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anitra_zaske

Is the ottoman too big for the space?

10 years ago
Hi everyone! Thanks so much in advance for the help! I am in love with this 53" Bennett square leather ottoman from Restoration Hardware. https://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod2702041 . I have looked for alternatives slightly smaller, but they seem to end up too small for my sofa. Sofa is 95", space between sofa and TV console is 87", area rug is 8x10. The papers on the floor represent thr 53" ottoman. My thought is maybe b/c thr ottoman is light/airy underneath, it won't feel too big and just be the one statement piece, accented with a tray. etc. Any advice, suggestions, or alternatives would be greatly appreciated. Possibly willing to part with the chunkier TV console to make ottoman work, but would need somethi g there to organize TV/cable boxes. Thanks again!

Comments (34)

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Great idea to put the papers on the floor to visualize the size of the ottoman. I think it works fine, it will be as if you have a cocktail table which you will need one that size anyway. Once you accessorize the ottoman it will look great in your space!

  • 10 years ago

    I would consider their 48" rectangular one instead as it is still a nice length, but only 28" deep, still usable by the sofa and chairs, but not so large.

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Here is a picture of it. It's very pretty. What fabric are you planning to use?

    It looks like it is a little too close to the tv console. I agree that a rectangular ottoman could work better in your space.

  • 10 years ago

    I would not want one so big filling up the room, but that is my preference.

  • 10 years ago

    Looking at you pictures more closely, is there any reason why you can't move your sofa back some to allow for more space? Then I think the ottoman from RH wouldn't be as close to the tv console and would work nicely.

  • 10 years ago
    hi Karen,

    there is currenly a console table behind sofa as well, not previously pictured. sorry!

    I'd be willing to part with this if you don't think I need something behind sofa, or should get something skinnier. this console table is 18" deep by 48" wide. there is currently 36" between kitchen island and console table. Thanks for the input!
  • 10 years ago
    I should also put the obvious disclaimer out there that I still need paint on the walls, and accent knick knacks everywhere, it's a brand new house and I'm very indecisive!
  • 10 years ago

    I'm not sure why my comment disappeared, so posting again. I think it's too big for the space. I think it'll feel too "blocky" and take over the living room. It also leaves very little walking space around it. I would consider getting a smaller round ottoman, or maybe 2 round accent tables and putting them side by side. I am not a pro, so just my opinion, of course.

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Anitra, I love the direction you have gone in so far. BTW, I really like the wall color that is being painted.

    I think the console table behind the sofa is perfect. It grounds the space and will come in handy.

    Looking at your most recent image, I think a rectangular ottoman would give you more space, but I like the look of a square ottoman by RH. How much space do you have between the tv console and the square ottoman? Also, are you planning to have the ottoman upholstered in the brown leather or another fabric? I'm pretty sure that if you purchase the ottoman from RH in certain fabrics, it can be returned if it doesn't work-as long as it is not a custom order.

  • 10 years ago

    I wouldn't do it, it's too block-ey and I wouldn't use leather with all of that other furniture you have ... that is just going to be one more piece that doesn't have anything to do with any of the other pieces you have in that room (which is already what your problem is). I would do a rectangular table or an oblong table and I would do a glass top to lighten up all of that heavy furniture you have going on. Then if your colors are gray, cream and black (which they appear to be) then I would get a different area rug that pulls from those colors to try and start making those individual pieces start to come together into a cohesive space instead of each standing alone.

  • 10 years ago

    And to piggy back off Karen D's comment on console - I'm a fan of sofa consoles, but maybe would have gone for a more skinny/delicate one, and possibly a little longer one.

  • 10 years ago
    Thanks Karen! paint is SW Agreeable Gray. There would be 19" between ottoman and TV console, with the 53" square ottoman. RH also makes the ottoman in a 48x 28" rectangle, or 60x36" rectangle as well. I'm worried the 48" would be too small, and the 60" rectangle would be too long! But, I agree with a lot of the feedback that 53" is too crowding. Aaaah! Thankful for a patient husband while it's taking me forever to design the space :)
  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Anitra, 19" between the ottoman and the TV console is cutting it close. Here is a pic of a living room where the ottoman is spaced very close to the fireplace, though. It feels very cozy.

