Bouquet of purple and white spring flowers in silver vase with wooden chess board on white living room ottoman.

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Discover stylish ways to decorate with a living room ottoman as a coffee table. Add timeless charm to your space with cozy, eclectic furniture décor ideas.

A living room ottoman is more than just a place to kick up your feet—it can be a coffee table, extra seating, or even a statement piece in your living space.

I recently added a large, slip-covered ottoman from Four Seasons Furniture to our home, a brand I swear by for its universal furniture appeal and easy-to-wash fabric.

I chose crisp white for a bright, timeless look, layering it with a blanket and sheepskin rugs for that cozy, eclectic charm. The best part?

If I ever want a change, I can swap out the slipcover—no need to replace the whole piece!

Bouquet of purple and white spring flowers in silver vase with wooden chess board on white living room ottoman.

All Things Ottoman

The Perfect Piece for Any Living Room Space

Can Ottomans be used in a living room?

A living room ottoman is one of the most versatile furniture pieces you can add to your home. Whether you’re styling a large ottoman as a coffee table, incorporating a small ottoman for additional seating, or using a storage ottoman to keep things tidy, these pieces bring both function and charm to any space.

Versatile Piece

Ottomans aren’t just for the living room—they make a great choice for a sunroom, bedroom, or even at the foot of a bed. A cocktail ottoman serves as the perfect perch for a vintage tray, while leather ottomans add a touch of sophistication. Love the layered look? Drape a sheepskin rug over an oversized ottoman or place one beneath it for extra texture.

Collage of blue and white cabin cottage style rooms with ottomans styled in various ways.

And let’s talk customization—accent ottomans can be styled in endless ways! Opt for a custom slipcover to change up your décor or DIY one from a thrifted ottoman. Mix in different patterns for a playful touch, and top it off with a vintage bowl or tray to pull everything together.

In the next section, I’ll share ideas on how to layer, style, and decorate your ottoman to make it a standout piece in your home!

17 Stylish Types of Ottomans to Consider for Your Living Room

From classic leather styles to playful poufs and clever storage options, here are 17 stylish types of ottomans to consider for bringing comfort, charm, and function into your home:

  • Slipcovered Ottoman: A relaxed, washable, and often coastal-style option—perfect for casual or cottage-inspired spaces.
  • Small Ottoman: Compact and versatile, it is ideal for tight spaces or paired with an accent chair.
  • Storage Ottoman: Doubles as hidden storage—great for blankets, board games, or stashing remotes.
  • Accent Ottoman: Used as a decorative piece to add color, texture, or pattern to a room.
  • Cocktail Ottoman: Larger and upholstered, these are made to be used as a coffee table—add a tray on top!
  • Large Ottoman: Extra roomy and plush—great for sprawling, layering with throws, or serving as a statement piece.
  • Oversized Ottoman: Extra roomy and plush—great for sprawling, layering with throws, or serving as a statement piece.
  • Round Ottoman: Softens the edges of a room and creates an easy flow—especially good in cozy or conversational layouts.
  • Square Ottoman: Classic and structured, this style works well with sectional sofas or symmetrical furniture arrangements.
  • Leather Ottoman: Durable, timeless, and often used in rustic, modern, or masculine spaces.
  • Tufted Ottoman: Elegant and traditional, with a buttoned-up style—perfect for vintage or glam looks.
  • Bench Ottoman: Long and narrow, ideal at the foot of a bed, under a window, or behind a sofa.
  • Cube Ottoman: Small and modern—can be grouped, used as extra seating, or tucked away easily.
  • Tray-Top Ottoman: Designed to hold drinks, candles, or books with a built-in or removable tray for function and style.
  • Pouf: Casual and cozy, these soft ottomans add a boho or global touch and are great for floor seating.
  • Glider Ottoman: Pairs with a glider chair—popular in nurseries or reading corners for gentle movement and comfort.
  • Modular Ottoman: Part of a sectional setup or designed to shift and move with your layout—great for multifunctional spaces.
Six photo collage of different types of living room ottoman's.

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Dog Paws on vintage Turkish Rug Brown and Blue in Living Room

Pair a vintage rug with your new living room ottoman

Looking for a new vintage or eclectic style rug to accent your new living room ottoman coffee table? Save 15% off my favorite vintage rugs here.

Interior Design Tips: Styling a Living Room Ottoman

Living Room Ottoman Coffee Table

How do I make my ottoman a feature in my living room?

