Sofa with ottoman in the interior: ideas for inspiration

Author: Belfan

Issues discussed in the material:

• What is an ottoman
• What are the pros and cons of a sofa with ottoman
• What types of sofas with ottoman are there?
• What to look for when choosing a sofa with ottoman
• How to fit a sofa with an ottoman into the design of a room

The modern trend in home design has become the creation of a comfortable and convenient space where a person can not only chat with friends or family, but also relax as much as possible. The sofa with ottoman in the interior fully corresponds to this trend, forming a cozy seating area where you can not only sit quietly with your favorite book, but also accommodate guests who are late for the night. In our article we will talk in more detail about all the features of this comfortable and practical furniture.

What is an ottoman

Due to the fact that not every person knows what an ottoman is, we will try to characterize this piece of furniture as accurately as possible. Most often, this concept refers to upholstered furniture in the form of a wide bed without a back. Its traditional appearance gradually changed over time.

Initially, the ottoman was used in Asia to organize seating for people waiting for reception in public places. It was very simple in form, without excessive decoration. After this piece of furniture came to Europe, it changed and became more like a couch with upholstery made of expensive fabrics, pillows, armrests or a backrest at the headboard.

These days, ottoman are usually small in size, looking like a pouf in the form of a cylinder or cube. Its shape can vary from round to rectangular. Different models differ in the material of the legs and upholstery. It all depends on your personal preferences.

The purpose of this piece of furniture may be different. Most often, an ottoman is part of a soft set, although it can also be used as an independent product. Often, an ottoman is used when it is necessary to organize an additional sleeping place (for example, for guests), a children's bed or a relaxation area. Externally, it is similar to an ottoman and unfolds lengthwise. Modern transformation mechanisms significantly increase the functionality of this piece of furniture.

Regardless of the transformation method, an ottoman is an indispensable thing where there is no room for a full bed. When folded, it is compact and does not take up extra space. A built-in storage box allows you to hide books, toys or laundry from visitors. Models with an orthopedic mattress are suitable for those who are attentive to their health and are concerned about the correct posture while sitting and sleeping.

There is another version of the appearance of this piece of furniture. There is an opinion that a sofa with an ottoman in the interior first appeared in Turkey. Outwardly, it looked like a bed on small legs with a huge number of pillows. Nowadays there are ottomans as independent pieces of furniture in the form of a pouf, or as sets with a sofa.

If this is a set consisting of several interior items, then its elements repeat each other in their shape and combine beautifully. Corner sofas with an ottoman in the interior have become very popular. Such furniture allows the whole family to sit comfortably near the TV or fireplace. At the same time, you can place a tray of tea on the ottoman or play a board game on it, or even just stretch your legs on it.

Modular sofas with an ottoman in the interior are becoming more and more common. This is due to the fact that such a “constructor” can be arranged in any order, forming the necessary furniture composition and creating a certain comfort, for example, installing a sofa with wide armrests, which in shape can replace a small table.

There are corner models with a built-in folding table. In this case, the ottoman is installed separately or as an extension of the sofa. There are models that are complemented by a free-standing chaise longue. Some furniture ensembles have up to 60 elements.

The most common are ensembles of three interior items: a sofa, chaise longue and ottoman. Just three objects allow you to create a huge number of different variations of furniture composition depending on the design of the room and its purpose. Even standing separately, these interior items allow you to create an independent area where you can sit or lie down. And if necessary, they can be combined into a single resting place.

Since the birthplace of the ottoman is the East, it used to be a small soft sofa, decorated with fringe, capes and pillows. It was not very comfortable to sit on, but you could lie down if you wanted to rest. This piece of furniture is somewhat reminiscent of a Turkish sofa. Modern ottomans may differ significantly from the standard modification, however, a sofa with a pouf remains a standard furniture ensemble for a relaxation area.

Decorative solutions

The ottoman is designed and decorated in the same way as the main structure. It is upholstered in the same fabric, the only thing is that the shade may differ. Decorative details can include small pillows or a blanket.

Diluted with decorative elements

Mostly they are decorated in a minimalist style. But, there are models that resemble a Turkish sofa, upholstered with a soft carpet and fringe. But, upon request, you can choose any design and components.

