An ottoman coffee table is essentially the perfect hybrid cross between a coffee table and an ottoman. It is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture that you can get for your living room, and it can be used as both an ottoman and a coffee table at the same time.
Ottoman coffee tables lend your living room a comforting and casual appearance, and they are great for adding some extra storage to a space.
Not only will you have somewhere that is comfortable to sit or rest your feet, but you will be able to remove the top to store items inside of it too.
However, you might be left wondering how practical these coffee tables really are. In this article, we are going to be looking at the good and bad sides to owning an ottoman coffee table, and we are also going to tell you everything that you need to know when it comes to purchasing one.
Comfort
One of the best things about ottoman coffee tables is that they are both comfortable and functional.
They are great for being able to put your feet up at the end of a long day, and if this is something that you are looking to be able to do, then an ottoman coffee table could be perfect for you.
They are also great for when you have friends and family over to simply socialize, watch tv, or play board games. Their soft edges are ideal for families with young children, and you also don’t have to worry about hurting yourself when you inevitably walk into the corner of it.
Functionality
Ottomans are an extremely functional and versatile piece of furniture. They provide the perfect opportunity for extra storage, and you can’t see what is inside, so you can put almost anything in there and it won’t be visible.
Aesthetic
Another added bonus of ottoman coffee tables is that they have a cozy charm about them and they add softness to a room, especially if you have a lot of formal pieces, like bookcases and other hard furniture.
It helps to create a more comfortable vibe in your living room, which is perfect for spaces that are mostly used for relaxing.
Downsides To An Ottoman Coffee Table
- You won’t have as much surface space as you would with a regular coffee table
- There is no hard surface, so you won’t be able to put drinks on it without a tray
- You may have to get it upholstered from time to time due to general wear and tear
- Ottoman coffee tables can be quite bulky and heavy, which may not work in smaller spaces
- You can’t style it with decor as you would with a normal coffee tables
- If you are not buying a match set with your couch, then you may find it difficult to find a separate ottoman that doesn’t clash with your other furniture.
Are Ottoman Coffee Tables Practical?
Ottoman coffee tables are practical in some ways, but not so much in others. They are practical in the sense that you can store things inside of them without anyone ever knowing.
They are also practical for adding comfort to a room. However, they are not practical if you want to display things on top of your coffee table, or if you want to put drinks on it without using a tray.
How To Choose The Right Ottoman Coffee Table For You
Now that you know both the benefits and negatives of owning an ottoman coffee table, we are going to tell you everything that you need to consider when it comes to buying the right ottoman for your space.
Primary Function
You will need to really think about what you want the primary function of your ottoman coffee table to be.
You might want it specifically for the storage aspect, or you might want to simply use it as an ottoman or a table. Determining this will help you to discover other important aspects of design.
Storage
Lots of ottoman coffee tables will offer a variety of different storage options, and it is up to you to decide which one would suit your needs the best.
They come in different shapes, sizes, and depths, and you should consider what you are planning to store inside of it to know which one to get.
Size
The size of any piece of furniture you buy is going to be really important, and the same applies to ottoman coffee tables. You will need to ensure that the size you choose is comfortable and practical for your space. It should also suit the room and the layout of the room.
It is generally thought that the length of a coffee table should be around one half or two thirds of the length of the sofa. The height will also be measured in relation to the sofa, as coffee tables will usually be the same height as the sofa seat cushions.
Although, if you are planning on putting your feet up, then you might want it to be slightly lower than this.
Shape
The most common shapes for ottoman coffee tables are rectangles, squares, circles, and ovals. You should choose the shape based on other pieces of furniture in the room, the overall decor of the room, and any specific needs of the table itself.
However, there are also some other novelty shapes that you could choose instead that might be interesting in your living room.
Style
You will also need to choose a coffee table that suits your style. Perhaps you prefer the cleaner and simple designs and should look for something more modern or contemporary.
Alternatively, if you are looking for something more cozy and inviting, then a more traditional or rustic design would suit your needs.
Material
No matter what ottoman coffee table design you choose, there will be various different materials to choose from. Fabric is typically the most common and versatile, and it comes in lots of colors, textures, patterns, and prints. Although, there are other options available, like leather.