A living room ottoman coffee table can be stylish and functional, offering the perfect balance of practicality and charm. Whether creating a cozy setup for board games, adding a touch of elegance with vintage books, or curating a layered look with a decorative tray, the right styling transforms an ottoman into the centerpiece of your space.

Bouquet of purple and white spring flowers in silver vase with wooden chess board on white living room ottoman.

How to Style a Living Room Ottoman with Ease

Styling a living room ottoman is more than just decorating—it’s about creating a whole experience that blends comfort, function, and personal style. Whether you’re working with a round ottoman, a cozy cocktail ottoman, or a vintage square piece, simple styling touches can make it the star of your space. From layered trays to playful board games and charming bowls, here are a few creative ideas to inspire your own unique look.

Amber glass cake stand with blue and white vintage tea and toast plates in white dish rack in eclectic interiors kitchen.

Pro Tip

You may also find inspiration in this How to Style Eclectic Interiors with Timeless Style post.

What’s in Your Ottoman Bowl? Style It Your Way

A decorative bowl on a living room ottoman coffee table is the perfect way to add personality and texture to your space—whether you’re styling small ottomans, a square ottoman, or something more significant. I styled my recent Goodwill red wooden bowl find with an assortment of vintage books, a spring bouquet, and colorful spring magazines for a layered, casual look that’s easy to change with the seasons.

What would you put in your living room ottoman bowl?

Thrifted red wooden bowl on white ottoman in living room with magazines.
Thrifted red wooden bowl filled with vintage books on white living room ottoman for spring.
Cozy cottage style living room with white ottoman, pellet stove and red bowl styled with spring flowers from Goodwill home decor.

Game Night Ready: Styling Your Ottoman for Fun

Decorating board games or cards on a living room ottoman adds both charm and function to your space. A magnetic chessboard or card set placed on a flat surface—like our white slipcovered living room ottoman—creates a stylish setup that’s ready for play without the mess.

Storage ottomans make it easy to tuck everything away when the game is over, turning your ottoman into part of the experience of lounging, entertaining, and everyday living.

Bouquet of purple and white spring flowers and chess board game on living room ottoman looking down.
White living room ottoman with spring flowers, chess board game and pellet wood stove, antique bar cart.

Layer on the Softness with Sheepskin

Draping a sheepskin rug over your ottoman is one of the easiest ways to add instant coziness while protecting the fabric underneath—especially if your ottoman is white like ours.

It’s perfect for spring: still warm and plush for chilly days but light and bright enough to feel fresh and seasonal. Whether you’re kicking your feet up, serving snacks, or setting up for game night, sheepskin has your ottoman covered—literally!

Spring bouquet of purple and white flowers with chessboard on white sheepskin on white living room ottoman.
Spring bouquet of purple and white flowers with chessboard on white sheepskin on white living room ottoman.
Bernese Mountain dog on blue paisley couch next to living room white ottoman with spring flower bouquet and chessboard with sheepskin.

Shop cozy sheepskins

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Vintage blue Jeanette barware on antique bar cart as side table in living room.

Pro Tip

You may also find inspiration in this Antique Bar Cart: 15 Eclectic Ways to Vintage Style post.

Tray Chic: Decorating with Trays on a Living Room Ottoman

Trays are a simple yet stylish way to anchor your decor on a living room ottoman, keeping everything feeling intentional and tidy. Whether it’s a vintage find or a seasonal favorite, a well-styled tray adds charm and function and is a perfect spot for playful touches.

Ottoman trays are so important that I felt they needed their own living room ottoman section.

Shop Eclectic Ottoman Trays

Antique blue and white platter on white living room ottoman with chess set.
Vintage gold tin tray in hand over white living room ottoman.
Ann Jean Jacket Mountains

Pro Tip

How to choose an Ottoman tray for your living room? When choosing an ottoman tray for your living room, consider the size and shape of your ottoman—round trays work well on round ottomans, while rectangular trays are great for larger or square styles. Look for a tray that’s sturdy, easy to move, and fits your decor style, whether it’s wood, metal, or rattan. A well-chosen tray not only complements your living room ottoman but also adds function and style to your space.