This will be interesting to you: REVIEW: Design of a children's room with a soft sofa: How and Where is it better to put it?

Types of sofas with ottoman

There are several models of ottomans that can be found in a modern interior:

1. As a separate element.

A freestanding ottoman fits very well into the interior. It can perform a large number of functions and be used as:

• a tea or coffee table if you move it to the sofa;
• a footrest for when you want to relax and unwind;
• storage space (in the inner drawer);
• a convenient place for children to play due to its low height.

If you plan to use this piece of furniture as a separate, autonomous object, then it is better to choose a model with a flat surface and durable upholstery. It is desirable that there is a harder filler inside. The only drawback of this furniture is that the ottoman, made as a separate element, will look harmonious only in spacious rooms. You won’t find a photo of a small living room where a sofa with an ottoman in the interior looks perfect. For small spaces, you should look for more compact options.

2. Modular.

A modular sofa with an ottoman or even a sofa with two ottomans in the interior is a whole complex of upholstered furniture, which, when assembled, forms an L-shape. Freestanding modules allow you to:

• organize additional seating;
• lengthen the sofa to create a full bed;
• form a corner composition if you need to create a closed space.

When choosing modular designs, take a closer look at transformable models. In such products, the blocks are fastened together with Velcro or belts. The main disadvantage of sectional products is that you will need a special tool to create combinations. Sofa modules can be on stationary legs or wheels. Of course, products on wheels are much easier to move if necessary, which significantly increases the mobility of modular structures. But if you intend to use this furniture for sleeping at night, then it is better to purchase a model with legs to ensure greater stability.

3. Universal.

In the universal model, the ottoman can be placed on either side of the sofa. It can be both left and right. So, without investing any additional finances, you can periodically change the interior of your room, simply by rearranging one piece of furniture. This is very convenient when you are planning to move to another apartment and you do not yet know how you will arrange the furniture. This advantage can also be a disadvantage, since frequent rearrangements can significantly reduce the service life of a given piece of furniture.

Features of modern models

A modern sofa with an ottoman is a new interpretation of tradition. The models offered by manufacturers have become more functional and acquired new forms of expression. Chic but impractical fabrics have been replaced by reliable materials that guarantee high wear resistance of products. The size of the products has become significantly smaller. In addition, ottomans are no longer used as a stand-alone place for daytime napping (like an ottoman). They only act as an addition to the main furniture ensemble.

As for the configuration, today there are two main options.

• The first is modular, the most common. In this case, the sofa and ottoman are a single structure that forms the letter L.
• The second option is to make the ottoman as a separate element. Here it can serve as a large pouf. A separate ottoman can be pulled up against the sofa if you want to stretch your legs while watching TV. This will also come in handy when guests arrive. This way you can seat everyone with maximum comfort, creating a cozy atmosphere of friendly conversation. If desired, the pouf can be used as a separate seating area. Then the sofa turns from a corner to a straight one, freeing up additional space and providing freedom of movement around the room. Sometimes a retractable ottoman is also included with a corner sofa. Such an element can, if necessary, make the size of upholstered furniture maximum.

Some people purchase an ottoman solely as an independent item, made in the same design as the sofa. So, in the interior of a bedroom or living room a beautiful pouf appears that does not stand out from the general style.

Designers amaze with flights of fancy. Ottomans are not limited to rectangular and square shapes. If desired, you can purchase a round or oval pouf. The upholstery can match the material of the sofa or can effectively contrast with it, if it looks appropriate in your apartment.

Leather models are very popular. They look modern and presentable, and are particularly practical and wear-resistant. Products made from velor and other velvety fabrics are also very popular with customers. Such things allow you to add a touch of oriental flavor to the interior, adding softness and chic to it.

Color and texture solutions are not limited to this. And connoisseurs of exquisite classics, and lovers of non-standard solutions, and those who want to create an atmosphere of royal luxury in their home - anyone can find a suitable option among the range of manufacturers.

