Move over, traditional coffee tables. A new trend is sweeping through Canadian living rooms, with ottomans emerging as the stylish and versatile favorite for home decor. These padded pieces are winning hearts with their cozy aesthetic and surprising adaptability.
The Rise of the Ottoman
Ottomans are typically low, padded furniture pieces without backs or arms, originating from the Ottoman Empire in what is now Turkey. Historically used in council meetings, they were essentially stools with cushions where people would prop their feet, according to Architectural Digest.
While the foot-propping tradition continues today, modern ottomans serve multiple purposes, especially when oversized. Their flexibility makes them ideal for contemporary Canadian homes seeking both style and functionality.
Versatility and Family-Friendly Benefits
"What I love most is how adaptable they are," interior and furniture designer Eva Sonaike told The Spruce. "Whether you're styling a calm corner for reading or creating a multi-functional living space, ottomans can work quietly in the background or take centre stage, depending on how you design them."
Ottomans introduce softness to living spaces by replacing hard materials like wood with comfortable upholstery and padding. This makes them particularly suitable for families with young children, as noted by Better Homes & Gardens, since there's less concern about sharp corners and potential head injuries.
The storage capabilities of ottomans add to their appeal. Models with removable or hinged lids can conceal children's toys, store winter blankets, or organize tech gadgets and remotes that would otherwise create clutter.
Design Opportunities and Practical Solutions
Ottomans offer excellent opportunities for creative expression through prints, colors, and textures. Designers recommend experimenting with materials like velvet or bouclé and adding decorative elements such as fringe or gathered skirts for accent pieces.
One common concern about using ottomans as coffee table substitutes involves stability for food and drinks. The uneven, padded surface can lead to spills and stubborn stains. However, designer Benji Lewis offers a simple solution: "For those considering an upholstered ottoman instead of a standard coffee table but wondering where people might put their champagne glass, don't be deterred; put a tray on the ottoman and let that be the hard surface."
Another popular style features ottomans on exposed feet with upholstered tops and shelves beneath for storing books or magazines. Long, rectangular ottomans can double as extra seating when entertaining guests, while smaller or wheeled versions can be easily moved or stored under console tables when not in use.
As Canadian homeowners continue to seek furniture that combines style with practical living solutions, ottomans are proving they're much more than just footrests—they're becoming central pieces in modern home design.