10 Effortless Ottoman Tray Styling Ideas That Really Work

  • Start with a Sturdy Tray: Choose a tray that’s large enough to ground your decor but still easy to move—wood, metal, or rattan work well for different styles.
  • Layer Varying Heights: Use items of different heights, like a tall candle, a medium vase, and a low decorative bowl, to create visual interest.
  • Add Fresh or Faux Florals: A small bouquet or even a single stem in a bud vase instantly softens the look and adds a seasonal touch.
  • Include Something Personal: Stack a couple of favorite books, a framed photo, or a vintage trinket that tells your story.
  • Keep It Functional: Leave space for a coaster or two so guests can still set down a drink—style meets purpose.
  • Play with Texture: Mix materials like glass, wood, ceramics, and soft fabrics to make your tray feel dynamic and layered.
  • Use a Color Anchor: Stick to a cohesive color palette—think coastal blues, warm neutrals, or pops of seasonal color—to tie the look together.
  • Add a Little Shine: Metallics like a gold dish or silver candle holder catch the light and elevate the look without much effort.
  • Rotate with the Seasons: Swap in seasonal decor like mini pumpkins, ornaments, or spring bunnies to keep your ottoman tray fresh year-round.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Leave a bit of breathing room—three to five curated pieces are usually all you need for a balanced, beautiful look.
Nautical wooden serving tray with silver handles and morning breakfast in bed.

You may also find inspiration in this Nautical Serving Tray: A Summer Must Have post.

Blue and white hydrangeas in blue McCoy vases with colorful paintbrushes on vintage blue and white ottoman tray.

Spring Ottoman Tray Refresh: Styling My Living Room Tray the Vintage Way

While spring rolls in, I am excited to give my new living room ottoman a little seasonal refresh—vintage style, of course. This year, I’m layering in soft touches of blue, fresh flowers, and a few charming finds that feel collected and personal. It’s all about mixing the old with the new and letting that cozy, curated look shine through.

Blue and White Asymmetrical Vintage Platter Wall | Design Yours Today

You may also find more decorating inspiration in this Blue and White Decor: How to Style a Vintage Platter Wall post.

In the progress photos, you’ll see how I styled my living room ottoman for spring with a mix of vintage charm and personal touches—starting with a blue and white transferware platter layered on top of the soft white sheepskin rug.

Antique blue and white platter with blue McCoy vases with blue and white hydrangeas on white sheepskin.
Antique blue and white platter with blue McCoy vases with blue and white hydrangeas on white sheepskin with chess set on living room ottoman.

I added two blue McCoy vases I recently found in Maine, filled them with blue and white hydrangeas, and tied a bundle of old paintbrushes (a quirky Vintage Market Days Vermont find!) with a bow for an eclectic and personal pop of color that feels just right for the season.

vintage market days vermont

And speaking of vintage finds, Vintage Market Days Vermont is coming up again soon—actually, it’s typically held each spring in April and fall over Columbus Day weekend. It’s one of my favorite events for discovering unique pieces like these old paintbrushes I styled on my ottoman tray. I recommend checking their website for the most up-to-date details on upcoming show dates, vendors, and ticket info!

Vintage gold round tray with silver pitcher with white tulips on white sheepskin in living room.

Gold and Silver

I never would’ve thought to pair gold and silver together—but this combo totally surprised me in the best way. I styled a medium-sized vintage gold tray with a silvery tin pitcher (complete with a bit of bronze patina) filled with fresh white tulips, and it all came together like spring magic.

Vintage gold tin tray in hand over white living room ottoman.

The soft white tulips tie in beautifully with our new white ottoman and cozy sheepskins, giving the whole setup an eclectic, layered look that feels fresh and collected.

Living room ottoman with white sheepskin, ottoman tray with pitcher of white tulips, chess board game and blue and white paisley furnishings in front of pellet stove.
Living room ottoman with white sheepskin, ottoman tray with pitcher of white tulips, chess board game and blue and white paisley furnishings in front of pellet stove.

Shop Vintage Style Living Room Ottomans

Styling with Coffee Table Books: Layered Looks for an Eclectic Vintage Home

Coffee table books are more than just reading material—they’re personal design statements, layered stories, and beautiful conversation-starters.

Whether you collect vintage hardcovers from flea markets or curated design tomes from local shops, styling with coffee table books adds instant depth and personality to your living room.

Vermont coffee table book and magnetic chessboard game on white sheepskin.

I love hunting for regional gems—like old Vermont guides and antique travel books—which connect our space to the place we call home. For this look, I layered a few well-worn Vermont volumes atop our sheepskin throw on our newly slipcovered ottoman.

Blue Vermont A View from Above coffee table books on living room ottoman with white sheepskin and glasses.
Blue Vermont A View from Above coffee table books on living room ottoman with white sheepskin and glasses.