Pros and cons of a sofa with ottoman

The main advantages of this furniture can be considered the following:

• Comfort. You can get so comfortable that you will relax almost every muscle in your body. An orthopedic base will allow you to maintain correct posture when sitting, which has a beneficial effect on the human spine.
• Functionality.
  A sofa with an ottoman in the interior can perform several functions. During the day you can sit on it, talking with friends or communicating with your family. At night, it easily turns into a comfortable sleeping bed, completely replacing a wide bed. Even if you have a bed, you can only use extra sleeping space when guests or relatives come over. An extra bed never hurts. Don't forget about the spacious inner drawer of the ottoman. It's easy to hide bedding, toys or other things that clutter the space there.
• Style. Elegant upholstered furniture fits perfectly into any interior. Modern manufacturers offer products in various colors, upholstery and shapes. A wide range of corner models with advanced functionality are available. Now upholstered furniture can be equipped with a built-in bar, lighting, side shelves and other details that give it originality and increase ease of use. Beautiful, high-quality upholstered furniture indicates good taste and high status of the owners.
• Availability. Modern furniture showrooms offer a wide range of products in different price ranges. Here you can choose both the most modest, conservative option and a luxurious elite model that meets the demanding needs of the most refined taste.

On the Internet you can find many photos of sofas with an ottoman in the interior. They are so convenient and comfortable that it is very difficult to find cons in them. The only drawback that may prevent you from using such a piece of furniture is that it requires a lot of space. Such furniture is usually installed in spacious living rooms.

In the bedroom, if there is a fixed bed, a sofa with an ottoman may simply be superfluous. In addition, the elastic, flat surface of the pouf directly attracts various things (toys, books, clothes), so you need to keep order all the time. In all other cases, this piece of furniture will come in handy.

The advantages and disadvantages of straight and angular options are presented in the table:

Comfortable and practical upholstered furniture will be an undeniable advantage of any design solution. It is convenient to relax and unwind after a hard day. It is unlikely that you will find a living space anywhere that does not have soft furnishings. Modern furniture production, focused on comfort and practicality, creates pieces of furniture in different colors, types of upholstery, folding methods, etc. Among the most comfortable sets of upholstered furniture is a sofa with an ottoman. In 2022, interiors with such sofas were especially popular.

Corner upholstered furniture gives the greatest comfort to the room. It is very often used in spacious living rooms of houses or apartments.

Recommended articles on this topic:

• How to choose furniture in a classic style?
• Fashionable interior with natural wood furniture
• Expert advice: How to choose a sofa?

Where to put?

• in the hallway and corridor

Don't know what to fill a spacious hall or hallway with? Place an ottoman there. It will immediately impress guests and become the starting point for a luxurious interior. You can store shoes in its inner drawer. For narrow corridors, take rectangular models.

Leather ottoman in the hallway

• to the living room

Extra seating in the main room never hurts. Next to the sofa and armchair, the ottoman is a comfortable footrest, and with a tray or hard cloth on top, a stylish coffee table.

What materials are sofas with ottoman made from?

Nowadays, a wide variety of materials are used to make furniture. In furniture showrooms you can purchase ready-made standard products or order any piece of furniture according to your own sketch. In order for the furniture you purchase to fit perfectly into the interior, you need to decide in advance on its size, color, material and design style.

When purchasing an ottoman, you should pay attention to the following components: frame, upholstery, filling and legs. The frame is most often made of wood, timber, plywood or chipboard. Preference should be given to natural materials (plywood and timber), since they have high strength and do not lose their properties over time. At the same time, they have the best price-quality ratio.

If we talk about luxury products made from solid wood, then preference is given to oak, ash and walnut, the wood of which is the most durable.

When making a frame from chipboard, it is important to ensure that it is coated with a protective compound or painted. This will protect the atmosphere of the house from formaldehyde released by untreated chipboard. Take care of your health by checking this option.

Fillers can be the following materials: synthetic fluff, holofiber, struttofiber. Their advantages:

• keep their shape well;
• do not cause allergies;
• They do not harbor dust mites.

Some people prefer to add a sofa with an ottoman to their interior, the filling of which is made of natural materials: felt, quilted material or wool. Another filling option is spring blocks (dependent and independent). The highest cost is for products with an orthopedic mattress. When purchasing upholstered furniture, you should also take care of purchasing removable covers, which will not only make the furniture softer, but also significantly increase its service life.