    Beach Style Living Room · More Info

    Since you already have the materials, why don't you tape the 48" x 28" and the 60" x 36" off in your space? Since your sofa is 95" wide, the 60" by 36" could work well allowing more space between the tv console and ottoman.

    Do you have some blue painter's tape? That also works so well. Then take some pictures. This will help you make the right choice.

    I'm assuming that you are planning to get a custom fabric at RH, and I know that custom orders can't be returned, so it is best to be sure.

    I love Agreeable Gray by SW! Great color choice.

  • 10 years ago

    I would lose the sofa table or get a narrower one. It's a blocky sofa with a blocky table and it weighs down that side of the room. Move the sofa and then try all three sizes of the ottoman. I assume you're going for the leather which will be a nice counterpoint to the fabric seating.


    Also, don't even think about knickknacks. You don't need a single one. Keep your eye peeled for one or two interesting and beautiful artifacts or pieces of art. Just like your ottoman, one statement piece says more than a whole bunch of tchotchkes ever could.

  • 10 years ago

    P.S. You're a wonderful mommy for matching the rug to the dog.

  • 10 years ago
    If you love it more than any other piece of furniture you have in the room...buy it and work around it my removing or repositioning what you have
  • 10 years ago

    I think it is too large. I did the same as you want to do and find it a pain to not have enough room around it.

  • 10 years ago

    I couldn't find a narrow enough sofa table, so I sold yours on craigslist. The room looks fine without it and it just encourages you to go knickknacky anyway. Then I replaced the underwhelming votive candles on the media console with an art glass bowl. Now you can move the sofa back and have space for the ottoman.


  • 10 years ago

    Oh it looks so much better without that console!

  • 10 years ago
    Wow, thank you all so much for the feedback! I repositioned the paper to be 60x36" rectangle in the new photos. I hadn't thought of removing the console, but that is definitely an option too for the 53" square! Let me know your thoughts now seeing both. Thanks again!
  • 10 years ago

    The 60 x 36" one looks perfect. Remove the sofa table anyway. ;-)

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Agree that the 60 x 30 is perfect!

    And wow, it does look better without the sofa table-much more spacious! Now maybe Groveraxle can work some more magic and finish painting the walls :-)

  • 10 years ago
    We had an area similar to yours with a big, square ottoman. It really made the area seem small. We eventually replaced it with three small ottomans that could be moved easily and used both for putting your feet up and holding a tray.
  • 10 years ago
    I think so,etching like this might work well in your room too - which is lovely by the way.
  • 10 years ago
    Obviously that should say something. Couldn't find a way to edit. I like the idea of being able to move a table to where you need it. They come in different finishes.
  • 10 years ago
    Some ideas
    Anitra E thanked Debp
  • 10 years ago

    I think 60x30 is great size for your area. Not goo big, not too small.

  • 10 years ago

    What fabric are you thinking about using on the ottoman, Anitra!

  • 10 years ago
    I'm thinking the stock leather- Vintage Cigar! It looks like a nice, rich chocolate color. We live in Southern Ca in a ranch-themed master planned community so I'm thinking that distressed look will be fittng! I'm going to order swatches of a few to be sure but I'm sold on 60x36". Here's a few more photos of the space, console table removed. Don't mind the hubby, he's had a long day and I didn't want to ask him to get up haha! Can't thank you enough for your continued input!
  • 10 years ago
    Still need counter stools at the island as well....and yes, if we can work some magic and get that paint finished... ;)
  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Loving it without the sofa table. Great idea ordering some swatches. It is so helpful seeing the colors in your space.

    In addition to ordering the vintage cigar swatch, I would consider ordering some lighter tones as well just to see. The brown will provide a nice contrast to the lighter colors in the room, but some of the lighter colors may give you more of a monochromatic palette. Really hard to tell from the pics, but the bone and pewter could be pretty with your sofa and wall color. I think there is a charge for the swatches, but they can be returned once you make your selection. Good luck. Keep us posted!

    Anitra E thanked User
  • 10 years ago

    Thanks Karen! I hadn't thought of going lighter! I will definitely order some swatches and keep you all posted what I decide!

  • 9 years ago

    You're fine with the size. I recommend an ottoman with legs and perhaps a shelf underneath. The elevation will allow visual "air" flow, to avoid making the space to heavy.

    Thomasville Furniture has several to choose from. I'm happy to help.

    Lisa Hurley

    Priba Interiors

    335.991.4265