Can You Use an Ottoman as a Coffee Table?

Yes, you can absolutely use an ottoman as a coffee table! In fact, it's a fantastic design choice that adds softness, texture, and incredible versatility to a living room. It can provide extra seating, hidden storage, and a comfortable place to put your feet up.

But how do you make this stylish idea practical for everyday life? The secret lies in choosing the right type of ottoman and one key accessory. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, step by step.

Pros and Cons of Using an Ottoman as a Coffee Table

Ottomans can be a versatile alternative to a traditional coffee table, but they do have their pros and cons. Weighing up these pros and cons can help you make up your mind quickly.

Pros:

• Provide extra seating at social gatherings
• Offer a soft, comfortable surface for resting feet
• Most ottomans have hidden storage space for blankets, toys, and other living room essentials.
• Ottomans are usually lightweight and easy to move and rearrange.
• Their compact design is a space-saving option for small living rooms.

Cons:

• Lack of a flat, stable surface for heavy or fragile items
• Prone to damage, dents, and wear and tear during use
• Difficult to clean fabrics that have been soiled with drinks or oil

How to Use an Ottoman as a Coffee Table: A 3-Step Guide

Ready to make the switch? Here’s how to do it perfectly.

Step 1: Choose the Right Ottoman

Not all ottomans are created equal for this task. Look for these key features to ensure your ottoman is both stylish and functional as a coffee table:

• A Firm, Flat Top: Avoid overly plush, soft, or deeply button-tufted tops, as they make it harder to balance items, even with a tray.
• The Right Size & Height: The golden rule is that the ottoman should be about the same height as your sofa cushions, or 1-2 inches lower. In terms of length, aim for about two-thirds the length of your sofa.
• Durable, Easy-to-Clean Material: Faux leather is a fantastic, wipeable option, especially for families. If you prefer fabric, look for tightly woven performance fabrics that resist stains.
• The Ultimate Feature: Storage! A storage ottoman is the perfect choice for this role. It not only replaces the coffee table's surface but also provides a generous hidden space for blankets, remote controls, and toys, keeping your living room clutter-free.

Shop the Solution: Our collection of Storage Ottomans is designed with firm tops and durable upholstery, making them the ideal foundation for your new coffee table.

Step 2: Add a Sturdy Tray (The Non-Negotiable Accessory)

This is the secret that makes the entire concept work. Placing a large, sturdy tray on your ottoman instantly creates the stable, hard surface you need for drinks, vases, and other decor. It protects the fabric and makes the ottoman truly functional as a table. Look for trays made of wood, metal, or acrylic with raised edges.

Step 3: Style Your New 'Ottoman-Table'

Now for the fun part. Arrange a few key items on your tray to make the setup look intentional and chic. A great formula is to combine:

• Something tall (a small vase with flowers)
• Something horizontal (a stack of art books)
• Something personal (a scented candle or a small decorative object)

This creates visual interest without cluttering the entire surface.

Your Complete Living Room Table Guide

Getting your new 'ottoman-table' just right involves thinking about the whole room. Continue your design journey with our other expert guides:

• Not sure about placement? Learn the golden rule for spacing in our guide: How Far Should a Coffee Table Be From a Couch?
• Considering other creative ideas? An ottoman is one of many great Coffee Table Alternatives.
• Wondering about shapes? See how a round vs. square ottoman fits your space in the Coffee Table Shapes Guide.
• Need a TV Stand to match? Find out if your TV stand and coffee table should match in our guide: Should TV Stand Match Coffee Table?

FAQs

What to Put on the Ottoman Coffee Table?

Start by defining the area of the items to be placed with a heavy-duty tray. To bring warmth, it can showcase coasters, a small vase with flowers, scented candles, or any other decorative piece like sculptures. When you are expecting guests, substitute them with a cheese platter or antipasti platter.

Then give it layers and interest by putting on the side some neat art books stacked on top of the other from the ottoman. You could also put a small storage box or small dish to further the effect of beautification. You may also lay on the side nearest the sofa a wool blanket for warmth.

How Do You Clean an Ottoman Coffee Table?

How to clean an ottoman coffee table is surface-dependent. If it's a fabric ottoman, this should be wiped with a cloth dampened in some professional fabric cleaner. For leather and leatherette, use a damp cloth with some mild cleaner on it. And it will last longer if cleaned regularly.

What Size Ottoman Should I Use as a Coffee Table?

In the choice of the appropriate ottoman for a coffee table, it should be about half to two-thirds the length of the sofa and just flush with or slightly lower than the height of sofa cushions for convenience. Place the ottoman and leave 18 inches of space from the ottoman to the surrounding seats for walking easily.

Conclusion

Using an ottoman as a coffee table is a brilliant design choice that offers the best of both worlds: the comfort and versatility of an ottoman with the function of a coffee table.

By choosing the right model (especially one with storage!), adding a stylish tray, and arranging it thoughtfully, you can create a centerpiece that is soft, safe, and stunningly practical.