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Sectional, Meet Ottoman: Matchmaking Tips
Ensure a happy union in the living room with these how-tos for picking just the right ottoman partner for your sectional sofa
I am an Interior Decorator in PA, stitching my urban roots into suburban spaces from NY to Philly. I am living my dream helping people achieve inspirational spaces. Visit me at www.loveyourroom.com and check out my blog for inspirational ideas.
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Ottomans are an added luxury to any sectional, but they come in so many shapes, sizes and styles that choosing one can be overwhelming. Picking the right ottoman for your modular sofa depends on the configuration and the look you want to achieve; you want to find one that has the right scale, height and feel to coordinate with your space. Here are some helpful tips.
| A square ottoman looks great with a sectional that has equal lengths on both sides, as well as U-shape sofas. |
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A round ottoman is great for a sectional with a wedge or rounded corners. With no corners, it is easy to get around.
| A rectangular ottoman fits in well with an L-shape sectional. The longer width allows more people to use it. If you need storage, choose one with a hollow center. |
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| A larger sofa can take a heavier ottoman, perhaps one in deep leather. Leather also cleans up well. For really long sectionals, try two ottomans. This allows you to pull them apart to be useful at either end or pushed together to easily get to the sofa. |
A trend I am seeing so much of now is multiple round or square small ottomans together in front of the sofa: three for small L-shape sectionals and four for larger ones.
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| The height of your ottoman should be consistent with seat height. You want it to be comfortable for leg propping. |
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| Choosing the right size of your ottoman is very important. Eighteen inches of space around all sides of your sectional can be a good rule of thumb. |
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by Nicole Lanteri
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| But rules are made to be broken. If you need a smaller ottoman, it can fit in well if it has a skirt or small legs so it looks heavier in the open space. |
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| An ottoman with exposed legs not only can keep the center of your sofa feeling light, but it can also keep the space formal. |
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Go for a skirted ottoman for a more casual look.
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| Do you have a beige sectional you want to spice up? Add a patterned ottoman to create unique interest. |
| Contrast your ottoman to your sectional by using leather on one and fabric upholstery on the other. |
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by Tara Seawright
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| Try a finish with texture like a woven material for a contrasting look against your sectional. It can feel light, natural and casual. |
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by CWB Architects
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| Go for metal legs for a new and shiny look. A silver or copper finish can easily be achieved with spray paint: Rub the legs with sandpaper, spray with primer, then add the finish of your choice. More: Cutting Corners With Sectional Sofas Six Tips for Choosing the Perfect Sofa Cube Ottomans Sit Squarely in Style |
Comments
ellie48 I have always been a fan of the ottoman. -- -- A 'soft' ottoman can replace a coffee table. I love the idea of 1 or 2 or 3 small ottomans in front of a sofa or sectional. Those same ottomans can be used for extra seating. Move them from room to room. Ottomans can be so versatile, in leather or in fabric.
14 months ago · Like
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Gary Porter No no no no no no no. The entire purpose of a sectional is that you don't have to have an ottoman to be comfortable. Why add more upholstery to a room that is already overwhelmed by so much fabric? A few small tables or a great, perfectly proportioned cocktail table, yes. Save the ottoman for a space where it's actually needed and functional.
13 months ago · Like
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lizpetros I have a brown leather couch , can I do a ottoman that is brown leather or should i do a contrasting color or fabric. .? My colors are blue and brown.
12 months ago · Like
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withhimican2 I have the same question. I am trying out an orange leather ottoman in front of a brown leather sectional accented with colorful pillows including orange, yellow, blue, brown and green. The wood floors are brown with brown baseboards.
14 hours ago · Like
Ideabook published on April 5, 2012.
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