books, or feet. Completing this style step can also help you visualize what area you will use for decor items (via My Hubbard Home). If you already have the ottoman of your dreams, then begin styling it with an accent tray. Style the tray using the four-quadrant rule for a flawless designer's look (via Decorated Life). To start, divide the tray into four quadrants and display an item in each square for a unique look. This will make your ottoman look expertly decorated. 

Style an ottoman with a tray or two

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Trays are as versatile as you need them to be and are the go-to ottoman styling tool. They are easily removable if more space is desired, and require minimal maintenance. Trays can be found in various shapes, colors, and textures. Look to add a circular shaped one to a round ottoman or rectangular tray to a square ottoman. Topping the ordinary footstool with a tray creates an additional layer of character to your home. 

While the ottoman may be tufted, plush, or pillow-like, adding a tray offers a stable place for items to be styled or drinks to be set down. Trays make for the perfect side table solution, per Havenly. While it's handy for coffee cups and cocktail glasses, it also opens up the door for decorative vignettes. A tray is a way to adorn your ottoman with your favorite items. Add elements such as books, vases, candles, a box of aesthetic matches, statues, and flowers. As Thistle Key Lane suggests, you can even be bold and style your ottoman with two trays. The possibilities are endless when it comes to tray selection and styling.

Use decor to create different elements of height

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Creating different height arrangements on a flat surface is a fantastic way to bring change and variation to an otherwise flat, empty space. For example, if you have some books that really interest you, opt to show them off. Pick some favorite titles and display them front and center on your ottoman, as per Apartment Therapy. Stacking two or three books together is a great way to create a vertical arrangement. 

You can then add to the stack by incorporating statues, rope beads, souvenirs, and candles. You can also layer in items that would benefit impromptu guests, like coasters or photo albums to flip through. Add vases filled with seasonal blooms for a chance to bring something organic to your living room. Plus, floral arrangements are a simple and natural way to create height differences and help break up the space. 

But while designing your vignettes, two main things to consider are the area of the living room the ottoman is in and where you will be setting the decor. This is important as the stacks of books and vases of flowers should not block any view or take up a majority of the decor space (via The Architecture Designs. )

Drape a throw blanket off the side

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If you want to change your decor but want to keep it functional, consider adding a blanket or two to your space. An extra blanket or soft throw is the perfect functional decor element. It doubles as decoration and is used for warmth, as per Inside Weather. They are fantastic for adding a soft texture and cozy vibe to a space. 

When you're not using it, opt to drape it off the side of the ottoman for a relaxed feel. For a classic look, neatly fold the throw before laying it across the footstool. If your home has a whole mess of blankets piled in the living room, then layer them one on top of the other across your ottoman. This layered look is just as stylish and comfortable (via HGTV). To add variety to the space, display blankets with different textures, patterns, and complementary colors to get that effortless chic look. 

Add bowls, dishes, and books for a layered look

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As determined, adding a tray on top of an ottoman is ideal for creating a solid foundation for displaying decor. Consider using the tray to stack bowls and dishes that speak to your style, as per My Hubbard Home. Scour thrift shops for a favorite vintage find or showcase grandma's china. Detailed bowls and patterned plates elevate the space by adding visual texture. 

Do not just leave the bowls empty, but bring the outside in to add color and warmth. Fill the bowls with moss balls, decorative potpourri, your favorite blooms, or seasonal decor (via Decorated Life). If a filler is insufficient, consider layering additional bowls or dishes together to bring contrast and depth to the space. You can continue this layering effect by adding candles on the dishes or perhaps a set of coasters. You could even pile up some favorite novels or art books to browse through, as seen above.

Set picture frames up for a personal touch

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New, repurposed, or antique picture frames have a unique ability to add a little something to your decor. Per Organise my House, you should display items you love and want to see when decorating. Adorn the ottoman with pictures of your favorite destinations and people inside vintage-inspired frames. Pair your favorite photo with statues, souvenirs, and family heirlooms. Create a balanced decor scheme by decorating your space with meaningful items that show your character. 

