Ottomans make perfect additions to any room.
They’re stylish and can be used for various purposes, like a footrest, a coffee table, or even for sleeping.
Correct Ottoman Size for A Couch
Choosing the right ottoman is crucial for designing a balanced living room. Experts recommend that you use your couch as a size guide and pick an ottoman about two-thirds the length of your couch.
Let’s see how to pick the right ottoman size for a couch.
We’ll also talk about which shape and style are right for you. Let’s dive in.
Which Ottoman Size Best Matches Your Couch?
As mentioned above, the ideal ottoman size should be about two-thirds that of your couch.
This size will complement your couch while tying in all the furniture in your living room for a more cohesive look.
However, some rooms are just too small to add an ottoman that big.
If this is the case, you can certainly go for a smaller size to avoid cramping in your living room.
Yet, before deciding on the size, first decide what purpose it’ll serve.
1. Seating Space
Sometimes, the couch and chairs in your living room don’t offer enough seats, especially if you like entertaining often.
So, you’ll undoubtedly benefit from the additional seating space offered by ottomans.
In this case, you should go big. After all, a bigger ottoman will offer more seats for all your guests.
Even if you don’t have guests over, you can use it as a comfortable chaise instead of your couch.
Still, if you prefer minimalist furniture, a small ottoman can also serve as extra seating space.
Just make sure you get more than one.
2. Footstool
No matter what size you pick, it can also double as a footstool.
The great thing is that you can easily slide it to wherever you’re sitting on the couch.
The most important part you’ll need to consider when using your ottoman as a footstool is its height.
After all, you don’t want to buy a perfect-looking ottoman only to find it’s taller than your actual seat!
So, before making your purchase, measure the height of your couch from the front.
Ideally, the ottoman should preferably be a couple of inches shorter than the height of your couch.
3. Coffee Table
The ottoman is truly a versatile piece of furniture.
For example, you can use it as a coffee table if you’re running low on space in the living room.
Naturally, a mid-size or large piece would make the best coffee tables.
However, it’s also best to pick a sturdy rectangular or square ottoman.
You should also consider the material.
Ultimately, you don’t want to choose a fabric that can easily stain or is too slippery to hold your trays and drinks.
The great thing is that you can find ottomans with removable wood tray tops.
These combine the best of both worlds and can be used as seating and as a coffee table.
4. Storage
Getting a multipurpose ottoman that can double as a storage unit is an ingenious space-saver!
Yet, keep in mind that to use it for storage, it has to have a removable seat.
So before picking an ottoman size, consider your storage needs.
For instance, if you only need to store blankets and throws, you can choose small to mid-size ottomans.
Alternatively, a large size would be better for storing shoes, toys, electronics, and other large-sized items.
5. Sleeper
No guest room in your home? Then, an ottoman can be the perfect answer for your overnight guests.
Many can also double as a pull-out bed, with more oversized ottomans offering a more comfortable sleeping arrangement.
Not only that, but these sleeper ottomans also act as large storage units. So, you can store pillows and blankets.
Then, when it’s time for bed, take out what you need to transform your living room into a comfortable bedroom.
Different Ottoman Sizes
Ottomans usually come in many sizes, varying in both width and height.
We mentioned a few uses to help you pick out the best size.
However, you should also know the benefits of each ottoman size.
1. Small
A small ottoman is a perfect choice for anyone running low on space.
It’s multi-functional and can double as a side table, a footrest, extra seating, or even a small storage unit.
What’s more interesting is that even when you’re not using it, you can simply tuck it away under a table or console.
2. Medium
If you’re looking for an ottoman that does it all, then a medium-sized ottoman is the right choice.
This is because this size combines the benefits of the small compact ottoman with the extra space that larger pieces can offer.
Additionally, you can use a medium-sized ottoman anywhere beyond the living room since it’s easy to move around and is incredibly versatile.
It can also be a seat for your vanity, an outdoor coffee table, or a comfy bench.
3. Large
There’s no better way to make a statement than with a large ottoman.
These jumbo-sized pieces can instantly add a unique look to your living room.
It’s a common misconception that big ottomans need a lot of space.
In fact, they can fit almost anywhere in your living room.
You can tuck them away next to a wall or line them up next to your couch for extra lounging space.
Ottoman Shape vs. Size
The shape of the ottoman is just as important as the size. In fact, the shape can impact how big or small it looks.
For instance, a round ottoman can feel more compact than a rectangular one, even if they have similar dimensions.
1. Circular
A circular ottoman is the perfect space-saver. Even if its diameter is quite large, it’ll still take up almost no room.
A lot of circular pieces can be plush and well-cushioned. These are often referred to as “poufs.”
Due to their soft nature, poufs are incredibly flexible and can be considered more as floor cushions than ottomans, making them great for small-sized living rooms.
2. Rectangular
Rectangular ottomans tend to take up a lot of space. Still, they offer an elegant look that elevates any living room.
So, if you’re planning on getting a small ottoman, stay away from rectangular ones.
That’s because they can take up a lot of room while offering limited storage or seating space.
In other words, bigger is better when it comes to rectangular ottomans.
3. Cube
The cube ottoman is probably the most popular modern piece of furniture.
It combines the best features of both rectangular and round ottomans because they offer plenty of storage space while taking up little room.
Another idea is to stack cube ottomans next to each other to create a longer seating area.
Then, when the party’s over, you can simply store them separately, each in a different corner, or hide them away under a table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an Ottoman Be the Same Height as The Couch?
Typically, you want the ottoman to be around an inch or two shorter than the couch.
However, it’s fine if it’s the same height as the couch. Anything taller will feel awkward and uncomfortable to use.
How Far Should an Ottoman Be from A Couch?
If you’re planning to use the ottoman as a footrest, place it about 12 inches away from the couch.
On the other hand, if you’re planning to use the ottoman as extra seating, place it at least 30 inches away from the couch to provide ample leg room.
Can You Have Two Ottomans in One Room?
Yes! Having two ottomans in one room adds versatility and symmetry to the room.
Yet, try to go for small to medium-sized pieces.
This way, you maintain an ideal ottoman-to-couch ratio without cramping up the room.
