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Ever thought a simple seat could do more than just sit pretty? Ottomans are like the Swiss army knives of living rooms — they can be extra seating, a relaxed footrest, an impromptu coffee table, or even a discreet storage box. If you want to add comfort, texture, and a dash of practicality without committing to a full new sofa, an ottoman is a clever, cost-effective move.
If you love clean lines, muted colours, and materials that feel honest under your hand, Nordic Nest is a great place to start. They curate a strong selection of Scandinavian and contemporary brands that work brilliantly in UK homes.
The Bloomingville Kien stool is a charming natural piece made from water hyacinth, perfect for casual, earthy schemes. At about 17 inches by 16.5 inches by 17.7 inches, it’s compact enough to slip next to an armchair yet sturdy enough to serve as a low side table or a quick seat when guests arrive. The woven texture brings warmth and an organic feel to crisp interiors.
The Uno pouf from Design House Stockholm comes in a generous size of roughly 26 inches across, which makes it big enough to use as a coffee table substitute with a tray on top or as a chunky single-seat extra. Available in earthy brown and fresh green, it offers Scandinavian simplicity with a tactile surface that complements linen sofas and wooden floors.
Swedese’s Primo foot stool leans into minimalist design with laquered beech and elegant curves. It’s a small piece that packs personality, ideal for modern schemes where every object should earn its keep. Use it as a footrest or a low-standing accent that punctuates neutral palettes.
Stolab Palle stool in dawn blue adds a fresh pop of muted colour that’s still sophisticated. Scandinavian craftsmanship means it’s robust and nicely finished — a dependable stool for living rooms, bedrooms, or a cosy reading corner.
The Shepherd Sit pouf Frida in black-graphite offers plush seating with modern styling. It’s an excellent choice for low-profile, comfortable seating that blends with minimalist or industrial interiors. The dark tone anchors lighter decor without stealing attention.
Hübsch Oto stool leans more industrial in aesthetic — think clean lines and dark finishes. It’s a versatile piece that suits loft-style rooms and mixed-material schemes where metal or dark wood is present. Because of its size, it’s handy as a side table in a pinch.
The Bloomingville Charoline pouf is a smaller, round pouf at about 17.5 inches in diameter, perfect for compact flats or kids’ rooms. It’s light enough to move around and offers a cosy, informal feel. Try it beside a low armchair or in front of a dressing table where a small seat is needed.
While Nordic Nest stocks a thoughtfully curated Scandinavian selection, the UK high street and online marketplace offer many alternatives — from high-end design houses to budget-friendly brands. Here are a few places to explore.
John Lewis is a go-to for many UK shoppers thanks to a wide range of styles, good quality, and reliable product descriptions. You’ll find everything from plush fabric ottomans to faux-leather footstools and storage ottomans that are family-friendly and easy to style.
MADE is for those who want contemporary, design-forward pieces without a designer price tag. Their poufs and ottomans often feature bold colours and playful textures; many styles echo Scandinavian simplicity but with modern twists that suit younger interiors.
Habitat and Heal’s blend classic British sensibility with modern design. Look here for well-crafted pieces that bridge traditional and contemporary, especially if you want something that makes a subtle statement rather than shouting for attention.
If you’re buying for a busy household, Furniture Village and DFS have practical ottomans and storage benches with removable covers, durable fabrics, and child-friendly dimensions. They often tie into living room ranges so you can match an ottoman to a sofa set.
Choosing the right ottoman is part measurement, part mood, and part practicality. Ask yourself: will it be used for seating, as a footrest, for storage, or as a coffee-table stand-in? Your answer guides size, height, and material choices.
Keep scale front of mind. An ottoman intended as a footrest should be roughly the same height as your sofa’s seat (typically around 16–19 inches). If you want it as a coffee-table alternative, aim for a diameter or width of 20–30 inches so it balances the sofa rather than disappearing beneath it.
