What is an ottoman?
Ottoman - this is low upholstered furniture that does not have a back. Currently, it can be distinguished by the presence of a low backrest, armrests, or an angular model.
How is an ottoman different from a sofa, sofa and bed?
A table with the difference between these furniture items.
Sofa | Sofa | Bed | Ottoman |
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Sofas are characterized by a large number of varieties, transformation mechanisms, storage systems and others, which makes them an especially ergonomic piece of furniture. |
Has a backrest and armrests located at the same level. In appearance, the sofa is similar to a wide and low sofa model. |
It is a four-legged base, complemented by a headboard and backrest. |
It is a kind of hybrid of a bed and a sofa, which features a lifting mechanism or a spacious drawer where you can fold a blanket, pillows and other bedding.
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Standard Ottoman Sizes
Basically, these designs are very compact, their width often does not exceed 120 cm. It is these models that are equipped with armrests or an angled backrest. Despite its small size, the disassembled ottoman can be a full-fledged sleeping place 90 cm wide and 200 cm long.
How to choose an ottoman?
Several recommendations for choosing:
- First of all, you should correctly calculate the size of the room intended for decoration. Decide on the style and color scheme of the product.
- A particularly practical option will be an ottoman with replaceable covers, which will allow you to preserve the appearance of the product for a long time.
- If this design will further serve as an additional bed, it is preferable to pay attention to models with pillows.
- It is also worth choosing the right materials. It is advisable to choose reliable and durable iron, metal or wooden structures.
- Equally important will be the placement of the ottoman in the interior; in the case of a folding model, additional space should be provided for its transformation.
- When choosing, you need to pay attention to brands and quality marks.
Pros and cons
Advantages and disadvantages of these designs.
pros | Minuses |
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Modern models are distinguished by a very wide range of choices, which allows you to choose an option for any design solution. |
Products with a manual mechanism provide some difficulties when lifting a mattress, especially if its frame is made of solid wood. |
Provide an opportunity to save space in the room. |
Spring models are prone to frequent stretching of the springs. |
They are very practical and easy to use. |
Gas structures are more durable, but they are quite expensive. |
They have an affordable price category. |
Varieties of ottoman
There are three main varieties:
- One bedroom. It is a very practical option for a small room or, for example, a studio apartment. In the case of using a single model as a sleeping bed, it is recommended to supplement it with an orthopedic mattress.
- Double. The most practical and comfortable solution that combines the functions of a sofa and a bed, while maintaining useful space in the room.
- One and a half. Will be a great addition to a bedroom or living room. The one-and-a-half model, equipped with armrests and a comfortable headboard, is considered versatile for both daytime rest and daily sleep.
Ottoman transformation mechanisms
The transformation mechanism must necessarily be distinguished by special convenience and functionality.
- Eurobook. It is a very reliable and durable mechanism that takes on minimal stress. For folding, the seat slides towards itself and the back is located in its place.
- Dolphin. Due to the roll-out and lifting system, reminiscent of a dolphin's jump, it is transformed into a comfortable sleeping bed.
- Click-gag. It has this name because of the sound that is heard during the layout. Click-gag, is an improved book model and provides the ability to fix the backrest in various positions.
- Book. It is considered the simplest option, which can become a comfortable sleeping place, even when assembled. In order to unfold the ottoman-book, the seat tilts until it clicks, and then drops down.
When choosing a particular mechanism, you should carefully consider all its advantages and disadvantages that meet personal preferences. For example, there are products that can be extended lengthwise or sideways.
Upholstery material
For upholstery, natural or synthetic materials are used, which can differ in different shades, textures and prints.
- The cloth.
- Leather.
- Eco leather.
Ottoman back options
Models with a graceful round or oval back, which significantly soften the angularity of the furniture structure, have a particularly interesting appearance. Also no less elegant are products with a curved back in the shape of a wave. With the help of such details, it turns out to give the design a light aristocratic note and make it much more expressive.
An ottoman with a forged patterned back looks very original and very sophisticated. To make the room cozy, they choose models with a square or rectangular soft headboard, which provides comfort and pleasant tactile sensations. A truly unique and luxurious solution is the mirrored backrest, which not only forms a non-trivial interior, but also visually expands the space.