The legs of the product can be made of plastic, chromed metal or wood. Metal and wooden legs are good because they can withstand a lot of weight. The advantages of plastic are its low price. For aesthetic purposes, a “wood” or “metal” coating is applied on top of it.

The upholstery of the ottoman plays an important role in the design of the entire interior. Once upon a time, all upholstery options were reduced to tapestry. Now this piece of furniture can be covered with wool, leather, velvet, velor, linen and even short-cropped fur.

Leather upholstery is the most practical option. If you accidentally stain the surface of the leather, you can always wipe the stain with a damp cloth. Of course, products covered with genuine leather have a longer service life. But if you are limited in funds, then you can opt for artificial leather, which costs much less and is practically indistinguishable in appearance from its natural counterparts.

The sofa with ottoman in the interior is upholstered in velor and gives a chic appearance. The option with bright colors looks especially beautiful. When choosing the material and finishing of furniture items, they rely primarily on the style of the entire product. Thus, the classic frame is made of solid wood, while the frame of products in a modern style can be made of metal, plywood or chipboard. Classic upholstery involves the use of luxurious fabrics with rich patterns.

The color of a sofa with an ottoman in the interior

Upholstered furniture in the interior always attracts attention. It can blend into the entire interior or act as a bright accent, depending on the color scheme. A universal option is to use a neutral light shade. A solid light color can fit well into any interior.

White upholstery color is very popular, despite its minimal practicality. This design helps make even the largest furniture weightless. Externally, such an interior looks fresh and clean. If you are worried that the furniture will constantly get dirty, you can purchase a model with leather upholstery. It is much easier to care for than textile.

Another neutral option is gray. A sofa with an ottoman in the interior can be ash-colored, silver, the color of wet asphalt, or almost white. This color matches most modern styles.

If your interior is already decorated in dark colors, then you can choose a sofa with an ottoman in light colors. At the same time, the upholstery of the sofa itself and the chairs for the pouf-stand may differ in ornament or pattern, echoing the motifs of the covers for sofa cushions.

The design of the window and seating area in the form of an ottoman in the same color scheme looks interesting. Or, conversely, you can make upholstered furniture a bright accent in the room.

Modern interior design trends are based on the use of natural tones. Preference is given to beige color, shade of ivory. They are closest to natural and look organic in any room.

A little history

The ottoman is an oriental guest who came to us from warm and colorful Turkey. It was the Turks who were the first to appreciate the functionality and convenience of this piece of furniture.

But today, after walking through the vast areas of retail facilities, the consumer can choose this product in different versions.

Bright living room in beach style

Graphite color looks very modern

Stylish spacious living room with fireplace

Contrasting modern interior

Previously, it was just a soft, wide bed, equipped with small legs, without a backrest and a certain number of pillows. But nowadays, inventive designers have created a much greater variety of these decorative items - a whole world of ottoman varieties has appeared.

In addition, now this detail looks more like a pouf than a sofa structure. In implementation, the consumer can find square, round, rectangular variations and other shaped models. As for manufacturing materials, the market offers leather, velor, textile, cotton and even wool ottomans.

Light beige upholstered furniture with lots of pillows

Living room of a private house with a fireplace

White walls with molding in a modern interior

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How to choose a sofa with ottoman

When choosing upholstered furniture, the first thing to consider is its size. A sofa with an ottoman in the interior near a doorway or along a wall always takes up a lot of space. According to standard rules, a sofa should not exceed 2/3 of the length of the wall along which it is placed. On average, its length is usually about 2 m. Pay attention to the width and depth of the product. The ottoman should match the width of the sofa, but the length may be slightly longer. For corner models, the ottoman fits completely into the formed corner. Remember that it is usually moved away from the sofa at least 30 cm to make it comfortable to sit on.

Before you make that important purchase, think about the primary purpose of the furniture. If you plan to only sit on it, then choose softer and taller models. A corner model is worth purchasing if you want to ensure maximum comfort when relaxing. If you are simply interested in this type of furniture because of its interesting appearance, then choose some model of an original shape.

