What Is an Ottoman—and What Can You Use It For?

What Is an Ottoman? The Story Behind the Quirky Furniture Piece

By Share CHITA September 11, 2026

Quick answer: An ottoman is an upholstered piece, usually without a back, commonly used as a footrest. Some models also provide approved seating, tray space or storage. Its furniture name comes through French ottomane and is linked to the Ottoman Empire. Check the particular model’s intended uses, height and load limits.

Ottomans appear beside armchairs, in front of sofas and at the foot of beds. The familiar modern form is a padded, upholstered piece without a back, often used as a footrest. Its structure and size determine whether it also works as a seat, a place for a tray or storage.

Low cream upholstered ottoman with a book resting on its cushion.

Why is it called an ottoman?

The furniture name is linked to the word Ottoman, referring to the Ottoman Empire. Merriam-Webster's ottoman entry traces the furniture sense through the French word ottomane, the feminine form of ottoman. The dictionary includes an upholstered seat or couch, usually without a back, and a padded footstool among the word's meanings.

That range of meanings explains why the name covers several shapes. In a modern living room, it often describes a separate upholstered footrest. Some pieces are broad and low; others are compact or contain a storage compartment.

Ottoman, footstool and pouf: how the names compare

These product names overlap. Check the construction and stated uses of the item, especially if you intend to sit on it.

Name	Common form	What to check
Ottoman	An upholstered piece, usually without a back; it may have a frame, legs or storage	Height, firmness, permitted seating load and any storage mechanism
Footstool	A low support for resting the feet, with a padded or unpadded surface	Height relative to the chair and whether seating is an approved use
Pouf	A soft upholstered or filled piece, often rounded and placed near floor level	Shape retention, height under load and intended use

A framed ottoman may also be sold as a footstool, while a soft pouf may serve as a footrest. Merriam-Webster defines a footstool as a low support for the feet and includes pouf as another word for ottoman. The product details clarify what the particular piece is designed to do.

Common ottoman types

Footrest ottomans

A separate footrest can be moved toward a chair when you want to put your feet up and moved aside for access. Compare its height with the occupied seat, then try a position that supports your legs comfortably.

Storage ottomans

A lift-up lid or removable top provides access to a compartment on storage models. Check the interior dimensions, opening method and lid instructions. Allow room to open it fully and keep fingers clear of the mechanism. Our Cube Storage Ottoman with a removable top illustrates this type of access. Empty the compartment before cleaning it; our storage ottoman cleaning steps cover the interior and drying routine.

Large ottomans used with a tray

A broad upholstered surface can hold a suitable rigid tray for lightweight items. Check that the tray rests securely and stays level under the intended load. Keep hot drinks away from unstable or heavily tufted areas.

Bench-shaped ottomans

A longer upholstered piece may fit along the foot of a bed or near a seating area. Compare its dimensions with the available space and check the stated seating use and load rating.

Ottoman used as a footrest beside a chair in a sunlit living room.

Can you sit on an ottoman?

Choose a model expressly intended for seating and follow its load limit. Check that it rests firmly on the floor and that a lift-up or removable top is correctly closed. For a piece described only as a footrest, confirm seating suitability before using it as a chair.

Consider how the intended user will sit down and stand up. Low, soft upholstery feels different from a firmer chair seat. Try the height and support they need.

Two dark storage ottomans with tray tops beside a gray sofa.

Can an ottoman replace a coffee table?

It can suit a room where a footrest is the main priority and occasional tray space is enough. A secure tray gives small objects a more level surface. Plan where the tray will go when you want to rest your feet or open the storage compartment.

If you regularly need a rigid surface for meals, writing or several drinks, include a separate table in the layout. A small side table can keep those items beside the chair while the ottoman supports your legs. Our coffee table shape comparison for small rooms covers round, rectangular and other footprints for planning the remaining floor space.

Light upholstered storage ottoman with its lid open beside a small table.

Choose the height and placement for everyday use

Start with the main use. Decide whether the piece will support feet, provide an approved extra seat, hold a tray or store items.
Measure beside the actual seat. Compare the ottoman height with the chair or sofa when someone is sitting on it. Cushion compression affects the working height.
Mark out the footprint. Include space to walk past and open a lid. Check nearby recliner movement and door swings.
Check surface care. Review the upholstery instructions for the way you plan to use the piece.
Confirm permitted loads. Record the seating and storage limits for the model.

Our ottomans and benches include different shapes and configurations. Use each product's dimensions and intended uses to compare it with your room. Our ottoman size guide for sofas explains how to record seat height, the intended seat zone and surrounding walking space.