Fabrics offer warmth and a soft touch — great for cosy rooms — while leather adds polish and is easier to wipe down. Natural fibres like water hyacinth or jute bring texture and a relaxed vibe, although they can be less forgiving with spills. If you have pets or children, look for hard-wearing, stain-resistant fabrics or removable covers.
Decide if you need hidden storage. Storage ottomans are brilliant for storing throws, games, or spare cushions — they turn clutter into convenience. Solid-top ottomans are better as seating or a stable table surface, especially if you plan to place a tray on top.
Styling an ottoman is fun because it’s a small change with a noticeable impact. Think of it as an accessory that completes the room like a rug or a lamp.
Round ottomans soften boxes of sofas and square coffee tables, while rectangular ottomans echo the lines of sectional sofas. If your living room has many sharp corners, a round pouf can instantly soften the feel and encourage conversation flow.
Don’t be afraid to mix textures — pair a boucle ottoman with a smooth leather sofa, or a woven pouf with a velvet armchair. Use colour to anchor or accent: a deep green or muted blue ottoman can act as a focal point in neutral rooms, while pastel tones add a whisper of colour in minimalist spaces.
An ottoman can be the star or the supporting actor. Make it prominent by choosing a bold hue or pattern, or let it blend by matching it to the sofa’s tone. Either way, position it where it will be used — near the main seating area or tucked beside an occasional chair.
Taking care of an ottoman is straightforward if you adapt your approach to the material. Routine maintenance preserves appearance and extends life.
Vacuum fabric ottomans regularly to remove dust and crumbs. Attend to spills quickly: blot (don’t rub) with a clean, dry cloth and follow manufacturer cleaning codes. For removable covers, spot-cleaning or machine washing (if specified) helps keep things fresh.
Wipe leather with a damp cloth and apply leather conditioner occasionally to prevent drying and cracking. For woven natural fibres like water hyacinth, dust gently and avoid prolonged exposure to damp conditions, which can cause the fibres to swell or warp.
Buying sustainably doesn’t have to be expensive. Look for brands that use responsibly sourced materials, offer long-lasting construction, or have recyclable components. Sometimes a slightly higher initial outlay on a durable piece saves money in the long run because you’re not replacing it every few years.
If you’re watching your wallet, prioritise function over name-brand flash. A simple, well-made pouf or ottoman in a neutral fabric can be updated over time with cushions and throws. Also, consider secondhand finds or vintage pieces that often have superior build quality and plenty of character.
Don’t stress about perfect matches. Mixing styles — such as a modern metal-framed ottoman with a mid-century sofa — often results in a layered, collected look that feels curated rather than contrived.
Match the height to your seating, coordinate the colour palette, and think about scale. In an open-plan living area, use an ottoman to visually divide the space — it can act as a soft boundary between a seating zone and a dining area.
When shopping for ottomans in the UK, use this checklist to streamline decisions: measure your space, confirm materials and fill types, check maintenance instructions, and note whether covers are removable. Look at reviews for real-life feedback on comfort and durability.
Nordic Nest is ideal for Scandinavian pieces like Bloomingville and Design House Stockholm, but don’t overlook John Lewis for reliable everyday options, MADE for trend-led designs, and Furniture Village or DFS for family-proof solutions. Habitat and Heal’s are great if you want a design-led, longer-lasting investment.
An ottoman is a surprisingly transformative addition to any home. It brings function and aesthetics together — from the woven charm of a Bloomingville pouf to the clean silhouette of a Design House Stockholm Uno. Whether you want to add texture, extra seating, hidden storage, or a pop of colour, there’s an ottoman out there that fits the brief and the budget.
Start by deciding the role your ottoman will play, measure carefully, choose a material that suits your lifestyle, and don’t be afraid to mix styles. With so many UK retailers stocking beautiful and practical options, refreshing your living space is easier than you might think.
| Ottomans | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Ferm Living Rico Ottoman Brushed Sand | £ 708,- | |
| Audo Copenhagen Brasilia Footstool Dark Oak-nature Sheepskin Curly | £ 935,34 |
