Best Ottomans UK: A Buying Guide for Every Room and Budget
An ottoman earns its keep in ways most furniture cannot. It stores blankets, doubles as a coffee table, provides emergency seating, and finishes a room the way a sofa alone never quite manages. In our current collection, MeetFelix lists 49 standalone ottomans from 7 boutique UK retailers, priced from £179 to £850. This guide covers the shapes, materials, and sizes that work — and the ones that end up gathering dust.
What Makes an Ottoman Different from a Footstool or Pouffe?
The three terms get used interchangeably, but they serve different purposes — and understanding the distinction saves you from buying the wrong piece. An ottoman is typically a padded, flat-topped seat that often includes internal storage accessed by lifting the top. A footstool is lower, usually has legs, and exists primarily to rest your feet. A pouffe is a legless, soft cushion that sits on the floor.
| Feature | Ottoman | Footstool | Pouffe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Storage, seating, table surface | Foot rest | Casual floor seating |
| Typical height | 40–50 cm | 35–45 cm | 30–40 cm |
| Storage | Usually built in | Rarely | No |
| Surface | Flat, often firm enough to hold a tray | Padded, sometimes buttoned | Soft, often rounded |
| Best for | Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways | Pairing with a sofa or armchair | Kids' rooms, reading nooks |
If you want hidden storage and a surface that works as both seating and a tray table, an ottoman is the right choice. For a classic sofa companion focused on foot support, our footstool buying guide covers that in detail.
How to Choose the Right Size Ottoman
For a living room, your ottoman should sit at the same height as your sofa seat or up to 5 cm lower. Most UK sofas have a seat height between 40 and 47 cm, so aim for an ottoman between 38 and 47 cm tall. Too low and you lose the option to use it as extra seating; too high and it blocks sightlines across the room.
Width depends on its role. An ottoman used as a coffee table alternative should be at least two-thirds the width of your sofa — wide enough that two people can reach a tray placed on top. For a standard three-seater (around 200 cm wide), that means an ottoman at least 130 cm across, or a pair of smaller ones placed side by side. For a bedroom, a narrower bench-style ottoman (90–120 cm) works well at the foot of the bed.
Quick sizing guide
| Room placement | Recommended width | Recommended height | Shape |
|---|---|---|---|
| In front of a 3-seater sofa | 130–160 cm | 38–47 cm | Rectangular or large square |
| In front of a 2-seater sofa | 90–120 cm | 38–47 cm | Square or round |
| Foot of a double bed | 120–140 cm | 45–55 cm | Rectangular bench |
| Foot of a king bed | 140–160 cm | 45–55 cm | Rectangular bench |
| Hallway or entryway | 80–100 cm | 45–50 cm | Narrow rectangular |
| Beside an armchair | 40–60 cm | 35–45 cm | Round or square |
Leave at least 45 cm of clearance between your ottoman and your sofa to allow people to walk past without squeezing. In a compact room, this matters more than the ottoman itself — a well-proportioned ottoman in too tight a space makes the whole room feel cramped.
Storage Ottomans: What to Look For
Storage is where ottomans genuinely outperform every other piece of living room seating. A well-built storage ottoman hides blankets, board games, and the general clutter that accumulates around a sofa — keeping your living room presentable without needing extra shelving or baskets.
In our current collection, we list several dedicated storage ottomans with lift-top or hinged access. The key things to check before buying:
Lift mechanism. Gas-lift struts (like on an office chair) hold the lid open while you rummage inside. Budget models use a simple hinge that you hold open with one hand. For daily use, gas-lift is noticeably more practical.
Internal depth. A storage ottoman with less than 20 cm of internal depth stores very little. Look for at least 25–30 cm of clear interior height if you want to store throws or cushions. Bench-style ottomans at the foot of a bed typically offer the deepest storage.
Weight capacity. If you plan to sit on the lid regularly, check that the frame supports at least 100 kg. Cheaper storage ottomans with MDF bases can buckle under sustained weight.
The Castlery Dakota Performance Bouclé Ottoman Storage Box combines a clean, modern silhouette with a lift-top compartment — practical enough for daily use and upholstered in a textured bouclé that hides wear well.
For something with a more polished finish, the Hamilton Leather Storage Ottoman uses top-grain leather and stainless-steel legs, offering the same hidden compartment in a material that ages with character.
Best Ottoman Materials: Fabric, Leather, and Bouclé Compared
The material you choose affects durability, texture, and how the ottoman ages over time. Across our catalogue, the most common upholstery materials on ottomans are bouclé fabric, performance polyester, linen, leather, corduroy, and velvet — each with distinct trade-offs.
| Material | Durability | Feel | Maintenance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performance fabric | High — stain resistant, pet-friendly | Smooth, slightly synthetic | Wipe clean | Families, high-traffic rooms |
| Bouclé | High — textured weave hides marks | Soft, nubby, tactile | Spot clean, avoid snagging | Living rooms, bedrooms |
| Linen | Medium — wrinkles naturally | Cool, breathable, relaxed | Professional clean recommended | Rooms with less daily wear |
| Leather | Very high — improves with age | Firm, smooth, develops patina | Condition every 6–12 months | Studies, grown-up living rooms |
| Corduroy | Medium-high — ribbed texture is forgiving | Soft, warm, retro | Machine wash covers if removable | Casual rooms, family spaces |
| Velvet | Medium — shows marks in pile | Plush, light-catching | Brush regularly, blot spills immediately | Bedrooms, formal sitting rooms |
Performance fabrics — engineered polyester blends designed to resist stains and pilling — now account for a significant share of the ottomans in our collection. They lack the natural character of linen or leather, but for a piece that gets daily use as a footrest and occasional coffee table, the practicality is hard to argue with.
