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

Shoshana GosselinApril 5, 2012

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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.

Shop square ottomans

Randall Mars Architects

A round ottoman is great for a sectional with a wedge or rounded corners. With no corners, it is easy to get around.

Find a variety of round ottomans

Jennifer Brouwer (Jennifer Brouwer Design Inc)

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.

User

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.

Abrams Valenti Interiors

The height of your ottoman should be consistent with seat height. You want it to be comfortable for leg propping.

Abrams Valenti Interiors

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.

Nicole Lanteri Design

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.

An ottoman with exposed legs not only can keep the center of your sofa feeling light, but it can also keep the space formal.

Traditional Footstools And Ottomans

Go for a skirted ottoman for a more casual look.

User

Do you have a beige sectional you want to spice up? Add a patterned ottoman to create unique interest.

Bruce Johnson & Associates Interior Design

Contrast your ottoman to your sectional by using leather on one and fabric upholstery on the other.

Tara Seawright Interior Design

Try a finish with texture like a woven material for a contrasting look against your sectional. It can feel light, natural and casual.

The Brooklyn Studio

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