Ottoman in the interior: types, style, transformation systems, color solutions and placement methods.

What is a ottoman?

A ottoman is a low upholstered piece of furniture that does not have a back. Nowadays, it can have a low back, armrests, or be a corner model.

How is a ottoman different from a sofa, couch, and bed?

A table showing the differences between these pieces of furniture.

Sofas are characterized by a large number of varieties, transformation mechanisms, storage systems, and more, which makes them a particularly ergonomic piece of furniture.

It has a back and armrests located at the same level. In appearance, a sofa is similar to a wide and low sofa model.

It is a base on four legs, complemented by a headboard and a back.

It is a kind of hybrid of a bed and a sofa, which is distinguished by a lifting mechanism or a spacious drawer where you can put a blanket, pillows and other bedding.

Standard sizes of a ottoman

Basically, these designs are very compact, their width often does not exceed 120 cm. These models are equipped with armrests or an angular back. Despite its small size, the ottoman, when disassembled, can be a full-fledged sleeping place 90 cm wide and 200 cm long.

How to choose a ottoman?

Several recommendations for choosing:

• First of all, you should correctly calculate the dimensions of the room you intend to decorate. Decide on the style and color scheme of the product.
• A particularly practical option would be a daybed with replaceable covers, which will allow you to preserve the appearance of the product for a long time.
• If this design will later serve as an additional sleeping place, it is preferable to pay attention to models with pillows.
• It is also worth deciding on the materials correctly. It is advisable to choose reliable and durable iron, metal or wooden structures.
• The placement of the ottoman in the interior will be no less important; in the case of a folding model, additional space should be provided for its transformation.
• When choosing, you need to pay attention to brands and quality marks.

Pros and cons

Advantages and disadvantages of these designs.

Modern models are distinguished by a very wide range of choice, which allows you to choose an option for any design solution.

They provide an opportunity to save space in the room.

They are very practical and easy to use.

They have an affordable price category.

Types of ottoman

There are three main types:

• Single. It is a very practical option for a small room or, for example, a studio apartment. If you use a single model as a sleeping bed, it is recommended to supplement it with an orthopedic mattress.
• Double. The most practical and convenient solution that combines the functions of a sofa and a bed, while maintaining useful space in the room.
• One and a half. Will be a great addition to a bedroom or living room. The one and a half model, equipped with armrests and a comfortable headboard, is considered universal for both daytime rest and daily sleep.

The photo shows a one and a half ottoman in a dark brown shade in the interior of a children’s room.

Transformation mechanisms of the ottoman

The transformation mechanism must necessarily be particularly convenient and functional.

• Eurobook. It is a very reliable and durable mechanism that takes on minimal loads. To unfold, the seat slides towards itself and the back is located in its place.
• Dolphin. Due to the roll-out and lifting system, reminiscent of a dolphin jump, it is transformed into a comfortable sleeping bed.
• Click-clack. It has this name because of the sound that is heard when unfolding. Click-clack is an improved book model and provides the ability to fix the back in various positions.
• Book. It is considered the simplest option, which can become a comfortable bed, even when assembled. To unfold the sofa bed, tilt the seat until it clicks and then lowers down.

The photo shows an interior with a gray sofa bed with a Eurobook folding mechanism.

When choosing a specific mechanism, you should carefully consider all its advantages and disadvantages, corresponding to personal preferences. For example, there are products that fold out lengthwise or sideways.

Upholstery material

Natural or synthetic materials are used for upholstery, which can differ in different shades, textures and prints.

• Fabric.
• Leather.
• Eco-leather.

The photo shows a daybed decorated with genuine leather upholstery.

Daybed backrest options

Models with an elegant round or oval backrest, which significantly softens the angularity of the furniture structure, have a particularly interesting appearance. Also no less elegant are products with a curved back in the shape of a wave. With the help of such details, it is possible to give the design light aristocratic notes and make it much more expressive.

The photo shows an interior with a backless ottoman, made in black.

A ottoman with a forged patterned back looks very original and very sophisticated. To add coziness to the room, choose models with a square or rectangular soft headboard, providing comfort and pleasant tactile sensations. A truly unique and luxurious solution is a mirrored backrest, which not only creates an original interior, but also visually expands the space.

Sizes and shapes

There are a large number of shapes and sizes that can be selected for any room, for example, narrow products are perfect for a child’s room, and wide ones for a family bedroom.

Corner

Compactness is the main advantage of this design. Due to its corner location, it has one armrest and can sometimes be equipped with legs.

