Anyone who has ever said, "All I want to do is get home and put my feet up," knows how valuable ottoman furniture can be. Whether to stretch out at the end of the day to read a good book or watch a movie, or whether to elevate your feet to protect your health, an ottoman offers comfort and ease. Both functional and decorative factors should be considered before purchasing ottoman furniture, to ensure that you choose the right ottoman for your home.

Bar Height Outdoor Stools

Ottoman Furniture Options

Bar Height Outdoor Stools

Ottomans are armless, upholstered seats or benches. They are available with a solid base or with decorative legs. Ottomans are most often used as a footstool, but they have other uses as well. Some ottomans are made hollow to provide room for storage, a feature that is particularly useful in small homes and apartments, where storage room are always welcome. Ottomans are available individually, as a component of sectional seating, or as part of an easy chair, sofa or loveseat set.

Let It Be Leather

Just as a coffee table is likely to serve as a footstool at some point, the ottoman invariably serves as a makeshift coffee table, too. As a resting place for legs and feet, an ottoman needs to be easy to clean and durable. For its durability and functionality, ottoman leather has almost become synonymous with ottoman furniture. Leather bears up well under heavy use, and its patina only improves with age. Ottoman leather suits both contemporary and traditionally decorated rooms, too, adding texture, rich color and style.

The Right Size

To be functional, an ottoman's height should precisely match the height of the sofa or chair that you will occupy while using it. Ottomans should be chosen in consideration of those who will most use them. For some, a light ottoman will provide all the support needed. For others, a larger, wider piece is a better choice.

The Right Style

A broad selection of ottomans ensures that there is a piece to suit any taste and any decor. For warm and cozy rooms, consider ottomans with bases, constructed in rich colors and textured fabrics. Ottomans with legs are a good choice for more formal decorating styles, as well as when a lighter look is needed. Often, ottomans are chosen to match existing seating, but you may want to consider purchasing a distinctive ottoman instead. Ottomans can be used to add decorative interest to a room, though a pop of color, contrasting texture or a unique shape.

While ottomans are primarily intended as a piece of furniture that allows us a chance to relax at the end of a busy or stressful day, there's no reason why they can't be stylish, too.

Choosing the Right Ottoman for Your Home

Bar Height Outdoor Stools