Can An Ottoman Be Used As A Table? (Pros & Cons)
A coffee table is usually the star of a living room set that draws everything together, but there are alternatives to use that are just as good as a coffee table.
If you’re someone who’s looking to decorate their living room in a way that appears interesting and creative, you’ll probably love this idea.
An ottoman can definitely be used as a table as this will bring an interesting casual feature to the decor that looks cozy and comfortable. As long as the ottoman has a sturdy top, it can be used as a table, however, there are hybrid ottomans that are designed for to be used as a table.
Before you jump to add an ottoman to the decor, there are a few key aspects you need to consider.
Below I’ve listed the pros and cons of using an ottoman as a table that will help you make an informed decision but I’ve also included great tips on how to go about it.
Table of Contents
Reasons To Use An Ottoman
Saves space
For some, this idea can be greatly appreciated as an ottoman is perfect for those who want to save space rather than having a huge coffee table.
This will give you enough legroom to move around compared to bumping your legs on the hard edge of a coffee table but a great benefit to an ottoman is the extra seating it offers.
These ottomans require a small bit of space that won’t make the area look overcrowded either.
Adds a unique feature
Incorporating small yet interesting elements into a decor is always a thrilling experience.
Using an ottoman instead of a table will give a fresh, soft new look to the room and seating arrangement compared to a hard table which will increase its aesthetic appeal.
Since ottomans come in a variety of designs, styles, textures, and patterns, there’s a wide range to pick from that will suit any decor.
Can be used as extra seating
Having an ottoman instead of a table is a great way to add extra seating to a room.
When entertaining guests or family members, this provides an informal and comfortable seating arrangement.
This way, you can prevent any awkward issues and you’ll never have to run into the problem of someone not having a place to sit.
Cost-effective
Another added benefit to using an ottoman instead is its cost-efficiency.
You can get a beautiful ottoman that will make the decor look better compared to purchasing an expensive coffee table.
Alternatively, if you already have an ottoman you’d like to use as a table, this will save you the cost of having to purchase one.
Can be used as a footrest
It’s a common practice to use the coffee table as a footrest.
If you have a cozy and comfortable ottoman this will be a great place to put your feet up and relax without having to worry about damaging the surface.
Has built-in storage
Storage is always appreciated in a room and the best thing about ottomans is that you can store quite a lot of stuff in them.
If you need a hidden storage option, consider using an ottoman. Trust me, I have one in the living room and no one will ever know what’s in them.
Reasons To Not Use An Ottoman
Uneven surface
The major downside to using an ottoman as a table is the surface.
Most ottomans come with fancy designs or are made from materials that make it difficult to place certain objects on them.
It may even be difficult to balance a mug unless you install a tabletop to the ottoman.
High risk for spills
Since the surface of some ottomans may be of concern, this means there’s a high risk for potential spills.
This could lead to damaging the actual ottoman or even your expensive carpeting or flooring.
Difficult to clean
Unlike a normal table which can be easily wiped down with a cloth, an ottoman with specific fabrics make it difficult to clean and get rid of stains.
Some materials also tend to attract more dust and dirt which may need to be cleaned or vacuumed consistently to ensure it retains their quality and appearance.
Size may be an issue
Another issue you may encounter is the dimensions of the ottoman.
If you already have a particular one you want to use as a table, it may not fit right in a specific spot or location.
Looking for a particular ottoman in the size you need or rearranging furniture could also be a troublesome affair.
But this can easily be solved by taking correct measurements of the space you have and doing a quick search for the specific size ottoman you need before investing in one.
How To Use An Ottoman As A Table
Use an ottoman with a surface installed
If you’ve made up your mind and you’d like to use an ottoman, there are plenty of options you could consider. The first would be to try using an ottoman that is a hybrid.
This kind of ottoman is one that is specifically designed to be used as an ottoman but also as a table since it has a flat surface built into it.
If you want to display or place fragile items like a glass centerpiece or a cup of coffee, you can be at ease knowing that nothing will happen as long as the shelf is there.
Place a sturdy tray on the ottoman
Now if you don’t want to invest in a hybrid ottoman, you could simply look for an ottoman that has a flat surface and is made from a non-slip material. Use a tray that can be placed to balance certain items.
This is another fantastic opportunity to accessorize with classy trinkets and fancy trays that will make your decor better.
If you don’t want to use a tray, then all you would need to do is to look for an ottoman with this flat surface.
Consider style, texture, and price
When looking for an ottoman, you’ll also want to consider the style and material as this can have a big impact on the decor itself.
The flat surface is important if you plan to use it as a table but the design matters just as much.
You’ll want to use an ottoman that will match the rest of your decor perfectly to create a look that is seamless and coherent.
Display particular items on the ottoman
Lastly, for using an ottoman as a table, there are selected few items that look best displayed here.
These include books, magazines, baskets, throws, pot plants, flower vases, and sculptures depending on what kind of look and effect you’re going for.
However, you don’t have to display anything on the ottoman if you just need it for decorative purposes, extra seating, or to be used as a footrest.
Conclusion
Using an ottoman as a table is a pretty smart idea and there are loads of pros to actually doing so despite the few cons.
In terms of design and uniqueness, an ottoman would be a better option.
It also depends on your likes, interests, and practicality to decide if you should use an ottoman instead of a table.
But all in all, this is a great option to try sometime provided that you pick the correct kind of ottoman.
If you have any further questions or suggestions, feel free to leave them below.
Also, here are a few other ideas you may find interesting:
What Can I Use Instead of A Bedside Table? (11 Alternatives)
