Whether it is the multi-purpose appeal of a large cocktail ottoman or the luxe touch of a velvet or boucle ottoman, an accent ottoman can bring style and unexpected bliss to your living spaces, from refined lounges to home office reading nooks. With a nearly endless array of designs, finishes, and upholstery styles, this often overlooked accent offers the opportunity to reflect and define your décor. An ottoman with storage or an ottoman coffee table can provide practical appeal with statement-making potential. Styled right, even a small ottoman or stool can set off your aesthetic or create powerful contrast in an eclectic space with a fresh texture or signature profile. Stools and ottomans are versatile pieces that can be paired to a chair, used as an occasional surface, or float around the room for a flexible touch of comfort.
Choosing an Ottoman or Stool
An ottoman or stool can be the finishing touch that your space needs to strike a balance that blends elevated style with everyday design. A place to put your feet up can instantly transform an accent chair or sofa into a favorite cozy spot in your living room. These pieces offer your room a unique feature that can seamlessly fold into the look, echoing and elevating existing furniture and décor—from plush round ottoman styles like the Aldora Round Ottoman to timeless wooden stool designs like the Arlene Stool. Living spaces come in a wide array of sizes, and whether it is a nook where you curl up with a warm cup of tea or a dynamic, open-plan space where to lounge and entertain, each has its own character.
In a compact living room or apartment, you may also consider embracing the dual functionality and practical appeal of a cocktail ottoman, which offers the practicality of both an ottoman and coffee table. Or you may consider a storage ottoman like our Kamila Ottoman, which opens up to a spacious place for throws, toys, books, or more. An ottoman with storage space is a great way to maximize the footprint of your room, keeping it feeling refined and open.
Styling an Accent Ottoman
An important consideration when styling an ottoman or any piece of furniture is how it affects the room's flow. Ottomans are often one of the final elements placed in a room. You will usually have already anchored the space with a sectional sofa or coffee table. If the room is left looking too open or empty, a well-placed ottoman can tie the area together. Be sure to leave room for traffic and to allow breathing room, though. A small ottoman or a pouf ottoman are great options to provide a floating footrest that is still easy to move around.
In any size space, a large ottoman, whether a storage ottoman or a traditional upholstered design like our Fabienne Ottoman, can be styled in the middle of the room, providing a footrest, additional seating, and an extra surface. Decked out with decorative trays, books, and other décor, oversized ottomans have all the benefits of a coffee table, plus you can kick your feet up with no worries. If you use an upholstered ottoman as a coffee table, you might consider performance fabrics for easy care and cleaning, especially in a home with kids.
Similarly, a wood stool or small round ottoman can double as a side table or a seat and compact surface for an entryway or hall. The geometric appeal and sculptural lines of our Xena Stool make it the perfect base to display a plant or other décor while also offering flexible seating for entertaining.
Whichever way you decide to style it, remember that your ottomans and stools allow you the flexibility to showcase your design aesthetic. They give you a chance to exhibit your individuality with little touches of nuanced design. Loved ones and visitors can immediately get a better sense of who you are by how you layer these functional accents into your décor.
Lulu and Georgia Ottomans + Stools
When you shop online at Lulu and Georgia for ottomans and stools, you will find pieces that complement the style of your space and make it feel much more elevated. We have a selection curated by design style and materials to choose from. Check out our Living Room Shop by Room page for more ideas and inspiration on creating stylish everyday living spaces. Looking to add an ottoman to an outdoor living space? Explore our collection of outdoor ottomans and stools.
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