Unique Ottomans

182 Ideas by Caroline Patterson

Unique ottomans bring a dash of style and an element of surprise to any home. Their quirky characters and specialty shapes make them the best accent pieces. A lot of these ottomans not only function as footstools but can also be used as coffee tables or are equipped with storage compartments. From neutral minimalist ones to ultra-modern footstools, here are our designers’ top picks for unique ottomans that will bring unexpected twists to your interiors.

Animal Shaped Ottoman

Traditional Hand-Tufted Ottoman with Fringe

Piano Ottoman

Flower Ottoman

Stylish and functional, this wicker ottoman conceals also a coffee table with 4 nesting chairs. Apart from bringing in a cosy, summer vibe, it also creates a smooth focal point, allowing to save space when unused.

S-Shape Modern Footstool Ottoman

Catching the attention with the unique stone-like form, these ottomans will truly distinguish your interior, providing a surprisingly comfy leisure spot for the whole family.

Pale gray living room walls with white trim

Smaller interiors also can be embellished with a hint of glamorous vibe provided by shimmering metal pieces of furnishing. This round steel table, doubling as an ottoman, fills the bill. It draws eyes with its interesting unique texture and pattern.

An antique trunk like this one brings vintage flavor to indoor spaces, beautifully complementing your home decor. The trunk features hardwood construction with espresso-finished bun feet and brass accents. And it also works as a stylish coffee table, offering a spacious storage compartment after lifting its lid.

Knotted Ottoman

This lovely piece made by is so posh. I've seen other pet beds made from vintage luggage...but the attention to detail is utterly divine...LOVE!

Lovely-knitted, wide ottoman makes a universal addition, fitting to both traditional and modern living room. Brings warmth and coziness, while at the same delighting with class and elegance.

Jasper Round Ottoman

Are you a big fan of extraordinary comfort and unique design? Then, check out this amazing round ottoman! You would be impressed with its look and functionality that will bring a lof of style and convenience to your house.

Traditional Fringed Ottoman with Skirt

U Shaped Ottoman

Funky ottomans that will enhance any interior you use them in. They come in three colours, blue, white and yellow, and each of them comes in a different shape – so why not try all of them out at once?

Industrial Ladder Shelf with Desk

Moonlight Garden Footstool with Floral Accents

Trapezoidal Ottoman

Hexagon Velvet Ottoman with Channel Tufting

Cube Ottoman with Rustic Finish

Unique Shapes Teal Ottoman

Mountain-Inspired Ottoman

More Ideas

Unique Ottomans

Buying Guide

Caroline Patterson Interior Design Expert

Caroline is a New York-based interior designer and home decor writer with a strong focus on textiles and designer furniture. Drawing on rigorous training and a deep understanding of material quality and fabric care, she helps readers choose pieces that are both durable and visually refined, turning everyday rooms into cohesive, practical spaces.

Ottomans never go out of style. They serve as a nice stool to rest your feet or a quick spot to sit and put on your shoes. Ottomans can be plain and practical, classy or unique in style. In recent years these stools have evolved into poofs that are rounded and soft. Unique ottomans may have hidden space, unusual shapes or funky and fun designs.

The right size, color, and unique appearance of an ottoman can bring a fresh look to any type of decor.

What upholstery materials are used in making ottomans?

Covering a wooden base with fabric is the chosen method of making ottomans. The right textiles can bring depth, create color or add sophistication, and the most popular materials used include:

Leather/Faux Leather - Leather adds a stately look to traditional, contemporary or transitional decors. Creative stitching or brass nail heads can give an enhanced look. A padded leather top on metal legs will suit a modern decor and double up as a coffee table.
Cotton Blends - Cotton that is blended with polyester or other fabrics will give you many different types of appearances. Linen, tweed or velvet are a few examples. These blends are easy to work with and durable for adding pleats, buttons or side ornamentation.
Wool - Ottomans or poofs that have a crocheted or knitted exterior will bring coziness to country, urban country or rustic decors. The soothing homemade look of wool yarn lets you use these beauties anywhere.
Jute - Woven jute or rattan delivers a clean and fresh appearance to modern, contemporary or beach designs. Wicker is sturdy enough to use as a footrest or a table for small items.
Faux Fur - Long strands of faux fur are fun. Perfect for a teen's bedroom or a game room, bright colors can ignite the space in joy. Fuzzy fur also makes great unique ottomans and gives the comfort of warmth in family rooms and bedrooms.

What's the difference between an ottoman and a pouf?

Poufs are rounded and can stand alone in corners or used beside a chair. Also known as poofs, pouffes, or sitting bags, they are low seat used for comfort or as a cushion to put on the floor. They tend to have softer filling than ottomans and are dressed in crocheted wool or soft cotton. They are virtually indestructible and can be found in playrooms or enclosed porches.

An ottoman is an upholstered seat, normally bigger in size and many a time offering the function of additional storage.

What different designs of unique ottomans are there to choose from?

Unique ottomans, or footstools, come in square, round or rectangular shapes. Some sit snugly on the floor while others rest on wooden or metal legs. Storage can be found in certain models. A hidden top lid opens into a container inside for placing papers, remotes or other small items. A cube ottoman is commonly 18 inches all the way around. Rectangular units also sit at 18 inches to 20 inches in height and can range in length from 25 inches to 45 inches, depending on your placement needs. These work very well in front of a couch to double up as a footrest and a coffee table.