Ottoman Size Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Ottoman for Your Space

When it comes to home décor, an ottoman is a versatile piece of furniture that serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. Whether you use it to rest your feet, as a coffee table, or for additional seating, selecting the right size ottoman is crucial to ensuring it fits seamlessly into your living room, bedroom, or any other room. Choosing the right size can be a bit tricky if you’re not sure what to look for.

This Ottoman Size Guide will help you navigate the process of choosing the right size ottoman for your space. We’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting an ottoman, how to measure for the perfect fit, and provide a helpful table with size recommendations based on room type and furniture arrangement. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to choose the best ottoman size to complement your home.

Why Choosing the Right Ottoman Size Matters

The ottoman may seem like a small piece of furniture, but it plays a key role in the comfort, style, and functionality of a room. Whether you place it in front of your sofa, at the foot of your bed, or in the center of your living room, the ottoman serves multiple purposes. When chosen correctly, it can:

1. Enhance the Aesthetic: An ottoman can serve as a focal point or complement other furniture in the room. The right size ottoman helps balance the proportions of the room and the furniture.
2. Provide Extra Functionality: Ottomans are great for providing additional storage space or can double as extra seating when needed. Choosing the right size ensures that the ottoman remains functional without overcrowding the space.
3. Improve Comfort: Ottomans offer comfort by providing a place to rest your feet or serve as a soft surface to sit on. A properly sized ottoman will contribute to the overall comfort of your seating area.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Ottoman Size

When selecting the right ottoman for your space, there are a few important factors to keep in mind. These factors ensure that the ottoman fits your space, matches your style, and provides the functionality you need.

1. Room Size and Available Space

Before choosing an ottoman, measure the available space in your room. The ottoman should not overpower the furniture or crowd the space. Ideally, leave at least 12-18 inches of space around the ottoman to allow for easy movement.

For smaller rooms or apartments, a compact ottoman is often the best choice. In larger rooms, you may opt for a bigger ottoman or even a set of matching ottomans for added functionality and visual appeal.

2. Proportions Relative to Other Furniture

The size of your ottoman should be in proportion to the other furniture in the room, such as your sofa, chairs, and coffee tables. Here are a few general guidelines:

• Length: An ottoman placed in front of a sofa or chair should be about half the length of the seating area or slightly smaller. This ensures that it doesn’t overwhelm the seating area but is large enough to be functional.
• Height: The height of the ottoman should be similar to the height of the seat of your sofa or chairs, or a bit lower. The ottoman should be comfortable for resting your feet, but not too high that it becomes difficult to use.
• Depth: The depth of the ottoman can vary based on the available space and how it will be used. For example, a large square ottoman may have a deeper depth, while a smaller round or rectangular ottoman might have a shallower depth.

3. Purpose of the Ottoman

Ottomans serve different purposes, and the size you choose will depend on how you plan to use it. There are several common purposes for ottomans:

• Footrest: If you’re primarily using the ottoman as a footrest, you’ll want a size that aligns with the height of your seating area. A lower ottoman is better for resting your feet comfortably.
• Coffee Table: If you want to use your ottoman as a coffee table, you’ll need a larger surface area. A rectangular or square ottoman can provide enough space for drinks, snacks, and decorative items. You may also want to choose one with a solid, durable surface.
• Storage: Ottomans with hidden storage are perfect for adding extra storage space to a room. If you’re looking for this functionality, you’ll want an ottoman that’s large enough to store items but still fits within your room’s layout.
• Additional Seating: If you need extra seating for guests, a larger ottoman with a soft, padded surface is ideal. Ottomans used for seating should be sturdy and have a height that is comfortable for sitting.

4. Shape of the Ottoman

Ottomans come in different shapes, and the shape of the ottoman will also influence its size. The most common shapes include:

• Square: Square ottomans are great for symmetry and balance. They work well in the center of a room or as part of a sectional seating arrangement.
• Rectangular: Rectangular ottomans are perfect for placing in front of a sofa or as a multi-functional coffee table. They tend to be longer and offer more surface area.
• Round: Round ottomans are ideal for smaller spaces or to complement more angular furniture. They can add a touch of softness and balance out the sharp lines of modern furniture.
• Storage Ottomans: Some ottomans feature a hidden compartment for storage. These ottomans can vary in shape, but square and rectangular are the most common.

5. Storage Capacity

If you’re choosing an ottoman for additional storage, ensure that it has enough space to store your items, whether it be blankets, pillows, or other small items. Larger ottomans can hold more, but make sure the style and proportions fit with your room.

6. Style and Design

The design and materials of the ottoman also play a role in choosing the right size. For example, a tufted leather ottoman might be perfect for a traditional living room, while a sleek, minimalist fabric ottoman works well in a modern space. Consider the material, color, and texture to complement the rest of the room.

How to Measure for the Perfect Ottoman Size

To ensure your ottoman fits perfectly in your space, here’s how to measure:

1. Length: Measure the length of the seating area (whether it’s a sofa or a chair). Choose an ottoman that’s about half to three-quarters of the length of the seating area.
2. Height: Measure the height of the seating area from the floor to the seat. The ottoman’s height should be about 1-2 inches lower than the seating area’s height for comfort.
3. Depth: Measure the available space in the room where the ottoman will go. The depth of the ottoman should leave enough room for movement while still providing a functional surface.

Ottoman Size Guide Table

Here is a table that provides general ottoman size recommendations based on room type and intended use:

Room Type	Ottoman Size (Length)	Ottoman Size (Height)	Ottoman Size (Depth)	Recommended Use
Living Room (Sofa Front)	36-48 inches	16-18 inches	24-36 inches	For resting feet or use as a coffee table.
Bedroom (At Bed Foot)	42-60 inches	16-20 inches	18-24 inches	Ideal for additional seating or as a storage ottoman.
Compact Living Room	24-36 inches	14-18 inches	18-24 inches	Smaller ottoman for space-saving and versatility.
Large Living Room	48-60 inches	16-20 inches	30-36 inches	Large ottoman for spacious rooms, perfect as a table or seating.
Entryway or Hallway	30-36 inches	16-18 inches	16-20 inches	Small ottoman for compact spaces.
Home Office	36-42 inches	16-18 inches	24-30 inches	Used for added seating or as a footrest.

Tips for Styling Your Ottoman

1. Add a Tray: If you’re using your ottoman as a coffee table, consider adding a tray to hold drinks, snacks, or decorative items. This gives your ottoman a more polished look while making it functional.
2. Use a Throw or Decorative Pillows: Add a cozy throw or a set of pillows to your ottoman to make it more inviting and visually appealing.
3. Complement Your Sofa: Choose an ottoman that complements the style, color, and texture of your sofa or chairs. Matching fabrics or colors can help tie the room together.
4. Multi-Functional Storage: If your ottoman has storage capabilities, use it to organize clutter and keep the room looking tidy.

Conclusion

Choosing the right-sized ottoman is crucial for achieving both function and style in your home. By considering factors such as the size of your room, the height of your seating, and the intended use of the ottoman, you can ensure that your ottoman fits perfectly into your space. Whether you’re using it as a footrest, extra seating, a coffee table, or for storage, the right ottoman will enhance the comfort and aesthetics of your room.

With the tips and size recommendations in this guide, you can confidently choose an ottoman that suits your home’s needs and design preferences. Happy decorating!