A leather ottoman does more work than almost any other piece in a living room. It holds your feet, seats a guest, stores a throw and, in the right size, replaces the coffee table. Here is how to choose one that fits your room and how you live.
Round, square or rectangular?
Round ottomans have no corners, so they suit smaller rooms and busy walkways. They also pair well with sofas that have strong straight lines, because the curve breaks up the geometry.
Square ottomans sit neatly in front of an armchair or at the end of a bed. In front of a sofa, a large square works well as a central piece.
Rectangular ottomans follow the shape of the sofa, which makes them the most natural coffee table replacement. They also give you a longer surface for a tray.
Leather ottoman with storage
A leather ottoman with storage gives you a hidden spot for blankets, remotes, magazines or kids' toys. Most use a lift-up lid. Before you buy, check three things:
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The lid opens fully and stays open.
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The top is firm and flat if you want to rest a tray on it.
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The inside is deep enough for what you plan to store.
Storage is the main reason people choose an ottoman over a footstool. If you only need a place to rest your feet, you can skip it.
Footstool or coffee table?
The two jobs call for different features.
As a footstool, the ottoman should sit close to seat height. A slightly softer top is more comfortable for tired feet. It can be smaller and easy to move around.
As a coffee table, you need a firm, level top. Add a sturdy tray and you have a stable surface for drinks and books. The tray lifts off when someone wants to put their feet up, or when you need to open the storage.
Many Sydney households use one ottoman for both. If that is you, choose a firm top and let the tray do the table work.
Getting the size right
Use these rules of thumb before you commit:
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Length: For coffee table use, aim for roughly two-thirds the length of your sofa.
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Height: Match the seat height, or go slightly lower.
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Clearance: Leave about 40 to 45 cm between the ottoman and the sofa so you can walk through and sit comfortably.
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Walkways: Tape the footprint on the floor for a day. It shows quickly whether the size suits the room.
If your lounge is compact, a round ottoman or a smaller footstool will feel lighter than a large rectangle.
Black or brown?
A black leather ottoman suits modern, monochrome and darker interiors. It adds contrast against light walls and rugs, and it works well beside black or charcoal lounges.
A brown leather ottoman brings warmth to neutral rooms. It sits comfortably with timber floors, cream sofas and earthy colour schemes. Real leather also softens and changes with use, so a brown piece tends to look settled and lived in.
If you already own a leather sofa, you do not need an exact match. A close tone or a deliberate contrast both look good. A mismatched shade that is almost, but not quite, the same usually looks worse.
Looking after leather
A quick wipe with a soft, dry cloth keeps dust off the surface. Keep leather away from direct sun and heaters, and blot spills straight away. Our guide on how to care for your leather furniture covers the full routine.
See the range in Sydney
Photos only tell you so much about size, firmness and finish. Browse our leather ottomans, then visit the Auburn or Chatswood showroom to see them next to our sofas. Our team can help you match size and style to your room.
Visit a Demir Leather showroom
FAQs
Q1: What is a leather ottoman used for? A: A leather ottoman can be used as a footstool, extra seating, storage or a coffee table when paired with a sturdy tray. The best option depends on the size, height and firmness of the ottoman.
Q2: How do I choose the right size leather ottoman? A: Choose an ottoman that fits comfortably within your available space and works with the proportions of your sofa. For coffee table use, around two-thirds of the sofa length is a useful starting point, with enough clearance to move around it comfortably.
Q3: Are leather ottomans good for storage? A: Yes. A leather ottoman with storage can provide a convenient place to keep blankets, cushions, remotes, magazines and other items out of sight. Check the storage capacity and make sure the lid opens easily before buying.
Q4: Can a leather ottoman be used as a coffee table? A: Yes. A firm, level leather ottoman can work well as a coffee table when paired with a sturdy tray. The tray provides a stable surface for drinks and books while allowing the ottoman to remain useful as a footrest.
Q5: What colour leather ottoman should I choose? A: Black leather ottomans work well with modern and monochrome interiors, while brown leather ottomans add warmth to neutral and earthy colour schemes. You do not need an exact colour match with your sofa; a complementary tone or deliberate contrast can also work well.