In any case, it is better to choose furniture that is upholstered in practical material so that further maintenance does not arise.

You should not buy this piece of furniture if the space in your room is limited. Remember that the ottoman should be moved away from the sofa, so there should be some free space for this purpose. Even if you plan to use it only as a footstool, it will still be approximately 80x80 cm in size. To make it easier to move in a limited space, you can try purchasing an ottoman of a different shape, for example, round or oval.

Accommodation Tips

Many consumers know what a sofa with an ottoman is, but find it difficult to choose a place to place it. Such furniture will be appropriate in both small and spacious rooms. In small living rooms or children's rooms it should be placed close to the wall. Thus, the sofa will not take up much space and will serve as a sleeping place for a child or guests.

In a large room, upholstered furniture is placed at the junction of walls or along one partition. An interesting option would be to place the sofa in the middle of the room. This will add variety to the interior.

One option is to place the sofa in the middle, but not in the center. This way you can divide the room into zones: separate the place for receiving guests from personal space.

A sofa with an ottoman in a modern form is an interior item that embodies any wishes of the customer. In appearance and material, it can be as close as possible to models of past centuries. In this case, upholstered furniture will also serve a decorative role. It can also be a comfortable, functional and practical resting place for its owner.

How to arrange a sofa with an ottoman in the interior

Previously, all interiors were built on attracting the main attention to the sofa with a pouf. Now these pieces of furniture are given a secondary role. More often they are used as a constructor to create the desired furniture composition that hides or emphasizes the design features of the room.

The most popular way to use a pouf is to replace a coffee table with it. It does not take up much space, does not have sharp corners, and the elastic upholstery allows you to conveniently place a tray with tea or cookies on it. This use is most often reserved for an ottoman with wooden legs. But there are also models with a more durable base and wooden legs, which are used both as a coffee table and for relaxation.

Basically, a sofa with an ottoman in the interior is needed in order to sit on it. A large number of ottomans allows you to use them instead of chairs. This significantly saves space in the room, and the ottomans themselves can easily be hidden under the table, because they do not have high legs or backs.

You can create a comfortable relaxation area in the interior if you place many ottomans and one large sofa. This way you will get a fairly mobile environment, the composition of which can be changed if necessary. At any time, you can remove unnecessary items, clearing the space, or, conversely, add ottomans to increase the number of seats.

Sometimes a pouf is used as a couch for feet, which allows you to relax after a hard day at work. In this case, an ottoman with textile upholstery, standing directly next to the sofa, is more suitable. Its shape can be different, but square and rectangular poufs are most often used.

Some ottoman models have storage space inside. This is a very convenient piece of furniture that allows you to hide from the eyes of visitors various little things that clutter up the space. With such a pouf you will use every meter of space more productively. You can put toys, books or pillows in it. Externally, such a chest usually has textile or leather upholstery.

Dense upholstery material significantly increases the life of furniture. Thus, you can combine storage space, a seating area, and a coffee table in one piece of furniture. This functionality of the product is simply captivating!

When choosing a specific model, think about where you will place it:

• You can install a practical sofa with a colorful and picturesque pattern in your children's room. You will need a reliable transformation system if you plan to use the sofa as a sleeping place for a child. The upholstery must be resistant to abrasion and moisture.
• A model with a sophisticated design and increased comfort is suitable for the living room. The appearance of the product will depend on the chosen style of room decoration. So, for Provence it is better to choose a sofa with a floral design, and for modern interiors in a minimalist or loft style, catchy bright models with upholstery in the form of a geometric print are suitable.
• A sofa with a strong metal frame and a high-quality transformation system is often installed in the bedroom. Practical upholstery should fit well with other interior elements.

Use Cases

The ottoman can be used for the following purposes:

• Seating area. This is the main way to use a pouf. If you purchase a set with several ottomans, they can serve as a replacement for chairs and armchairs. The advantage is that they significantly save space. Poufs are small in size, there is no back or armrests, therefore, if necessary, they can be placed under the table.
• One piece sofa. By placing it close to the poufs, you get a good relaxation area. The advantage is that it can be moved to any part of the sofa, and at any time moved away and even sent to another room. If there was a chair in place of the pouffe, it would be harder to do this.
• Footrest couch. This is another good way to relax after a hard day. To do this, the ottoman is placed close to the sofa. And the ottoman will still remain a table for things. For such purposes, it is better to choose a square or rectangular ottoman shape.

