Hi again all, and thanks for so many thoughtful comments. The drink issue is definitely something to consider, and I've got it covered pretty well except for the instance (rare) where a third person sits in the middle of the couch. I'd just have to hope that the tray would hold that drink ok, or that they would just hold on to it. The surface of the ottoman is actually pretty level, so the tray would actually do the job, I think, unless there was an unusual amount of activity going on. Otherwise I have side tables for all of the other seating. If I didn't have room for those, I'd probably reconsider the ottoman altogether. Debbimc, thank you for noticing the rug. It is an old Karastan I got on ebay several years back, and I do love it. The pattern is called Hunting Scene, I think, and it still shows up on ebay from time to time. I am such a fan of Karastan rugs; they are beautiful and wear like iron. This process has been great for me. I love my coffee table, but I was in PB a couple of weeks ago, saw it on the floor, and just had to try it. (30 day return policy helps) Now the mood in the room is more relaxed and, well, inviting. Along with how the space looks, a room should be about how you FEEL when you are in it, and somehow, that ottoman seems to make people feel good. That being said, I'm sure five big barcaloungers would make us feel good, but we also want things to look nice and have visual interest, so therein lies the search for the room that can do both. That's why this forum is so helpful, and fun.

Katy, since you haven't already made your ottoman slipcover(s), I thought I'd throw a few ideas/suggestions your way. You might want to consider upholstery fabric for the slipcover. It usually comes in much wider width... 54" is standard, also found in 52" and 48/50". Upholstery fabric is much sturdier than dressmaking and most drapery fabric. It will stand up to rougher treatment that an ottoman may receive. And you will probably have less waste in cutting it out, depending on the pattern and drop (if any). You might want to reconsider NOT having any pleats... a simple box pleat at the corners would add a lot to the impact. Be sure to check at your library for books on how to make slipcovers. You will find lots of ideas and help. If they have, for instance, So Simple Slipcovers by Gail Abbott and Cate Burren, you will find the instructions for the "Bedroom Stool Cover" on pages 140+ very helpful. It will tell you how to make a paper pattern to use to determine the yardage of fabric needed, etc.

Good morning! Trigger pulled on #1. I'll post pics with and without the shelf. When I ordered a rug last year from O, it was here in 2 days. Praying it shows up in one piece and is as nice as those reviews say. Oh, and I did use my 7% coupon. However, I couldn't figure out how to go through ebates AND use the discount (had to activate it through my email and couldn't find an actual code to plug in) so I figure I'll contact ebates later.

The biggest mistake I ever made was buying a round rug to go under a round table. I have an almost perfectly square room with a round table, so I thought round rug, right? Even though the rug was 24" larger than the table on all sides, we still found ourselves scooting our chairs off the edge. I replaced the rug with a square and we are much happier.