Bring on the Ottomans
If design could be boiled down to just two words, we would have to pick “form” and “function”. This applies to all design, from structural design when architects are crafting their next big building, to interior design when selecting those final, finishing touches to a room.
Sure there can be trinkets that sit on your mantel adding what appears to be nothing other than visual appeal to the room, but they also add weight and balance. The visual appeal is form and the weight is function. So when selecting furniture, these two words are equally important to keep in mind. One of our favorite pieces of furniture is a universal addition that can provide form and function to practically every room in your home, however; it can be easily overlooked. The item we are talking about here is, you guessed it, the ottoman.
An ottoman is a cushioned piece of furniture often with a padded or upholstered seat. It can be used as a coffee table, foot rest, additional seating and many even come with a hollow center and removable top to provide storage for things like shoes, books, blankets, games, etc. It can be a focal part of your room or simply a functional addition.
Just as versatile as they are in function, they are even more versatile in their form. With endless design possibilities, you can truly find an ottoman for any design aesthetic. You can select an ottoman that is round, oval, square, rectangle or asymmetrical. One that matches your sofa or one that is different yet complementary to the overall room. Use the ottoman to bring in fun patterns and new fabrics, like velvet, to brighten a room. Or maybe a more muted and traditional style, like leather, to anchor the design. Use one large ottoman with a sectional or two smaller ones you can move around for seating during family game night. Are pets your life? There are even ottomans designed with an opening on the side and an interior that doubles as a bed for your furry friends to cozy up in. Are you regularly hosting get-togethers in your home? Select a firm topped ottoman or place a wooden tray on top to double as a table for those gatherings.
Another important thing to remember is that ottomans are not limited to the living room. These can be a fantastic addition to bedrooms, a nursery, office, guest room, game room, even closets! The list truly goes on and on – and once you start looking for one, we are sure you’ll find plenty of ways to include them in your own home.
Photo credit to Universal Furniture