No stylish living room is complete without this key piece – designers explain why the humble ottoman could be just what your space is missing

Of all the furniture I’ve brought into my home over the years, there’s one piece I never realized I was missing. I used to think of ottomans as an optional extra – nice to have but hardly essential. But after finally investing in one, I can confidently say my living room feels more complete, more comfortable, and, honestly, just more stylish.

And designers have been onto this secret for years. So much more than a coffee table, if there's one piece that can instantly elevate a living room it is the humble ottoman.

Whether to add warmth, flexibility, or a pop of pattern, ottoman ideas have the power to really bring a space together. So what makes it such a must-have piece? I asked interior designers to share why they think no stylish living is truly complete without an ottoman.

Why every living should have an ottoman

What surprised me most was how versatile an ottoman can be. Whether you choose a plush upholstered piece, a sleek leather one to double as a coffee table, or a storage ottoman to keep clutter at bay, it does so much more than I initially gave it credit for.

'Ottomans are not only lovely design elements, but they also add instant comfort and coziness to a room and are really surprisingly versatile,' says designer Kathy Kuo. 'I love that you can use an ottoman in so many different ways – a footrest, extra seating, as a side table – and that you can easily move them around to create refreshed design vignettes in your home.'

And that's the beauty of an ottoman: it can be whatever you need it to be. It’s certainly a stylish coffee table alternative, offering a softer, more inviting focal point for your seating area.

'We don’t think ottomans get nearly enough credit,' agrees Kailee Blalock, co-founder of House of Hive. 'They’re one of the most versatile pieces in a living room – extra seating, a coffee table, a spot to kick your feet up.'

Interior designer Bethany Adams adds: 'What was once just a place to prop your feet is now the star of the family room. Serving as both a coffee table, foot-propper-upper, and (more often than not these days) valuable storage, an ottoman is a must-have for any lounge area.'

But beyond its practicality, an ottoman is one of the easiest ways to bring texture, pattern, and color into the room. It makes the living room color scheme feel more considered, like a thoughtful layer rather than an afterthought.

'So often when I design a reception room, instead of putting a conventional style coffee table in the midst of a soft seating area, I use an upholstered ottoman instead,' says designer Benji Lewis. 'They look timelessly chic and you can really go to town in the manner in which you upholster them. Think patterned fabric, nailhead or stud detail, trim, or fringe.'

'But here’s the thing: they don’t have to match your sofa,' urges Kailee. 'In fact, we love it when they stand out! A bold pattern, a contrasting welt, some fringe – this is where you can have fun. If you want to make your living room feel more designed (without a total overhaul), swapping in an interesting ottoman is a great way to do it.'

'You also don't need to be confined to the angular or circular shape of the traditional coffee table,' Benji continues. 'I have a particular fondness for George Smith's Cloverleaf Pouffe [seen above]. It gives perching space for three bums each facing in a different direction.'

Unlike hard-edged coffee tables or structured accent chairs, an ottoman introduces a sense of ease and comfort, helping to soften the space both visually and physically. Rounded or curved designs can break up the sharp angles of sofas and side tables, making a room feel more inviting and relaxed.

'When integrating an ottoman into a space, start by establishing the essential furniture pieces for the room’s function,' advises interior designer Portia Fox. 'Then, assess the available space and determine the best proportion and shape for the ottoman. This ensures the piece complements the room’s flow and enhances the overall design,' Portia suggests. 'Since ottomans can serve as statement pieces, consider bold fabrics, textures, or colors to make them stand out.'

Adding an ottoman is a simple way to elevate a living room without committing to a total redesign. 'Ottomans provide ultimate visual comfort for an interior, they are also the perfect place to style up your coffee books, trinkets, and bunches of flowers,' suggests Holly Vaughan of Vaughan Design & Development.

A well-styled ottoman brings personality to a space while still feeling effortless. Layering is key but if your ottoman is upholstered in a bold fabric, keep the styling minimal to let the piece shine; if it’s more neutral, use decorative accents to introduce contrast and color.

'For those considering an upholstered ottoman instead of a standard coffee table but wondering where people might put their champagne glass, don't be deterred; put a tray on the ottoman and let that be the hard surface,' advises Benji. 'Another style people like is the ottoman on exposed feet with an upholstered top and a shelf beneath for books or magazines.'

And, of course, don’t forget to leave enough space for it to function as a footrest when needed.

'Nothing is more inviting to know you have a spot to rest your feet and what better way to do that than bringing in an ottoman to your room?' says Sarah Latham of Latham Interiors 'More versatile than ever, it can anchor a room as the coffee table, rest adjacent to your favorite chair or have a flip top to shadow as a side table if needed.'

Now, I can’t imagine my living room without one. It’s a piece that works hard, looks good, and ties the whole space together in a way I never expected.

And the best part? There’s an ottoman for every style, whether you love timeless tufted designs or modern, sculptural silhouettes. It’s often the missing piece that brings a room to life.

Whether used for seating, storage, or as a stylish coffee table alternative, an ottoman brings both function and flair to a living room, making the space feel more inviting and complete. So, if your living room feels like it’s missing something, consider the ottoman – it might just be the finishing touch your space has been miss all along.