Try stacking books by color, theme, or even texture, mixing them with a small object, candle, or seasonal floral stem for an inviting focal point.

Don’t limit yourself to just design books either—coffee table cookbooks, travel journals, or artist monographs are perfect for reflecting your unique interests.

Think of your ottoman or table surface like a curated shelf—one that tells a story in layers.

Blue Vermont coffee table books on white living room ottoman in front of burning pellet stove and antique bar cart.
Blue living room coffee table with cozy vintage charm.

Here’s a fun design debate—ottoman or coffee table?

My friend Molly in Maine has a great post called My Facebook Marketplace Coffee Table Transformation, where she shares how she swapped out her longtime living room ottoman (which I absolutely adored—it matched our Vermont couch perfectly!) for the sweetest blue coffee table she scored on Marketplace. And honestly? Both options have their charm! Ottomans bring softness, texture, and a casual vibe, while coffee tables offer structure and tons of styling potential. Which do you prefer in your own home? Cozy ottoman or charming coffee table? Honestly, I’m team both.

Room ottomans are one of the most versatile and stylish pieces you can add to your living space—they’re functional, cozy, and full of personality.

From choosing among 17 stylish types to making your ottoman a true focal point with trays, bowls, flowers, board games, and even decorative pillows, there are so many ways to style it beautifully.

Cottage Farmhouse Decor, antique blue and white platter

You may find more eclectic decorating inspiration in this Cottage Farmhouse Decor Trending Finds and Home Ideas post.

So tell me—are you team coffee table, team ottoman, or, like me, happily team both?

White living room ottoman with white sheepskin, chess board game silver pitcher on gold tray with white tulips, blue and white furniture and built-in shelving.
White living room ottoman with sheepskin, chess board game, white tulip bouquet and blue paisley couch with Vermont coffee table book.

Ottoman decor ideas range from functional to purely decorative—think trays styled with candles or cocktails, a bowl filled with vintage books or seasonal treasures, or a stack of pretty board games ready for game night. You can layer your living room ottoman with a cozy blanket or sheepskin for added texture and warmth. Ottomans can even double as a coffee table, footrest, or extra seating, and they work beautifully in bedrooms, too, for a soft, collected look.

Yes, you can absolutely use an ottoman in a bathroom to add both function and style to the room. Ottomans work beautifully as a soft spot to sit on while getting ready, a place to set towels, or simply as a decorative accent next to a soaking tub. Smaller round ottomans pair nicely with vanities, while larger styles that match your sectionals armchairs can create a cohesive flow throughout your home.

The perfect ottoman can be placed at the foot of the bed to add both style and function—ideal for seating, laying out clothes, or stacking extra blankets. You can also tuck a smaller ottoman into a reading nook or beside a chair to serve as a footrest. No matter where it lands, the perfect ottoman brings comfort and charm to your bedroom space.

When designing a room with a rectangular ottoman, use it as a central anchor—perfect for balancing longer sectionals or sofas. Style it with a decorative tray, books, or a throw to add texture and function without overwhelming the space. Its clean lines make it easy to blend into both modern and traditional living room designs.

Your Guide to an Eclectic Style~

If you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with your friends who are also vintage enthusiasts.

Do you have a flair for all things vintage, too? I would love to see and feature you in our Reader’s Showcase Series. A place for you to share and be recognized for your talents and passion for all things thrifting, vintage, and antique decor-related inspired by your time here with Dabbling & Decorating. Email me at [email protected]

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Living Room Ottoman Eclectic Furniture Decor Ideas
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Ann | Dabbling & Decorating

Hi, I'm Ann and welcome to Dabbling & Decorating, where I share my passion for eclectic style, thrifting vintage treasures, and antique home decor. Inspired by the charm of old-world pieces, I love transforming thrifted finds into timeless displays that bring character to any space. Join me as I explore flea markets, antique shops, and unique decor ideas to create homes filled with personality and history.

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4 Comments

  1. Hi Ann! Love your new ottoman and all the different styling options! Thanks for sharing my coffee table story! You are making me miss my ottoman, though! 😉

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much Molly, hah! So far it’s been a great addition, as I could never style our coffee table with my husband’s feet always on it, LOL Love your new coffee table too, though!

      Reply

  2. Hey Ann. Great change. I’m team ottoman. Can be used as a “foot prop”, a surface for trays and such and a seat. A table is just a table!

    Reply