Sectional, Meet Ottoman: Matchmaking Tips
Ensure a happy union in the living room with these how-tos for picking just the right ottoman partner for your sectional sofa
Shoshana Gosselin
April 5, 2012
Our company has a fresh forward thinking approach to interior design. We offer livable luxury that reflects our clients’ personality and lifestyle. We use products that offer high quality and beauty. Our designs are personalized and as unique as you! Whether your project is large or small scale, requires cosmetic changes or includes construction work, we work with contractors and vendors that are talented and experienced. Our greatest benefit is our Full Service. From the initial design concept, to ordering materials and furnishings, coordinating deliveries, advising installations during the construction phase, to setting up your magazine worthy room down to the throw pillows, we help you enjoy the process by taking care of all the little details. It's time to love your room!
Visit...
Our company has a fresh forward thinking approach to interior design. We offer livable... More
Ottomans are an added luxury to any sectional, but they come in so many shapes, sizes and styles that choosing one can be overwhelming. Picking the right ottoman for your modular sofa depends on the configuration and the look you want to achieve; you want to find one that has the right scale, height and feel to coordinate with your space. Here are some helpful tips.
A square ottoman looks great with a sectional that has equal lengths on both sides, as well as U-shape sofas.
Shop square ottomans
Shop square ottomans
A round ottoman is great for a sectional with a wedge or rounded corners. With no corners, it is easy to get around.
Find a variety of round ottomans
Find a variety of round ottomans
A rectangular ottoman fits in well with an L-shape sectional. The longer width allows more people to use it.
If you need storage, choose one with a hollow center.
If you need storage, choose one with a hollow center.
A larger sofa can take a heavier ottoman, perhaps one in deep leather. Leather also cleans up well.
For really long sectionals, try two ottomans. This allows you to pull them apart to be useful at either end or pushed together to easily get to the sofa.
For really long sectionals, try two ottomans. This allows you to pull them apart to be useful at either end or pushed together to easily get to the sofa.
A trend I am seeing so much of now is multiple round or square small ottomans together in front of the sofa: three for small L-shape sectionals and four for larger ones.
The height of your ottoman should be consistent with seat height. You want it to be comfortable for leg propping.
Choosing the right size of your ottoman is very important. Eighteen inches of space around all sides of your sectional can be a good rule of thumb.
But rules are made to be broken. If you need a smaller ottoman, it can fit in well if it has a skirt or small legs so it looks heavier in the open space.
An ottoman with exposed legs not only can keep the center of your sofa feeling light, but it can also keep the space formal.
Go for a skirted ottoman for a more casual look.
Do you have a beige sectional you want to spice up? Add a patterned ottoman to create unique interest.
Contrast your ottoman to your sectional by using leather on one and fabric upholstery on the other.
Try a finish with texture like a woven material for a contrasting look against your sectional. It can feel light, natural and casual.
Go for metal legs for a new and shiny look. A silver or copper finish can easily be achieved with spray paint: Rub the legs with sandpaper, spray with primer, then add the finish of your choice.
More:
Cutting Corners With Sectional Sofas
Six Tips for Choosing the Perfect Sofa
Cube Ottomans Sit Squarely in Style
More:
Cutting Corners With Sectional Sofas
Six Tips for Choosing the Perfect Sofa
Cube Ottomans Sit Squarely in Style
Related Stories
Living Rooms
How to Decorate a Small Living Room
Arrange your compact living room to get the comfort, seating and style you need
Full Story
Decorating Guides
How to Get Your Furniture Arrangement Right
By Fred Albert
Follow these 10 basic layout rules for a polished, pulled-together look in any room
Full Story
Events
20 Furniture Trends to Watch for 2024
See subtle refreshes of enduring trends — plus fun design details — that stood out at the fall 2023 High Point Market
Full Story
Events
10 Fresh Furniture and Decor Trends for 2023
Greens and blues, art and artisanship, and mixed eras and textures fill the spring 2023 collections at High Point Market
Full Story
Living Rooms
How to Buy a Quality Sofa That Will Last
By Fred Albert
Learn about foam versus feathers, seat depth, springs, fabric and more for a couch that will work for years to come
Full Story
Kitchen Islands
6 Bar Stool Styles That Work in (Almost) Every Kitchen
Stick to these materials for your island seating and you won’t go wrong
Full Story
Decorating Guides
Your Essential Sofa Buying Guide
By Susan Redman
Here’s what to consider when looking for a quality sofa that will last
Full Story
Decorating Guides
8 Pieces of Furniture You’ll Keep Forever
By tidgboutique
If you’re just starting out in a new place, consider these furniture options you can take with you to any new home
Full Story
Decorating Guides
Should You Go Custom? Home Professionals Weigh In
Pros share 10 things to consider before deciding between tailor-made and ready-made features and furnishings
Full Story
Events
Scandinavian Modern Classics at Denmark’s 3 Days of Design
Midcentury modern furniture and lighting, and circular design, were showcased at the 2022 festival
Full Story
Bring a touch of luxury to your vanity room or dressing area, by replacing your regular stool with an ottoman. To make a bold statement, choose a fully upholstered piece in glossy metallic hues or deep-set button tufting.