Pictures are a great way to show love to your inner circle and family, but you can also think outside of the box and frame a postcard from a favorite destination or vacation spot. As per Apartment Therapy, ticket stubs, menus, and pamphlets all look sharper displayed in frames. Jot this idea down for your next road trip, and you'll be sure to add ottoman decor to your suitcase!

Add decor that doubles as additional storage

Kostikova Natalia/Shutterstock

The living room always needs more functional storage options. Inspire yourself to find decor items to conceal everyday life in an aesthetically pleasing way. If you have an ottoman with space underneath, use woven or metal baskets as a storage solution. Find the right size to fit the space and slide them under the ottoman. Baskets are perfect for piling any remotes, coasters, or charging cables inside, leaving the room looking clutter-free.

If there is no space underneath, Interiors Online recommends opting for an ottoman with built-in storage. You can choose a small round one, or even a long rectangular one for maximum organization space. If the footstool you selected does not have a built-in storage capability, consider adding decorative boxes, canisters, or apothecary jars. These eye-pleasing containers conceal everyday living room items just as well, while keeping the space organized and clutter-free.

Turn your ottoman into the perfect cocktail table

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No table, no problem. Usually, when a person has a decorative ottoman in their living room, that means they don't have a coffee table. This can prove tricky for plates and glasses, but luckily, transitional decor is popular right now and turning a pouf into a table is simple. To morph your ottoman into the cocktail table of your hosting dreams, tuck away any trinkets, books, or candles currently out on display. Be sure you choose trays that offer plenty of space for guests to put down their glasses without fear of knocking anything over. Ballard Designs recommends positioning the ottoman so it is within reach of the seats in the room. 

Trays create the perfect faux tabletop to gather guests' items and corral drinks and plates. You can also include any other items needed to successfully host, such as decorative napkins, color-matched utensils, and a set of eye-catching coasters.

Bring natural elements into the space

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Whether the flowers are artificial or real, plants of all kinds have a soothing effect on any space and bring outside life indoors. Decorating with plants can also be extremely budget-friendly, as Lilies and Life shares how she plucks branches directly from her yard and arranges them in a vase. Fresh cut flowers from a garden, fallen tree branches, or autumn color leaves are the perfect natural elements to add to your decor with minimal effort and maximum impact. 

Fill your space with these natural finds from around the house and add them to a favorite vase or decorative bowl to spruce up the ottoman. If rustic is more your vibe, but exterior foliage is sparse, then seek a decorative raw wood tray, piece of driftwood, or pair of antlers to top the ottoman (via Better Homes and Gardens). Artfully combine natural elements into your existing home decor to elevate the organic look modernly.

Create a cozy feel with warm elements

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Where is your ottoman? The most common places are living rooms and bedrooms. These spaces can be associated with relaxation and comfort. Create the coziest vibes with your ottoman decor by bringing warm tones and natural elements to the room. Consider adding a candle for that perfect gentle glow, suggests Life of Alley. Set aside space for multiple candles to sit atop the ottoman. To vary the look, display candlestick holders and a spiral set of taper candles. 

Other comfy elements to elevate the cozy decor could be adding warm, wood-crafted bowls, stone vases, and sweet-smelling diffusers nestled in a tray. Blankets bring the ultimate comfort level to a space, so continue layering your look with a plush throw. Wax melts, scented oils, and incense candles are all unique elements to bring warmth to your space. While comfort levels are different, focus on finding what suits you and your home decor design.

Add pillows for a comfy vibe

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There are never enough pillows, says every design aficionado. When it comes to living room decor, adding throw pillows packs a ton of punch and can bring subtle design features alive in the space, as per MyDomaine. This is no exception when styling an ottoman. Adding pillows is a simple way to introduce texture and color into an area. Even if your sofa is swimming in a plethora of accent pillows, there is no design rule you are breaking if you add a few to your ottoman, too. Opt to add some unique shapes and patterns for extra flare. 

A room simply needs a splash of vibrant color or a new textile to give a space a whole new personality (via Crate & Barrel). Accenting the ottoman with pillows in different patterns or with added elements like tassels creates an interesting contrast. Pillows are the perfect way to elevate your style while still maintaining functionality in the room.