A great reason to relax after a hard day at work

• Coffee table. This type is considered the most popular. This is because it is convenient and smaller than a table. The pouf does not have sharp corners, but has elastic, dense padding that will be enough to hold a cup, glass or entire tray. The second advantage is that such a “table” can easily turn into a sofa. There are poufs that are used exclusively as a table.
• Storage space. This storage space is not visible to prying eyes. But with its help you can free up space. So, small pillows, books, newspapers, toys or other small items will fit here. The top is upholstered with leatherette fabric. The fabric used is dense so that there is more time for use.

These sofas have a lot of storage space

It’s good if the ottoman can accommodate all three functions: a place for sitting, storing things, and a table.

A sofa with an ottoman in the interior is used in different design styles.

Definitely oriental style

is the main direction of use of this piece of furniture. A sofa with an ottoman occupies a dominant position in an oriental interior. Traditionally it has an elongated shape and armrests. The upholstery must be bright in color and preferably silk. This splendor is complemented by cylindrical pillows, carved legs and rich decor.

The standard of style has always been the classic interior

. All pieces of classical furniture are distinguished by external rigor and elegance. In this case, you will see not only wooden legs and armrests or cylinder pillows, but also calm, seasoned upholstery in light colors, which contrasts perfectly with the dark frame.

When decorating an interior in Baroque

a sofa with an ottoman is also often used. The luxury of this trend is emphasized by graceful curved legs, carved armrests, gilding and velvet upholstery. Sometimes, not velvet, but silk or tapestry is used for upholstery, but it should be of rich, rich colors - the most popular is red with gold elements. With all the external luxury, these interior items are usually quite compact.

If you are decorating a room in the Empire

, then an ottoman with a high curved armrest on one side will suit you. The legs should be thin enough, the seat should be rectangular. In this case, both wooden and metal legs are allowed. It is advisable to choose upholstery in light colors, even if it is leather. Gilded wooden elements and golden splashes of upholstery will give the product a more status-conscious look.

The character and color of the upholstery is largely determined by the style of interior design. If it is country, then you can use an imitation of the skin of a cow, zebra or the fur of any animal. Rattan upholstery fits perfectly into a Provence

.
And if the product is indeed finished with rattan, then it can be placed on an open terrace. It is possible to install a sofa with an ottoman in a Scandinavian-
style or even
high-tech
, if its decoration matches the overall design. It is enough to upholster the furniture with metallic or futuristic colors.

Characteristics of classic upholstered furniture

The ornate forms traditional for classicism in such furniture are reflected in elaborate curved legs, if the sofa is raised above the floor, in rounded bolsters instead of armrests, in carved backs or graceful curves thereof. These can be low or high models, wide, narrow, long and short, straight or angular. The choice depends on the overall composition and direction of the classic design.

For example, English classics (Victorian style) are predominantly high, straight backs and leather upholstery. Baroque is luxurious, elaborate, massive forms. Rococo is more grace and sophistication. In neoclassicism you can also see quite modern models - with more restrained and simple lines. Of course, in fact, these styles differ, but the subtleties of design are not so noticeable at first glance, so they are often referred to as the general concept of classics.

Another characteristic feature is the way the sofa is upholstered: it is always stitched. This can be a quilted covering or stitched in places with buttons, which both decorate the finish and strengthen the stitches.

Upholstery material may vary. The most appropriate in the classical style remain:

• velvet;
• velours;
• leather.

Today, modern coatings are increasingly used, which are distinguished by their practicality, dirt resistance and dust-repellent properties. As a rule, these are either plain materials in a harmonious palette, or upholstery with a pattern characteristic of classicism - large ornate rosettes or plant motifs.

Typically, a lot of decorative pillows of different shapes are used on such a sofa. They are upholstered in the same material as the sofa. Too flashy accents are inappropriate here.