What Is an Ottoman? Uses, Types and Why It Has That Name

An ottoman is an upholstered piece of furniture, usually without a back, that is commonly used as a footrest. Depending on its construction, it may also provide an extra seat, a storage compartment or a surface for a tray. Its shape and intended uses tell you how it will work beside your sofa or chair.

What is an ottoman used for?

A place to put your feet up

Place a footrest ottoman in front of a chair or sofa and adjust its position until your legs feel comfortably supported. Compare its height with the seat while someone is sitting there; the seat and ottoman may compress by different amounts.

A separate ottoman gives you the option to move the footrest aside when you want clear floor space. Check that the room has somewhere useful to put it when the walkway is busy.

An occasional extra seat

An ottoman designed for sitting can provide another place when guests visit. Choose a model with an explicit seating use and follow its weight limit. Check the stability, cushion height and the way the lid closes before using a storage piece as a seat.

A home for blankets and small items

A storage ottoman puts a compartment beneath the top. Measure the interior for the objects you intend to keep there, and leave enough space to open the lid or set a removable top aside. Empty the compartment before cleaning it.

A tray surface

A broad, firm ottoman can hold a suitable rigid tray securely. Keep drinks on a stable surface, and plan where the tray will go when you want to rest your feet. If you often eat or write in the seating area, a separate table gives those tasks a dedicated surface.

Ottoman, footstool and pouf: what the names tell you

The names overlap. “Footstool” emphasizes support for the feet; “ottoman” commonly describes an upholstered piece; “pouf” often describes a soft, compact upholstered form. The product's construction and intended uses settle the practical questions.

A framed upholstered footrest may be sold as both an ottoman and a footstool. Merriam-Webster's ottoman definition includes an upholstered seat or couch, usually without a back, and a padded footstool. The wording describes a family of furniture forms.

Common shapes and features

Cube ottomans can sit beside an accent chair or move between seating positions. Wide rectangular ottomans offer a larger upholstered surface in front of a sofa. Round ottomans bring a curved footprint to a seating arrangement. Bench-shaped pieces may suit the foot of a bed or a longer wall when their dimensions and permitted use fit the space.

Our Cube Storage Ottoman measures 18.1 inches wide by 18.1 inches deep by 16.9 inches high. Its reversible top provides an upholstered side and a table surface, with storage beneath. For room planning, mark out that 18.1-inch square and allow a place to lift and turn the top.

The dimensions and reversible top describe this model. When comparing our ottomans, check which features belong to the particular piece you select.

Why is it called an ottoman?

The name refers to the Ottoman Empire. Merriam-Webster traces the furniture term through the French ottomane, the feminine form of ottoman. The modern name has been used for upholstered seating as well as the smaller padded footrest familiar in living rooms.

That history helps explain why an ottoman may be a broad upholstered piece, a compact footrest or a bench-shaped seat. Today, its dimensions and construction are the useful guide to its role in your room.

How to choose one for your room

1. Name its main job. Choose foot support, an occasional approved seat, storage or a tray surface as the first priority.
2. Compare the working height. Try it beside the occupied sofa or chair. Cushion compression affects the relationship between the two surfaces.
3. Mark the footprint. Include walking space, nearby doors and the movement of a recliner.
4. Try the access. Open a storage lid fully, or find a place to put a removable top while you reach inside.
5. Read the use and care details. Confirm the permitted seating load and the cleaning instructions for the upholstery.

Our ottoman size guide for sofas explains how to compare the seat, footrest area and surrounding route. For storage models, the storage-compartment cleaning guide covers clearing the interior and drying it before refilling.

If you need both a footrest and a dependable place for a drink, a side table beside the seat lets each piece keep its own purpose. Leave the ottoman where your legs feel comfortable and keep the drink within easy reach.

Ottoman questions

What category is an ottoman?

An ottoman is upholstered furniture, usually used as a footrest. Models designed for sitting also serve as occasional seats, and storage ottomans have a compartment under the top.

Can you sit on an ottoman?

Yes, if the ottoman is designed for seating. It can provide an extra place for a guest without adding a full chair. Follow the model's seating load limit, and use a storage ottoman as a seat only with its top correctly closed or fitted and its base stable on the floor. A footrest-only model is intended for feet.

Does every ottoman have storage?

No. Some ottomans are solid or filled upholstered pieces with no compartment. Storage designs often include a usable space under a lid or removable top. A cube shape alone does not tell you whether it opens; the product description should identify the storage feature and its internal dimensions.

Can an ottoman replace a coffee table?

Yes, if your main need is a footrest with occasional secure tray space. A rigid table is a better match for frequent meals, writing or several drinks. A reversible-top model can provide a table surface when the top is positioned as instructed.

What is the difference between an ottoman and a pouf?

A pouf commonly has a soft, compact upholstered form, while an ottoman may have a firmer frame, legs or storage. The names overlap, and both can serve as footrests. Seating suitability and storage depend on the individual design.