Bring the space to life with seasonal changes

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Strive to keep the decor on your ottoman fresh and trending by updating the elements to match the time of year. Incorporating seasonal decor into your living space with practical periodic swaps of your favorite items breathes change into the decoration. A subtle transition from one season to another could be changing the flowers to capture the natural hues of the given season, The Busy Bee suggests. Choose tulips and daffodils in the spring and mums in the fall. If you are looking for something low maintenance but earthy, consider using succulents on the ottoman tray. Create a vignette and style your choice of flowers amongst the other decor on the ottoman in small groups, all while keeping proportion in mind. 

Bring out the seasons in other decor elements such as animal statues, book title preferences, color palette choices, or candle scents. Changing decor can be seemingly effortless when the design elements are functional and transitional in the space.

It's the bare necessities

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If you have no need for a table in the living area and prefer your ottoman to be a spot for lifting your feet up after a long day, then let the ottoman do what it does best. Ottomans are often a focal point in living room decor, says MyMove. If you are into a more minimalist vibe or simply want more space to lounge around on, then opt for an extra large ottoman. This style choice will instantly complement a space and provide that additional seating you may be looking for. 

If an oversized item does not fit your space, double up and place two ottomans in the living room that complement the existing sofa and room layout. Make a bold design choice and select a striped pattern or bright color scheme for an instant eye-catching moment. No matter how styled, an ottoman is a versatile piece of furniture in a home and can easily accommodate any style preference from mildly modern to boho chic.

Do-it-yourself pouffe - 105 photos of optimal design and design options

Compact in size, functional and simply cute ottoman won everyone's attention and respect. It can play the role of not only a stool, but also a table, footrest, and be a place to store things. It can be both frame and soft, shapeless.

Today, ottomans can be easily purchased in a store, or you can make your own. Moreover, a home-made one will cost you many times cheaper, and will also be the embodiment of your ideas and creativity. A soft pouffe will refresh your interior, add coziness and home warmth. nine0003

There are many varieties of pouffes. They differ in shape, height, material, structure, color. First, decide on its location in the house and for what purposes it will most often serve. And we will tell you how to make a pouf at home.


Brief content of the article:

Cylindrical ottoman

To make such an ottoman you will need: chipboard sheets about 1.5 cm thick and thinner flexible; wooden bars in the amount of 6 pieces; furniture stapler; screwdriver and screws; sheet foam rubber and glue for it; synthetic winterizer; upholstery fabric; legs or wheels.

First, we make the frame of the future pouffe. Having decided on its dimensions, we cut out two circles from thick chipboard and one from foam rubber. The length of the bars is the height of the future pouffe. We fasten the bars to the wooden circles with self-tapping screws, creating a cylinder. According to the height of the resulting frame from a thin chipboard, we cut out a rectangular sheet. Using a stapler, we attach this sheet to the frame, forming the outer wall. nine0003

We glue foam rubber on the upper part of the future pouffe, and synthetic winterizer on the side. Now the design is not only durable, but also soft. From the fabric we sew a cover according to the parameters of the resulting design. To do this, you will need a sewing machine, or you can ask for help at the studio.

The main thing is not to forget to add a couple of centimeters for the allowances and thickness of the soft filler, plus for the hem. We put the finished cover on our design and fasten it from the bottom side with the help of a stapler. The bottom can be neatly sheathed using decorative carnations. We fasten the legs or wheels. Your ottoman is ready! nine0003

In a similar way, you can also make a square or rectangular pouffe.

Pouffe with drawer

You can make a more functional pouf with a storage box. It is necessary to make a box from chipboard. This will require 4 identical rectangular boards that will serve as side walls and two square ones for the bottom and lid.

Rectangular boards are fastened together using wooden bars, which are fastened to self-tapping screws from the inside at the corners of the box. Before screwing, the joints can be smeared with glue. After we fix the bottom of the box. nine0003

We make upholstery from synthetic winterizer or thin sheet foam rubber, then sheathe it with fabric. You can also carefully trim the box with upholstery from the inside.

To prevent the lid from fidgeting, attach four small blocks on the inside so that the lid fits like a puzzle to the box. After we upholster the cover with soft material and upholstery fabric. We put the pouffe on legs or wheels.


