Why an Ottoman Is the Most Versatile Piece of Furniture in Your Home

There’s nothing like having a comfy place to chill out at the end of the day. Relaxing in your favorite chair or comfortable sofa is a great way to reset your mind, and it’s even more pleasant when you are able to put your feet up. Enter the ottoman.

Named after an ancient empire, ottomans are super handy pieces of furniture that work in every room of a home. Family room, bedroom, bathroom, even outdoors on the patio, a multi-purpose ottoman can enhance the look and feel of any space. Depending on what type you choose, an ottoman can give you additional storage or do double duty as a coffee table.

What Is an Ottoman?

Piled high with cushions, upholstered ottomans were the primary seating in Turkish residences. The first ottomans were large and often wrapped around three walls of the room before being transformed into the smaller version we know and love today. Another theory suggests that the shape and design of the ottoman were developed by Turkish carpet weavers who used bales of cotton to make a small, upholstered stool.

Regardless of its origin, the ottoman arrived in Europe sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. It’s entirely possible that Thomas Jefferson brought one of the first ottomans to the New World when he purchased one from France. These days, ottomans come in all shapes and sizes, making them one of the most versatile pieces of furniture in your home. Here are a few reasons why.

Can Be Used in Any Room

Maybe you think of the family room or living room as the most logical place to put an ottoman, and they are good choices. However, an ottoman works well in virtually any room. A pair of ottomans at the foot of your bed offers a stylish and practical place to put on your shoes in the morning. When placed under the desk in your home office, they give you a place to put your feet up while working. A solid leather storage ottoman is perfect in a man cave or media room.

Fun and Colorful Accent Pieces

If you already have your main furniture pieces, such as a sofa, chairs, and recliners, and you want to add a pop of color or an extra dash of style, an ottoman is a perfect choice. Upholstered ottomans come in a range of colors, so it’s easy to find one that will go with the colors in your décor.

Extra Seating

Since the original purpose of the ottoman was seating, it’s no surprise that they are great to use as extra seating. A small ottoman can be easily stowed in an out-of-way corner and pulled into action when needed. A large ottoman can instantly go from coffee table to seating for two. They are especially useful in small rooms or apartments where there isn’t a lot of room for extra chairs.

Coffee Table or Cocktail Table

When you don’t need an extra chair, a large rectangular ottoman can serve as a coffee table or cocktail table. You can use it to play board games or as an unexpected end table. Or as a place for magazines to read as you sip your coffee.

They Never Go Out of Style

Design trends may come and go, but an ottoman is always in style. They were originally used as seating, and that is a need that never goes away. But now they do so much more. An ottoman in neutral upholstery or leather will be an elegant and timeless addition to your home, while a bold color will add an unexpected element to your décor. Either way, your home will look amazing, and your ottoman will stand the test of time.

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