The Castlery Avery Performance Bouclé Ottoman is a good example of the mid-ground: a bouclé texture that looks and feels like a natural fibre, but built on a performance fabric base that shrugs off spills.
If you prefer natural materials and a piece that develops character over years, the Isaac Leather Ottoman uses top-grain leather on a solid rubber wood frame with brass-finished legs — a mid-century silhouette that will patina rather than wear out.
How to Style an Ottoman in Your Living Room
An ottoman sits at the centre of your seating arrangement, which makes it one of the most visible pieces in the room. Getting the styling right matters more here than it does for a side table or lamp.
As a coffee table alternative. Place a sturdy tray on top to create a flat, stable surface for drinks and books. The tray also signals to guests that this is a surface, not just a seat. Choose a tray in a contrasting material — a brass or wooden tray on a fabric ottoman, for instance. Remove the tray when you want the seating back.
Paired with a sofa. Position the ottoman directly in front of the sofa, 40–45 cm away, so people can stretch their legs onto it without reaching. If your ottoman is the same colour and fabric as your sofa, the pairing looks intentional. A contrasting ottoman — different colour, different texture — adds visual interest but needs to share at least one element (colour family, material, or style) with the rest of the room.
At the foot of the bed. A bench-style ottoman at the foot of the bed serves three purposes: somewhere to sit while putting on shoes, storage for spare bedding, and a visual anchor that grounds the bed in the room. Aim for an ottoman that is slightly narrower than the bed frame.
In a hallway or entryway. A narrow ottoman with storage underneath works as a shoe bench — somewhere to sit while lacing up, with space to stash scarves and gloves. Keep the width under 100 cm for most UK hallways.
For statement rooms that need a focal point, the Six The Residence Mohair Ottoman brings a richness that few mass-produced options can match — mohair velvet upholstery on a minimal frame, in a warm gingerbread tone that works with both neutral and jewel-toned palettes.
Ottomans by Style: Finding the Right Match
The style of your ottoman should complement your existing furniture without copying it exactly. A room where every piece matches perfectly can feel showroom-flat. Instead, look for shared design language — similar leg finishes, compatible proportions, or materials that echo without repeating.
Contemporary and minimalist. Clean lines, low profiles, metal or hidden legs. Neutral colours — greige, chalk, soft grey. Performance fabrics and bouclé work well. In our current collection, contemporary and modern styles account for the largest share of ottoman designs.
Mid-century modern. Tapered wooden legs (often in walnut or oak), compact footprints, and slightly retro proportions. Leather or textured fabrics in warm tones — cognac, olive, mustard. The mid-century category represents a strong portion of ottomans on MeetFelix.
Scandinavian. Light wood frames, organic shapes, muted tones. Wool, linen, and bouclé are the natural choices here. Scandinavian-style ottomans tend to be lower and wider than their contemporary counterparts.
Traditional. Button-tufted tops, turned legs, deeper seat cushions. Velvet and linen in richer colours — navy, forest green, burgundy. Loaf's Button Top Ottoman Storage Bench is a strong example of the traditional approach, combining tufted detailing with practical storage.
Browse Ottomans on MeetFelix
MeetFelix brings together ottomans from boutique UK retailers in one place — so you can compare styles, materials, and prices without opening a dozen browser tabs. Browse all ottomans, explore storage ottomans, or filter by material to find leather ottomans and bouclé ottomans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for a living room ottoman?
Performance fabric and bouclé offer the best combination of durability and comfort for daily living room use. Performance fabrics resist stains and pilling, making them practical for homes with children or pets. Bouclé adds visual texture while being forgiving of everyday wear. Leather is the most durable long-term option but requires conditioning every 6–12 months.
Can I use an ottoman as a coffee table?
Yes — place a flat, sturdy tray on top to create a stable surface for drinks, books, and remotes. Choose an ottoman with a firm, flat top rather than a deeply tufted or curved surface. The tray should be large enough to feel deliberate (at least 40 cm across) and heavy enough not to slide when someone rests their feet next to it.
What size ottoman works for a small living room?
For rooms under 15 square metres, a round ottoman between 50 and 70 cm in diameter creates a useful surface without dominating the space. A round shape is more forgiving in tight layouts because it has no sharp corners to bump into. If you need storage, a square storage ottoman under 60 cm wide tucks neatly beside a sofa or armchair.
How do I clean an ottoman?
Cleaning depends on the upholstery. For fabric and bouclé, vacuum regularly with an upholstery attachment and blot spills immediately with a clean, damp cloth. For leather, wipe with a soft cloth and apply leather conditioner every 6–12 months to prevent cracking. For removable covers (common on corduroy and linen ottomans), check the care label — many are machine washable on a gentle cycle.
What is the difference between an ottoman and a storage bench?
An ottoman is a padded, upholstered seat that typically opens from the top for storage access. A storage bench is a longer, narrower piece — usually placed at the foot of a bed or in a hallway — with storage accessed by lifting the seat or opening drawers. The distinction is mostly about shape and placement: ottomans are squarer and more versatile in positioning; benches are longer and designed for specific spots.
Are ottomans worth the investment?
A well-built ottoman from a reputable maker will last 10–15 years with proper care. Given that an ottoman can replace both a footstool and a coffee table — while also providing hidden storage — it often represents better value than buying those pieces separately. In our current collection, standalone ottomans start from £179, making them accessible across a range of budgets.
