Ottomans & Poufs

An ottoman in a contrasting fabric or texture can anchor a seating arrangement the way a rug does. A velvet ottoman beside a linen sofa adds richness, while a leather cube introduces structure to a room full of soft furnishings. Round ottomans soften angular room layouts and are safer around small children — no sharp corners to bump into. For a quick style refresh, swap the throw or tray on top rather than replacing the piece itself.

As a footrest, choose an ottoman 2–5 cm lower than your sofa seat (typically 38–42 cm tall). As a coffee table alternative, match it to the seat height at 40–45 cm. Storage ottomans start at £80–£150, with well-upholstered or leather options reaching £300–£600. Check the hinge mechanism on storage models — hydraulic lifts hold the lid open while you rummage, which is far more practical than a simple flip-top.