Updated July 2026.
To choose an ottoman, start with its use: footrest, extra seating, or small table. Match its height to your sofa, around 40 to 45 cm, and its diameter to the available space, from 34 cm for an accent piece to 55 cm for a large seat. A dense material lasts longer.
What is an ottoman for?
The ottoman is the most versatile piece of furniture in a living room. Depending on the day, it plays four roles:
- Footrest in front of a sofa or lounge chair, for relaxing.
- Extra seating when entertaining, light enough to move from one room to another.
- Small table for a tray, a book, or a cup, by placing a rigid tray on top.
- Storage with a storage ottoman model, which hides throws and cushions under the seat.
This versatility makes it a smart purchase, especially in a small living room where every piece of furniture must serve multiple purposes.
The right height: at seat level
Height is the most important criterion if the ottoman serves as a footrest. To be comfortable, it should be the same height as the sofa seat, or very slightly below. Most sofas have a seat height between 40 and 45 cm: aim for an ottoman in this range.
Too high, it breaks the line of the sofa and interferes with the legs. Too low, it forces you to bend down. As occasional extra seating, a slightly lower model remains perfectly comfortable for conversation.
What diameter depending on use and space
The diameter depends on what you expect from the ottoman and the free space around it. Here are some simple guidelines:
| Use | Diameter or size | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Footrest or decor | 34 to 40 cm | slightly lower than the seat |
| Extra seating | 40 to 48 cm | at sofa seat height |
| Large seat or ottoman | 50 to 55 cm | alone, or as a pair for a generous effect |
In a small room, a 34 to 40 cm ottoman can be tucked under a console or in a corner and pulled out as needed. Two small, identical ottomans are often better than one large one: easier to store and distribute.
What material and what durability
The covering sets the decor tone and determines resistance. The most common:
- Bouclé: round and soft texture, very current, warm in natural tones.
- Teddy: dense, plush effect, cozy, perfect for a bedroom.
- Chenille: matte and robust, with a beautiful drape.
- Faux fur: very soft, more delicate to maintain.
To judge durability, two figures are telling: the maximum load capacity, often around 110 kg for our models, and the abrasion resistance measured in Martindale cycles, from 20,000 to 40,000 depending on the fabrics. The higher the number, the more the ottoman can withstand daily use. To choose the texture that ages best, our guide bouclé, velvet or linen details each material. You will find all our models in the ottomans and stools collection.
Where to place it in the room
In front of the sofa, leave about 40 to 50 cm between the ottoman and the seat to rest your feet without bumping and to move around. As a footrest facing an armchair, align it with the axis of the seat. A large ottoman can also replace the coffee table in the center of the living room, with a tray to stabilize glasses and candles. In a bedroom, it finds its place at the foot of the bed or in a reading corner.
Mistakes to avoid
- An ottoman too high compared to the sofa, uncomfortable as a footrest.
- A model too heavy to move when you wanted it mobile.
- A fragile material in a very busy living room or with pets.
- An ottoman against the sofa, without the necessary passage space.
What's inside: filling and structure
The covering is visible, but the filling determines the lifespan. Three constructions coexist. The foam ottoman, mounted on a high-resilience foam core of 25 to 35 kg per cubic meter, keeps its shape for several years and supports daily sitting: this is the safest choice for regular use. The ottoman filled with polystyrene beads conforms to the body but flattens: expect to refill it after two to three years, and avoid it as a main seat. The structured ottoman, mounted on a wooden or metal frame with elastic straps, offers the best support and is similar to a real extra seat. A simple benchmark, online or in-store: weight. A 45 cm model that weighs less than 4 kg is often hollow or poorly filled, whereas a dense ottoman weighs 6 to 10 kg. Find these constructions in our stools, benches, and ottomans.
Maintaining an ottoman to keep it looking good
An ottoman lives on the floor, in the middle of traffic: it collects dust, crumbs, and pet hair. Vacuum it at low power with the soft brush once a week, following the direction of the fibers for bouclé and teddy, which felt if brushed against the grain. For a fresh stain, blot with a barely damp white cloth, from the edge towards the center, never rubbing: rubbing spreads the stain and breaks the loop of the fabric. Let it air dry, away from a radiator. Two habits significantly extend its new appearance: rotating the ottoman a quarter turn every two to three months, to distribute wear and light exposure, and moving it away from a south-facing bay window, where light colors yellow and dark colors fade. A removable cover model, washable at 30 degrees, remains the easiest to live with among our ottomans and stools.
Frequently asked questions
What height for a footrest ottoman?
Aim for your sofa's seat height, generally 40 to 45 cm, or slightly below. The ottoman should extend the seat without exceeding it, to support the legs flat without breaking the sofa's line.
Can an ottoman serve as an accent table?
Yes, by placing a rigid tray on the seat to stabilize a cup or book. Choose an ottoman with a flat, dense surface rather than too soft, and a tray wide enough to distribute the weight evenly.
Which ottoman to choose for a small room?
A compact model of 34 to 40 cm, light to move and easy to store under a console. A storage ottoman adds hidden storage, useful when every piece of furniture must serve multiple purposes.
Which ottoman material is the most durable?
Dense weaves like chenille, teddy, and bouclé hold up well to daily use. Look at the Martindale resistance (20,000 cycles or more) and the maximum load capacity, often around 110 kg, to compare two models.