Sizes and shapes
There are a large number of shapes and sizes that can be chosen for any room, for example, narrow products are perfect for a nursery, and wide ones for a family bedroom.
Corner
Compactness is the main advantage of this design. Due to the angular arrangement, it has one armrest and can sometimes be equipped with legs.
Small
Takes up a minimum amount of space and easily fits into small rooms. A small model can be either a main sofa or an additional seating area.
Big
It is the main piece of furniture and the focal point of the space around which the entire interior concept is built.
Round
It will add additional comfort to the environment and will be an excellent solution for large rooms in which it can be placed in the middle.
Semicircular
It looks very original and due to its streamlined shape, smooth lines and rounded edges, it fills the interior with lightness and comfort.
Colors
The general mood and comfort of staying in the space depend on the color. For example, the most neutral shade is gray, which harmonizes perfectly with most other colors. Green will look more attractive and bright, adding beauty and unusualness to the atmosphere.
Design and decoration
Products decorated with a carriage coupler fit perfectly into any interior solutions and are distinguished by severity, but at the same time a kind of flirtatiousness. Models with pillows of various shapes and sizes have a special grace and elegance, and products with one armrest combine simplicity, brevity and style at the same time. Decor with rhinestones, which are a truly spectacular decoration, or carved decoration, always having a graceful and majestic look, will help to significantly revitalize the atmosphere.
Products with bumpers, on which it is comfortable to lie and sleep even for a child, or forged structures, which undoubtedly add extravagance and expressiveness to the interior, are distinguished by no less interesting design. They also often prefer an ottoman with legs, as it always looks very elegant and sophisticated.
To complement the general stylistic direction and semantic content of the room, choose products decorated with a printed pattern in the form of floral, floral ornaments, checkered, striped prints or other patterns.
Photo of the couch in the interior of the rooms
Design options in different rooms.
Children's room
The ottoman will be equally well appropriate, both in the nursery for the girl and for the boy. Such a compact design does not take up much space and, thanks to a variety of design options and colors, will perfectly fit into the interior.
Teenage functional models are most often equipped with a harder orthopedic mattress, built-in drawers, comfortable armrests or a soft back.
Kitchen
The ottoman can fit very organically into the kitchen space, occupying a minimum amount of space, but at the same time providing comfortable accommodation for several people at once.
Balcony or loggia
This design is especially suitable for a small balcony. Products with built-in drawers for storing many different things can be a huge advantage. A mini ottoman, complemented by soft pillows or a blanket, will bring warmth to the interior of the loggia and turn it into a cozy seating area.
Bedroom
For a bedroom, the ideal solution would be a double design with an orthopedic mattress that promotes healthy and sound sleep.In a small room, you can install a sliding model with a box for linen, due to which it will be possible to refuse to purchase a chest of drawers.
Living room
In the hall, an ottoman will also be appropriate. It will allow you to give the atmosphere a special color and will simply become a wonderful decorative addition to the living room.
How to arrange the room?
A very common option is to sit by the window, as this always assumes a sufficient amount of natural light, as well as a beautiful view. If the structure has an unusual shape, for example round, it is placed in the center of the room. In order to give the design of the room aristocracy and oriental sophistication, a Turkish bedside ottoman is installed.
What does it look like in different interior styles?
Photo examples for different stylistic directions.
Provence
In this style, there are mainly products made of natural materials in light colors. For example, upholstery made of fabric in pastel shades, decorated with unobtrusive prints, vintage models with an attractive antique look or designs decorated with antique elements are especially appropriate.
Classical
For a beautiful classic design, an ottoman is suitable, complemented by a carved back, legs or armrests. Products with a curved headboard or carriage coupler, leather or expensive fabric upholstery, will look very harmonious.
Loft
Designs with natural leather or fabric upholstery will perfectly fit here. The shape of the products should be distinguished by straight and strict lines, and the colors should not be too bright and muted tones.
Scandinavian
A laconic ottoman will look especially advantageous in the Scandinavian style. Here they choose models in the manufacture of which natural materials are used. To give the furnishings functionality and practicality, constructions with additional drawers for storage are used.
Photo gallery
The ottoman will contribute to the creation of a comfortable corner and the transformation of the surrounding space, endowing it with special attractiveness and subtle notes of oriental motives.