The 5 Best Ottomans

Originally meant for resting your feet, ottomans have gone from a small and one-purpose household item to a multi-functioning living room staple. In addition to being a foot prop, ottomans can serve as extra seating, extra storage, and even as a coffee table or a bench. There are styles to fit every type of decor, as well. There are ottomans to fit every budget, and even ones that work for the outdoors. It's safe to say that, while the original use of ottomans was still a smart design, the fact that they function in multiple ways make it the one item in your house you can't go without. In need of one? You're in luck. We've got the 5 best ottomans, perfect for every style and need.

Design 59 inc Coffee Table Ottoman

Simple and Gorgeous

Handmade in the USA, this ottoman is made from top-of-the-line vegan leather.

Best Overall

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Handmade by skilled upholsterers, this USA-made (out of a small manufacturing company in High Point, North Carolina), vegan leather ottoman serves as a functional piece of furniture that looks dang good, too. It has maple legs for stability and durability, has genuine brass nailhead finishes, and although the vegan leather is technically fake leather, it is made of excellent, high-quality material that holds up to years of use. While the top does not pop off to reveal any sort of hidden storage, it’s sturdy and durable enough to act as another seat.

This ottoman is functional and comfortable. It’s handmade. And it’s gorgeous. Is there anything else you could possible want out of an anything-but-basic ottoman?

Pros:

Distressed vegan leather that’s low-gloss and definitely not vinyl-like. Very durable.
30″round and 17.5″ tall.
Cleans easily.

Cons:

With tray, this can function as a coffee table. However, the tray is not included (can be purchased separately).

BirdRock Home Knitted Pouf

A Comfy Pouf

Small space? No problem. This cute little pouf works as an ottoman and as an extra seat.

Best for Small Spaces

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This adorable little round, knitted pouf is the ideal ottoman for small spaces: it’s lightweight, small, and has a bean bag filling so it doubles as a comfy extra chair. It’s compact enough (20″ in diameter and only 15″ high) to slide underneath furniture or keep against the wall, out of the way. And the soft knit exterior feels good on barefoot, making it the ideal ottoman for cozy nights on the couch watching TV.

Because this can double as a seat, it’s important to note: this ottoman is sturdy. Your feet won’t sink down into it. This is nice for keeping your feet propped up, and it’s nice for using it as a seat. But if you are looking for a super soft and almost downy-like ottoman prop for just your feet, you might be disappointed. It’s functionality as a foot prop and as a small, extra seat is what makes this so ideal for tiny spaces.

Pros:

8 beautiful color choices.
Hand-knitted from lightweight cotton.
Kids love it as an extra beanbag style seat.
Small enough for keeping multiples, and because they work well for seats, they’re ideal for family game nights gathered in the living room.

Cons:

It’s a bit small for multiple people to prop their feet up at once.

Furhaven Ottoman Footstool Private Pet House

A Secret Hide-Out

Functioning as an ottoman and as a secret hide-out for your kitty or small pup, this is the best ottoman for all of you animal lovers out there.

Best for Animal Lovers

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This sneaky little ottoman is also a private pet house for your kitty or small pup. The sleep surface for your pet is made of fleece, so your pet is totally cozy tucked away inside of this ottoman. And, because this is actually designed with your pet in mind, it’s totally easy to clean. Just pop the top off, and spot clean or remove the lining for washing.

As an ottoman, the top is padded and comfy enough for you, and sturdy enough to hold 130 pounds of static weight–meaning it’s totally durable enough to prop your feet up on. And bonus: it comes in multiple colors to fit your personal style.

Pros:

Multiple purpose ottoman and pet house. It can also be used as storage for toys, blankets, and throws if your pet decides they don’t want to use it.
Comes with a detachable plush fluff ball for your pet.
Super quick to assemble, and it folds up for easy storage, as well.

Cons:

Small size makes it ideal for cats or small dogs…larger dogs definitely won’t fit.

SONGMICS Storage Ottoman

Storage Galore

This large faux leather ottoman doubles as a secret storage space, bench seating, and ottoman.

Best for Storage

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If you’re short on storage or prefer a tidy living room, this padded ottoman bench works in multiple ways. First, it’s a padded ottoman. Next, you’ll find that the top lifts off to reveal plenty of secret storage space. And lastly, this ottoman can act as a bench for extra seating. With all of these functions, you’ll find that the larger size of this ottoman bench is totally worth it (it’s 43″ x 15″ x 15″), and because of the storage, it’ll even work in smaller spaces.

Made from high quality faux leather and a padded top that is button-tufted, this ottoman looks high-end for a budget-friendly price. It’s decorative, yet extremely functional…everything you could want out of a multi-purpose ottoman bench.

Pros:

Durable and sturdy—it even holds up to 660 pounds, so it can act as extra seating.
Waterproof and super easy to clean.
Folds into itself for easy storage.
Four color options.

Cons:

Arrives with a bit of a smell. After airing it out, the smell does go away.

Keter Corfu Outdoor Coffee Table Ottoman

An Outdoor Ottoman

Made to be used outside, this high-quality plastic ottoman can also function as an outdoor coffee table.

Best for the Patio

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Think that ottomans are only for the indoors? Think again. Your patio or deck furniture doesn’t have to be left out of the ottoman game. This incredibly durable and weather-resistant polypropylene resin plastic holds up over time, won’t get moldy, and is UV-resistant as well. Additionally, the framing is non-metallic, so rust is never an issue.

Outdoor ottomans tend to be a bit harder and more table-like than indoor ottomans, due to the fact that cushions aren’t typically the most weather-proof. This one is no different. However, if you’d like a softer footrest, you can add any removable outdoor cushion that’ll fit. This ottoman also doubles as a coffee table, so if you prefer your morning coffee outside on the deck, this is the ideal outdoor ottoman/coffee table option for you.

Pros:

Woven texture that water doesn’t penetrate.
Two practical color options available.
Weather-proof.

Cons:

Made from a hardy plastic. Although it is incredibly durable, if you’re aiming to stay away from plastic, this is a bummer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of an ottoman?

What’s the point of an ottoman, anyway? Well, originally meant as a footrest, ottomans now serve multiple purposes. Many double as a toy box or for hidden living room storage, and others even work as extra seating. There are indoor ottomans for virtually any space, and there are outdoor ottomans that are weather-proof. You can even have a coffee table and an ottoman in one. In short, although ottomans might have started out as a mere footrest, they’ve become one of the most versatile piece of furniture in (or outside of!) the home.

How big should an ottoman be?

Ottomans come in all shapes and sizes, so it totally depends on your individual space and needs. If you live in a small space with very little storage, a larger size ottoman with built-in storage might actually be the ideal ottoman for you. There are ottomans that are meant for individual use, and that tuck completely underneath a chair. Naturally, these are smaller ottomans. If you want an ottoman that doubles as a living room table, you might find one that has a convertible top (smooth on one side, cushion on the other) so that it functions a bit more like a coffee table. Ottomans come in all shapes, sizes, and for all kinds of purposes, so the size is entirely up to you and your needs.