- Design Inspo
The Best Ottoman Coffee Tables and How to Style Them
The ottoman coffee table is one of the most multi-functional pieces to add to any home. Thus, whether used as a storage unit, an extra seat, or a side table, its natural versatility makes it an essential piece of furniture. It is true that traditionally, ottomans possess the look and feel of round poufs, but, as of late, designers have been upping the ante. For example, they create a bench and cube-shaped iterations that incorporate a range of unique designs and patterns.
With this in mind, whether you’re looking for something tufted, sleekly minimalist, or subtly embroidered, our top edit of ottoman coffee tables satiates all needs. To be sure, these pieces will instantly transform any space. Following are some quick designer tips on how to style them.
Editors' Top Pick
To clarify, this Fratelli Boffo ottoman is a Nest Casa top pick for several reasons.
First, a little background. In the early 1920s, Carlo Boffi became famous for being one of the best chair carvers in the cabinet-making district near Milan. Today, thanks to subsequent generations of family artisans, the brand continues to evolve its exquisite design tradition.
To demonstrate, this Animalia Brown Ottoman Coffee Table is part of a striking furniture collection inspired by silhouettes and distinctive features of animals. To point out, its novelty structure is distinctly visible at the feet by way of an inward curve that conjures images of fangs. The clover-shaped cushion rests on top and is composed of brown fabric that expresses luxury without ostentation.
Best Retro Decor Styles
Kelly Wearstler is an American designer who ultimately creates “multi-faceted, experiential residential, hospitality, commercial and retail” environments as well as an amalgam of ultra-chic lifestyle products. Case in point, this Souffle Ottoman is one of her most coveted designs. The piece seduces with its curvilinear form, bold massing, and thoughtful detailing. This petite ottoman coffee table features solid cast burnished brass legs that artfully juxtapose against an artisanal ruched leather body. Furthermore it makes a stunning statement as a standalone piece, but also pairs perfectly with the brand’s corresponding Souffle Chair for standout effect.
This pair of round ottomans were produced during the 1950s in Denmark by Spottrup Mobler. The firms' history is inextricably linked to a passion for precision in craftsmanship. for instance, this exquisite set of ottomans features two 3-leg rosewood frames with a round seat pad covered in new Italian bouclé wool fabric. With this in mind, the combo lends itself to pieces that are at once rustic and homey but luxurious as well.
Definitively over the course of the past 15 years, Dimore Studio built a name for itself vis-à-vis a trademark mix of decadent jeweled tones, rarified textiles, vintage furniture, and contemporary artwork. In that vein, Dimore continues this visionary tradition by way of creations like this ottoman. In particular, this style is anchored by a structure rendered in glossy poli-lacquered wood. The heavily textured textile pouf is combined with a decorative, hand-painted finish base and brass detailing. For this reason, this piece instantly stands out as an artful centerpiece to any living space.
Best Modern Decor Styles
First, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams founded their furniture brand in 1989 with the “seed of an idea” — comfort for all. Following that, the idea quickly manifested and guided the designers through a “spirited quest to make the world a more comfortable place for all.” Eco-consciousness and products that double as works of art stand the test of time combined in their Franny Round Pull-Up Ottoman. To demonstrate, this design is clean and simple with tapered woodblock feet. Tuck this must-have piece under consoles or use it to round out a seating area for the perfect entertaining space.
Luca Nichetto is commonly lauded for his ability to bridge the remarkable visual languages of Italy and Scandinavia. Thus, it is no surprise that he is one of the most vibrant and in-demand young designers working today. As an illustration, this Steve Large Pouf is a testament to his celebrated design genius. This ottoman coffee table is anchored by short, cast iron legs that support its wooden structures, which are crowned with upholstery. Moreover, this must-have essential embodies the ethos of Nichetto’s collection- to combine “heritage styling with contemporary design.”
Similarly, Minotti is an Italian company with a storied, international reputation in contemporary furniture design. The company, established in 1948, was born out of the intuition of designer Alberto Minotti. Since its inception, it has created ottoman coffee tables of different varieties rooted in creative and informal conviviality. For instance, the brand’s Damier iteration is designed using soft volumes of square and rectangular shapes suspended on light bronze-colored aluminum bases. Coupled with the ability to create it in various combinations of upholstery, it helps create an ever-changing visual of shades and textures. Expressly, this makes the piece a truly dynamic and distinct addition to any well-curated interior.
Best Classic Decor Styles
Kensaku Oshiro anchors all of his pieces in his strong design identity and distinct sense of flair, and notably, this Lepli Pouf is no exception. Indeed, the multi-functional pieces draw from traditional Poltrona Frau processes and decorations, which are combined with sartorial details borrowed from the world of fashion.
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, the visionaries behind their eponymous company, combine skilled know-how and an avant-garde design aesthetic to constantly push technical limits. As a result, this quest yields objects that are both beautiful and directional. Case in point? This Carmen Leather Round Ottoman, which relies on a distinctive metal base and masculine dark brown leather to instantly lend a more modern, lounge-like look to any room.
From its inception in the 80s, Christian Liaigre’s design house has continued to produce iconic pieces, including this Helios Table for example. A fully upholstered ottoman with decorative seaming, this piece functions as the round version of Liaigre’s Galet Ottoman Coffee Table. As a result, its generous proportions and circular shape allow for a myriad of uses, including a seat or table — with either use, the ultra-luxe piece imparts a striking presence in any space.
Style it With
Trays
Ottoman's versatile nature - to seat both a person or an object - lend itself to decorative trays that keep fragile items secure. They also add a refined protocol to any setting.
Books
Coffee table books also feel right at home on an ottoman as they do their traditional counterpart. Just as visually stimulating to their pages are their colorful covers.
Vide Poche
In French, these catchalls translate to "empty pocket," but their taste expression potential ranks plenty. With daily bits such as keys or coins or left bare, these dishes are full of themselves.
Various Objects
Last but not least, ottomans are perfect for your favorite objet d'art. These beauties are the center of the centerpiece from decorative bowls, candlesticks, vases, and candles in pretty jars.
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