The 33 Ottoman Decor Ideas for a Stylish Living Room

Our collection of the best ottoman decorating ideas will help you utilize this versatile furniture piece for storage, showcasing accessories, or additional seating.

Round Ottoman Decor Ideas

ANNIE SCHLECHTER

A round ottoman breaks up all the linear shapes in this modern home office. The tufted design introduces contrast and an interesting detail while maintaining the neutral color palette, and the round shape echoes the oversized sculptural pendant light hanging directly above it.

Tufted Leather Ottoman

JAMES NATHAN SCHRODER

A tufted upholstered ottoman adds a classic touch of elegance to any space. The leather brings in a natural material, it’s neutral enough to work with any color palette, and the tufted detail dresses it up. In this sophisticated living room, the leather ottoman pairs beautifully with a stone fireplace, striped sofa, and blue-gray accents.

Contemporary Style Ottoman Decor

PATRICK BILLER

In this contemporary living room, an oversized round ottoman brings in a sleek grid pattern. The charcoal color softens the starkness of the contrast between the black built-in shelves and cream armchairs, while the delicate pattern contrasts the organic nature of the jute area rug.

Slipcovered Ottoman Decor Ideas

JULIE SOEFER

This elegant slipcovered ottoman features a rectangular silhouette, its skirted design softens the boxed shape, and the pleated edges add a decorative detail. The rich brown color warms up the white walls and pairs beautifully with this rustic living room’s neutral color palette. Some slipcovers are machine-washable for easy care and can be steamed for a pristine and wrinkle-free look.

Ottoman with a Bold Print

HELEN NORMAN

If you want to incorporate a bold pattern into your living space but don’t want to make a commitment as big (and expensive!) as wallpaper or an upholstered sofa, an ottoman is a great way to do it. It’s typically relatively small in size and since it’s an accent piece, rather than dominating the decor in the room, it complements it.

Bench-Style Ottoman

CARMEL BRANTLEY

Keep a living room open and use a bench-style ottoman instead of a traditional coffee table. Here, the ottoman’s elongated design mimics the shape of the sofa and provides plenty of clearance for walking. The cognac leather warms up the room’s cool blue and green accents and matches the beige grasscloth wallpaper for the perfect balance of warm and cool, vibrant and neutral.

Matching Ottoman Decor

JOHN STOFFER

A pair of braided ottomans add a textured detail to this bright enclosed porch. They pair beautifully with the whitewashed wood walls and ceiling and their round shape juxtaposes all the linear elements in the room. If you’re already using a large piece of furniture such as this oversized sectional in a relatively small room, a pair of ottomans is a space-saving alternative to a bulky coffee table.

Braided Ottoman Decor

STACY ZARIN GOLDBERG

Made from a natural material such as jute or sisal, a braided ottoman incorporates an organic element into a space. Take inspiration from this eclectic living room, and stack two ottomans one on top of the other for extra height. Pair them with a cowhide rug, a woven tapestry, and textured throw pillows for a room that’s as stylish as it is welcoming.

Geometric Ottoman Decor

RACHEL MCGINN

Turn an ottoman into a design statement piece by upholstering it with fabric featuring a bold geometric print. New upholstery fabric is a great way to breathe new life into an old piece of furniture. Either replace the ottoman’s legs with a new set to match the style of the fabric, or update the existing legs with a fresh coat of paint or wood stain.

Ottoman Decor Styling Tips

MC2 PHOTOGRAPHY

When it comes to styling an ottoman coffee table, think in terms of layering. Start with a large tray, stack a couple of coffee table books on one side to create height, and top the stack with a bowl or decorative box. Add height contrast with a tall object such as a vase filled with flowers or a beautiful candle holder, then complete the vignette with a fun item such as a tic-tac-toe game that brings in some personality.

Fireplace Nook with Ottoman

CHRISTINA SCHMIDHOFER

Create a cozy fireplace nook with a pair of wingback chairs, an organically shaped cowhide rug, and a small ottoman on casters. The wheels allow you to easily move the ottoman without having to lift it if you want to switch between using it as a coffee table and a footstool.

Matching Sofa and Ottoman

MARTY BALDWIN

Streamline your living room with a matching sofa and ottoman. Break up the uniform fabric with textured throw pillows, blankets, and a decorative tray on the ottoman. If you’re using solid colored upholstery fabric, create contrast and dimension with a patterned area rug or interesting wallpaper.

Leather Ottoman Decor Ideas

JAY WILDE

For a classic look that pairs with any design style, opt for a leather ottoman with nailhead trim. In this modern farmhouse living room, the dark color of the leather contrasts the light and bright aesthetic of the open living space, while the turned legs and nailhead trim bring in a dressy detail.

White Slipcovered Ottoman Decor

SARA BRADLEY

Go for an all-white color palette in your living room with white walls, trim, and a slipcovered sofa and ottoman. Slipcovers are highly practical, especially with a white color scheme, since they are typically washable. Additionally, to maintain their pristine condition, purchase an extra slipcover so you can switch between two and lessen the wear and tear.

Display Coffee Table Books

Fresh flowers are a classic styling choice and look especially pretty displayed in a decorative vase. Stack coffee table books on a tray to play with height and showcase your favorite blooms. Start with the widest book first (even if it's not the thickest) so you don't risk tipping over your accessories.

Round Tray Ottoman Decor

LINDSAY SALAZAR

Subtle design choices such as accessorizing a rectangular ottoman with a round tray make for a more interesting room design. The contrasting shapes add visual interest and prevent the space from looking flat. In addition to varying shapes, consider the materials—take inspiration from this stunning living room and pair a cozy worn leather ottoman with a wicker tray for a layered look.

