Ottomans, essentially a padded footstool with storage beneath, are a great option for smaller living areas. We love them, because whether positioned in the bedroom at the foot of the bed or used as occasional seating or a footstool in a living room, they offer generous, yet concealed storage and double up as seating. Combo-furniture at its best.
Ottomans were introduced to Europe by the French. Having invaded Eygpt, then part of the Ottoman Empire, they forced native prisoners to endure lengthy ‘pain walks’ in the hot sun. The prisoners would seek to ease the pain in their bruised and battered feet by resting them, elevated, on padded footstools. Worth considering for your own living room when putting your feet up at the end of painful commute.
MilsonModa Medium Upholstered Box
MillsonModa handmake vivid upholstered furniture with emphasis on practicality. Their Ottomans (named, in a Ronseal fashion, ‘Upholstered Boxes’) will certainly grab attention. They offer boxes in 3 sizes and a huge range of fabrics, the option shown below is a Medium Box costing £400 depending on your chosen fabric.
Size: 100cm wide x 60cm deep x 38cm high
Metro Storage Bench Stool
Following on the theme of bold fabrics is the Metro Storage Benchstool from The Footstool Company. Available in the fabric shown or you can provide your own, and with 3 different leg styles. The more contemporary metal legs shown here, or a more classic look with turned mahogany or beech castors. Prices from £389 and up depending on fabric.
Size: 105cm wide x 50cm deep x 39cm high
White Leather Metropole Ottoman
This leather Metropole Ottoman, also a great find from Littlewoods is available in the crisp white shown or chocolate brown. Simple, clean lines and a padded lid with reasonable storage within. Would complement a contemporary room and white leather furniture. Priced at £119
Size: 44cm high x 65cm wide
Black Leather Ottoman with Legs
One of the sleekest Ottomans featured here, the longer length of the legs making this piece closer to a table than a trunk, does limit its storage capacity though so less appealing to storage junkies as a result. Still a looker though. Slim & sleek. Available from Furniture Deal for under £100 in real black leather.
Size: 61cms deep x 182cm high
Recycle Your Washing Machine
Great idea here from the Eco-Street blog, recycling an old washing machine drum into a very stylish ottoman on wheels, making it easy to move where your feet need them.
Great for a kids room and certainly worth considering if your washing machine or tumble dryer packs up.
Taymar Ottoman with Twin Drawers
Alternative take here from the designers at Frances Hunt, opting for twin drawers for storage as opposed to a hinged lid as standard. Supplied with both oak and glass handles, depending on your chosen look, and a whole swatch of available fabrics to choose from. Price £444
Size: 123cms wide x 49cms deep x 50cms high
Oxbury Ottoman
A cheaper, more conventional option is the Oxbury Ottoman. This pine blanket box could easily be painted to suit the décor of the room, or left as is in its neutral pine finish. Affordable at just £90 from Pine Solutions.
Size: 47.5cm high x 84.5cm wide x 45cm deep
Dubarry Ottoman
From Littlewoods is the large Dubarry Ottoman, with the unusual twin lid making it easier to get at the items stored inside, and only half the weight of the lid to come crashing down on your fingers! Covered in damask fabric in either blue, green oyster or pink and costing £119
Size: 43cms high x 122cm wide x 38cm deep
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