In the photo, a pink corner ottoman with a drawer in the interior of a girl’s nursery.

Small

It takes up a minimum amount of space and easily fits into small rooms. A small model can be used as a main sofa or as an additional seat.

Large

It is the main piece of furniture and the focal point of the space, around which the entire interior concept is built.

Round

It will add additional comfort to the environment and will be an excellent solution for large rooms, where it can be placed in the middle.

Semicircular

It looks very original and due to its streamlined shape, smooth lines and rounded edges, it fills the interior with lightness and coziness.

Colors

The overall mood and comfort of staying in the space depend on the color scheme. For example, the most neutral shade is gray, which harmonizes perfectly with most other colors. Green will look more attractive and bright, adding beauty and uniqueness to the decor.

The photo shows a two-tone single ottoman, made in green shades.

Design and decoration

Products decorated with carriage coupler fit perfectly into any interior solutions and are distinguished by severity, but at the same time a certain coquetry. Models with pillows of various shapes and sizes have a special elegance and elegance, while products with one armrest simultaneously combine simplicity, conciseness and style. Decor with rhinestones, which are a truly spectacular decoration, or carved design, which always has a graceful and majestic look, will help to significantly enliven the atmosphere.

The photo shows an interior in light colors with an ottoman with legs, decorated with purple velvet upholstery.

No less interesting design is distinguished by products with sides, on which even a child can lie and sleep comfortably, or forged structures, which undoubtedly add extravagance and expressiveness to the interior. Also quite often prefer a ottoman on legs, as it always looks very elegant and sophisticated.

To complement the overall style and semantic content of the room, choose products decorated with a printed pattern in the form of a floral, plant ornament, checkered, striped print or other patterns.

The photo shows a small ottoman with fabric upholstery decorated with a checkered print.

Photo of ottoman in the interior of rooms

Design options in different rooms.

Children’s room

The ottoman will be equally well suited both in a girl’s room and in a boy’s room. Such a compact design will not take up much space and, thanks to a variety of design and color options, will fit perfectly into the interior.

The photo shows a children’s room with a brown ottoman decorated with carriage coupler.

Teenage functional models are most often equipped with a firmer orthopedic mattress, built-in drawers, comfortable armrests or a soft back.

The photo shows the interior of a teenage boy’s room with a corner single ottoman with a soft back.

Kitchen

An ottoman can fit very organically into the kitchen space, taking up a minimum amount of space, but at the same time providing comfortable accommodation for several people at once.

Balcony or loggia

This design is especially suitable for a small balcony. A huge advantage can be products with built-in drawers for storing many different things. A mini-ottoman, complemented with soft pillows or a blanket, will bring warmth to the interior of the loggia and turn it into a cozy relaxation area.

The photo shows a compact brown ottoman in the interior of a small balcony.

Bedroom

For a bedroom, a double design with an orthopedic mattress, which promotes healthy and sound sleep, would be an ideal solution. In a small room, you can install a sliding model with a drawer for linen, which will allow you to refuse to buy a chest of drawers.

Living room

An ottoman will also be appropriate in the hall. It will add a special flavor to the environment and will simply become a wonderful decorative addition to the living room.

The photo shows the interior of a modern living room, decorated with an ottoman with black fabric upholstery.

How to place it in the room?

A very common option is to place it by the window, since this always implies a sufficient amount of natural light, as well as a beautiful view. If the design has an unusual shape, for example, round, it is placed in the center of the room. In order to give the design of the room an aristocratic and oriental sophistication, a bedside Turkish ottoman is installed.

The photo shows a two-tone single ottoman placed near the window.

How does it look in different interior styles?

Photo examples for different stylistic directions.

Provence

In this style, mainly products are made of natural materials in light colors. For example, upholstery made of fabric in pastel shades, decorated with unobtrusive prints, vintage models with an attractive antique look or designs decorated with antique elements are especially appropriate.

Classic

For a beautiful classic design, an ottoman complemented with a carved back, legs or armrests is suitable. Products with a curved headboard or carriage coupler, with leather or expensive fabric upholstery will look very harmonious.

Loft

Designs with genuine leather or fabric upholstery will fit in perfectly here. The shape of the products should be distinguished by straight and strict lines, and the colors should not be too bright and muted tones.

The photo shows the interior of a loft-style room, decorated with a light-colored ottoman.

Scandinavian

A laconic ottoman will look especially advantageous in a Scandinavian style. Here they choose models in the manufacture of which natural materials are used. To give the environment functionality and practicality, they use designs with additional drawers for storage.