Pouffe with legs

An easy and quick option is to make an ottoman with legs. This will require a particle board. We cut out from it a seat for the future pouffe of the desired shape - square, rectangular or round, and the desired size. According to the same parameters, we make a blank from foam rubber, after which we glue it to the board. We make upholstery with the selected material. nine0003

We fasten the legs purchased in advance. The lower part of the pouffe can be sheathed with furniture studs to hide inaccuracies. It is important to choose legs of a suitable height in relation to the seat so that the ottoman looks harmonious and is stable.

Soft pouffes

If you do not have the skills of a carpenter and carpenter, but you can sew and cut, then the next pouffe option is just for you - a soft pouffe bag. You will need a beautiful but strong material for the pouffe itself, as well as fabric for the inner cover and filling. nine0003

The material for the inner bag should be slippery, smooth so as to create as little friction as possible with the filler, which in turn could take any shape. The size of the inner bag should be slightly smaller than the outer one. It is sewn by the same analogy, but you can simplify it a bit.

The top cover of the pouffe consists of six petal-shaped wedges and two hexagons - the base and the top. The length of the wedges can be 130 cm, the top edge is about 15 cm, and the bottom edge is 40 cm. Hexagons have the corresponding edge length. All details are sewn together. nine0003

Don't forget to sew in the zipper. The filler is poured into the inner bag, after which the bag is sutured. An outer bag is put on top. The presence of a zipper will provide convenience in further operation and cleaning of the pouffe.


There are many options for sewn puffs. Looking through the photos, you can find an idea that you like. Notice the patchwork puffs. Their brightness and originality will not leave you indifferent.

For those who do not like to sew, but do not part with knitting needles, there is an opportunity to knit an ottoman. A knitted pouffe can also be of completely different shapes. It is important that the filler allows you to keep the shape of the pouffe. You can use thick sheet foam rubber, laying the sheets on top of each other, to the desired height. Knitted upholstery can also be made for frame puffs, which were discussed at the beginning. nine0003

Photo of handmade poufs

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Do-it-yourself ottoman: manufacturing options for beginners

If you think you know everything about the ottoman, you don't! It would seem that a completely trivial piece of furniture can surprise you with nothing. However, an ottoman is one of the most versatile interior elements: you can lie on it, use it as a footrest, a cozy bed for pets, and, finally, it is a convenient place to relax and store small things. nine0301

Do-it-yourself ottoman from unnecessary things combines two nice things: you save on purchases and create an exclusive piece of furniture

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  • 1 What is an ottoman and why it is easy to make it yourself
  • 2 DIY ideas pouffe from improvised means
    • 2.1 Making your own ottoman from plastic bottles step by step
    • 2.2 Pouffe to the nursery from a bottle from a cooler of 20 liters
    • 2.3 How to make your own ottoman from a tire
    • 2.4 We make an ottoman from the old bucket
    • 2.5 Boofik from the coil from the cable
  • 3 Options for the manufacture of ottives for the bedrooms
    • 3.1 Soft square ottomon
    • 3.2 Round bunch, associated with a crocheted
    • 3.3 PUF-GROWS CO soft back
    • 3. 4 Pouffe-bag: you can buy, but easy to sew with your own hands
  • 4 Techniques for assembling and finishing ottomans on a rigid frame for the hallway with your own hands
    • 4.1 Ottoman on wheels with a box for small items
    • 4.2 Ottoman from an old stool
    • 4.3 Ottomans on a wooden frame

What is an ottoman and why is it easy to make it yourself

A ottoman as an interior item appeared in Eastern Europe many centuries ago. It was used as a soft stool at the foot of the bed. The progenitors of ottomans were ordinary storage boxes. Over time, they became smaller and smaller in volume and turned into mobile, upholstered stools without legs. nine0003 The classic version of the ottoman - a soft oval-shaped design on a hard base

What is the most important thing in an ottoman? Of course, its basis. This is where we can talk about real savings, because anything can play this role: plastic bottles, tires from cars, unnecessary elements of old furniture, knitted string bags and the most ordinary . .. boxes.