Ottoman Decor with Storage Shelf

DANE TASHIMA

Minimize clutter in the living room with an ottoman that has a storage shelf. Here, an upholstered ottoman plays double-duty as a coffee table and an extra storage surface. To prevent the ottoman shelf from looking messy, create neat stacks, use a tray, or bring in decorative storage baskets that hide clutter and make cleanup quick and easy.

Footstool Ottoman Decor

STACY ZARIN GOLDBERG

For ultimate comfort, create a cozy reading nook with a plush armchair and an ottoman that serves as a comfy footstool. In this modern rustic living room, a white slipcovered ottoman and a matching chair feature a decorative pleated skirt, contrasting a clean-lined sofa, hammered metal coffee table, and wooden accent chair.

Outdoor Ottoman Decor Ideas

CARSON DOWNING

Replace a bulky coffee table or add an extra seat on the patio with an outdoor pouf. It’s easy to move around, you can pair two of them together, and it’s a versatile piece that works inside or outside.

Ottoman with a Decorative Vignette

WERNER STRAUBE

When styling a vignette on top of an ottoman coffee table, take inspiration from the Clustercore decor trend. As a rule of thumb, think in odd numbers and assemble three decorative items that differ in shape, height, and material. Here, a simple white marble tray holds a tall blue and white vase, rectangular box made of wood, and a round metal plate for a stylish vignette that’s beautiful yet not cluttered.

Styled Ottoman Coffee Table

JEAN ALLSOPP

If you’re using an ottoman in place of a coffee table, style it strategically so that it’s both pretty and practical for everyday life. Use an oversized tray to corral decorative items such as a vase with flowers and a stack of coffee table books with practical things like remotes and coasters. Play around with height, creating variation with tall and short pieces, but make sure none block a conversation or TV view.

Upholstered Wood Ottoman

JESSICA KLEWICKI GLYNN

Get the best of both worlds with a wood ottoman that has a bottom shelf for extra storage and an upholstered top where you can rest your feet. In this sophisticated white living room, a square ottoman ushers in style and comfort, and its shape is emphasized with a square storage tray made from dark wood that matches the frame of the ottoman.

Ottoman Decor with Round Tray

JOHN BESSLER

An oversized round tray tops a round ottoman in this neutral-toned living room. The layered materials create subtle contrast, which is a great way to bring in variation without introducing new colors.

Ottoman in Living Room Layout

CHRISTINA SCHMIDHOFER

This symmetrical living room layout features an oversized rectangular ottoman flanked by two matching sofas anchored with a neutral jute area rug. The dark color of the ottoman’s wood frame ties in the dark ceiling beams and painted brick fireplace, contrasting the lighter upholstery fabric and flooring.

Versatile Ottoman Decor

VICTORIA PEARSON

An ottoman is one of the most versatile pieces you can purchase for your home. It can act as a coffee table, a side table, foot stool, or an extra seat. You can use one alone or pair two together, whether in place of a coffee table or tucked under a console. An ottoman is also an excellent vessel for introducing texture, using a bold pattern in a small dose, and continuing a color scheme.

Elegant Living Room Ottoman

JAY WILDE

This square ottoman’s upholstered surface matches the cream walls, chairs, and window treatments, and its wood frame brings in contrast and a rustic material that juxtaposes the more refined tile on the fireplace. When using lots of solid, neutral-colored surfaces, bring in one statement-making pattern for variation, whether it’s through an area rug such as this vintage-style rug or a cool accent wall.

Colorful Ottoman Tray

A wood tray painted in a color that matches your throw pillows adds a cohesive finishing touch to a living room. When styling a tufted ottoman, a tray is essential if you plan to rest drinks or a vase of flowers on the ottoman. Stacked books and magazines and a colorful bouquet add texture and height to the display.

Tucked Under a Table

A pair of ottomans in a lively print not only bring color and texture to a room but they also serve as extra seating when you have a house full of guests. Keep them tucked away and out of foot traffic by storing ottomans under an entryway table. Or hide them in plain sight by using them as footrests until needed as seating.

Farmhouse Ottoman Decor

A tray provides structure and a flat surface on a tufted ottoman. This wire and wood design lends farmhouse style and allows you to see everything inside, including stacked books and decorative items. Handles make it easy to transport when you need to rest your feet or use the ottoman as seating.

Ottoman Bar Station

With this ottoman decor idea, you won't even have to get up from the couch when it's time to make a drink. A low-profile tray serves as a bar station with glasses, whiskey, and a classic decanter. Just add ice, and you're ready for guests or a nightcap.

Play with Shapes

Add contrast and interest to your ottoman decor by mixing accessories with different shapes, such as a rectangular tray on a round ottoman. Here, a simple black tray lets the contents (including fluffy hydrangeas) steal the show. You can always sand and paint a wood tray to the exact color that will match your space; here the tray calls back to the living room curtains.

Add Casual Style

This living room is a sea of breezy blues and white. The knitted pouf ottoman has a comfortable lived-in look that makes it feel approachable and cozy. While neutral, the knitted texture keeps the ottoman interesting. Accessories like flowers and seashells continue the coastal theme.

Incorporate Color

If you're unsure what color use for your ottoman decor, pull from the existing shades of the room. Here, bright blues and shades of coral keep the living room lively and fun. A coral tray on the ottoman holds a blue vase and other accessories to continue the color scheme.