Important! The material that is used as the main frame element must be strong enough to support the weight of a person. nine0003

You are probably thinking why so much trouble if you can buy a ready-made ottoman. However, it is not always possible to find exactly the ottoman that matches the color of the curtains or bedspreads, will be the desired texture and shape. Interesting ideas for making ottomans for different rooms and accommodation options in the following sections of our publication.

A purchased ottoman will definitely not be decorated with such decorative stitching and hand sewing!

Ottomans

Ideas for making your own handmade pouffe

You can't even imagine how many materials we can use to make an ottoman! They literally lie under our feet.

Even an old pillowcase (or several), stuffed with unnecessary things, can serve as a basis, the main thing is to arrange it correctly.

Consider in detail the options for manufacturing this piece of furniture from improvised means.

How to make an ottoman out of plastic bottles step by step

There is no such family that would not have massive storage of plastic bottles! Meanwhile, it is this product, which at first glance has already served you, can be very useful for creating furniture with your own hands. Plastic bottles have long been used to make bed frames and sofas, and what can we say about ottomans. Let's take a closer look at what the manufacturing technology of such a home-made furniture exhibit is. nine0003

Tip! In order for the ottoman to keep its shape better, plastic bottles must be prepared in advance. At night, put them in the cold or put them in the refrigerator without lids and close them in the same place in the cold. Then abruptly change the ambient temperature, for example, put them under a hot battery. Inside the bottle, the cooled air will begin to heat up and expand, therefore, the bottles will acquire an ideally even shape and high density.

Illustration Action description
We tightly tighten 14 bottles prepared in advance by the method described above with string or tape to make a cylinder. This must be done on a flat surface so that all the bottles are on the same level.
Draw around the bottom of the resulting workpiece and cut out two plywood disks of the same diameter using this pattern. We glue fabric on one of the discs to the bottom, this will be the bottom of our ottoman. nine0387
Now we fix them with double-sided tape.
For greater strength, we fasten the frame with twine, which is fixed inside special notches, which must be positioned perfectly vertically in relation to each other
the height corresponded to the length of the bottles.
With the help of a strong thread and an awl we sew our foam right on the blank.
On thicker cardboard, cut out a circle for a soft seat. To do this, we mark it by attaching it to the top of the future pouf.
It remains only to put on the cover, we made it in advance. Thread the cord along the outer seam. Here we have such a pouf!

Ottoman for the children's room from a 20 liter cooler bottle

If you suddenly have large canisters or a 20 liter plastic water bottle lying around, then this is a great chance to make a stronger ottoman that can withstand the weight of an adult up to 100 kg.

The secret is that the bottle is inserted into one another, for this, one container must be sawn across.

The work process itself is not much different from what we described earlier. The blank is tightly covered with foam rubber, fixed with a thread, the joints are sewn together.

Stages of work.

How to make an ottoman out of tire

This is one of the easiest workshops we will talk about today. To work, you will need the tire itself, plywood sheets, thick twine, a glue gun and a screwdriver.

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Illustration Description of action
Measure the diameter of the tire, mark the circle of the required size on the plywood sheet.
Using a jigsaw, we cut out the base for the seat to the required size. We fix to the tire with self-tapping screws. nine0387
Starting from the center, twist the cord or braid so that you get an even rug. After each "coil" we glue the base.
When the cord ends, sew it to a new segment with ordinary awl, glue this section
after the entire tire hid under the cord, fix the edge and screw the protruding footballs
The elements of the pouffe can be painted on top with acrylic paint, having previously marked the surface with mounting tape

Making an ottoman from an old bucket

Another interesting option for creating an ottoman without much effort is an ottoman from a bucket. Let's consider the stages of work in more detail.

Illustration Description of action
For work we need an old plastic bucket without a handle. Sintepon, two types of fabric, rope, lace, buttons and glue gun
We divide the rope into 2 parts. We roll one part into a spiral (it will be easier to paint it) and paint it white with a can of quick-drying paint
we leave the cord on the central part of the bucket. This is the strip we got. And now it's time to start decorating the inside of the future ottoman. We need to make a soft pocket-bottom
Prepare pieces of fabric in advance: one for a circle that repeats the shape of the bottom, the second rectangle for the walls. We lower the sewn bag into the basket.
We hide the loose, raw edges of the fabric bag under the lace
And now it's time to work on the lid. We cut out the cardboard base along the plastic cover that was originally.
We lay out a layer of synthetic winterizer on it, carefully placing it around the circumference, and put a piece of fabric on top, which should protrude 7-10 cm beyond the edges of our marking. This is necessary in order to give our lid the necessary headroom. nine0002 This version of the ottoman will suit those who are used to the most functional use of space. And that's why.

Such ottomans do not take up much space. They fit almost any interior. And most importantly, they can be used as a place for additional storage of things, including books.

Making them with your own hands is very simple, the base for the pouffe is almost ready: all that remains is to decorate the seat. There can be a lot of options here: it can be a fungus, a chair, or even a soft table. The main thing is to monitor the stability of the structure. nine0003

Options for making your own ottomans for the bedroom

The bedroom is exactly the place for which the soft pouffe was invented. It was in the bedroom that the aristocrats, tired during the day, could literally fall without legs, and respectable servants carefully pushed the ottoman and carefully took off their owners shoes.

Soft square ottoman

The classic version of the pouffe is the square pouffe. As a basis for such a design, most often ordinary boxes and wooden boxes are used. nine0003

Moreover, as an alternative, you can consider soft puffs with a hinged lid.

These ottomans can be used not only as a place to sit and rest your legs, but also as a bedside table or a resting place for your beloved cat.

Pouffes

Crocheted round pouffe

One of the simpler and more modern variations is crocheted round pouffes. In this case, the boxes or plastic bottles already mentioned by us can serve as the basis. The field for creativity arises when using other stuffing options: from old things to ordinary synthetic winterizer, it all depends on the quality of weaving and the strength of the thread. nine0003

Pear pouffe with soft back

There are several varieties of these soft poufs. True, in the literal sense of the word it is difficult to call them poufs. It's more like a soft pillow.

We offer several schemes of such ottomans, which will be useful in the independent production of such a soft seat.

Most often, such patterns and products are called not pouffes, but armchairs. This is a fairly comfortable and democratic style of furniture that will be appropriate in a children's bedroom, a rest room, a youth cafe. nine0003

Bag ottoman: you can buy it, but it's easy to make it yourself

This type of ottoman can be easily sewn, but remember, there will be a lot of material. Think in advance where and how you will buy filler. Most often, expanded polystyrene is bought for this function. These are special light balls that will help the pouf to easily take the shape of the body, providing you with comfort and relaxation.

Please note! Sometimes such puffs are filled with natural elements: it can be ordinary wood shavings, fluff with feathers, rice, beans, peas and other legumes. nine0003

The manufacturing process itself is not complicated, you can see a detailed video instruction in this video tutorial:


Watch this video on YouTube rigid frame. About them in the final part of the article.

Techniques for assembling and finishing ottomans on a rigid frame for the hallway with your own hands

The pouffe for the hallway performs several functions at once, it is a stable bedside table, a comfortable bench and a box for storing shoes. It is difficult to say which function is less preferable here. Consider options for creating different frame forms for poufs of different directions. nine0003 Usually these ottomans are equipped with a special hook handle for easy opening of the lid

Ottoman on wheels with a drawer for small items

Such an ottoman will be an excellent solution, since such a pouffe can be both a bedside table and a neat place to sit. It will not need to be dragged, it is enough to roll up to the one who needs to sit down. The manufacturing process is more complex, but no less effective. Here the main task is to create a strong frame.

Usually this is a cross or a wire reel, sometimes a box for fragile parcels (it is made of plywood). This design has everything you need to organize the shelves: free space and the right frame. nine0003

If you don't have the opportunity to purchase a ready-made structure, you will have to create the base yourself. We offer you a short photo-instruction.

First you need to create a plywood base. It can be of complex shape: square and rectangular, even consisting of two parts.

We create the base. We fasten the synthetic winterizer. We cover it with fixing material. And now the unusual ottoman for the hallway is ready.

Pouffe from an old stool

You can give life to your favorite stool literally in a matter of hours by slightly updating its exterior.

Learn more