17 Better Ottoman Alternatives That Create More Style

Last updated on October 23, 2023

Don’t limit yourself to the traditional ottoman when there are many alternative options. Use these ideas to add visual interest to your living room. Read on!

Are you looking for ways to add some style to your home without spending too much? If yes, then these ottoman alternatives might be exactly what you need. These unique pieces of furniture come in various shapes and sizes, and they can also serve multiple purposes.

Ottomans are traditionally used as a place to rest your feet. They are usually placed near a fireplace or other heat source. However, they have become trendy pieces of furniture in the living room and beyond in modern times. They are often used as a coffee table or a side table too.

Use the following options we’ve selected as great ottoman alternatives. We have included product links as examples (they earn our site a commission.)

Which one do you think will work for you?

Upholstered Bench

Crestlive Products Upholstered Tufted Bench, Wood
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Ottomans aren’t always big enough to hold everything you want to display. A bench is a great solution! You can put books, magazines, plants, candles, vases, and more on top of a bench. You can also store items underneath a bench.

Small Stool

Gia Home Furniture Series Velvet Cross Woven
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Stools are great for small spaces. They work well with low-profile sofas because they’re low to the ground. Stools are great for multipurpose spaces, such as studios. They’re also more affordable than traditional ottomans. You can easily move them around your house when you need to.

Low Side Table

Sunpan Modern Logan End Table, Anthracite Grey
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Two mismatched side tables can be used as an alternative to a single large table. These two tables together create a nice feeling of space and organization.

Ottoman Coffee Table

Walker Edison Abri Modern Farmhouse Metal X Tufted
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An ottoman coffee table (a coffee table with an upholstered surface) in the house can be used as a table or a seat. It doubles as an ottoman and makes the best of both worlds.

Meditation Table

Kiri Meditation Table - Japanese Style Floor Altar
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This one is quite different from all others. This is a meditation table that’s used as a low tea table. It works as a tray table or a decor piece that can be placed on a surface or a floor.

If you’re interested in adding something new to your living room, why not try this.

Pouf

Decor Therapy Fr7466 Pouf, Natural
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Small and large poufs can be made into tables. A tray can be added to any surface that might be bumpy or rough. It is a natural alternative to an ottoman as it is often considered a latter type. And they come cheap in used furniture stores.

Wooden Crate

4 Pack Storage Diy Wood Crates Cutout Handles,

Wooden crates are sturdy and durable. They’re also a great choice for storing things. You can use them as a coffee table or even an ottoman. They add an old-fashioned feel to any room. And if you want to do some DIY, you can paint them or stain them to give them a unique look.

Storage Basket

Tegance Woven Rope Basket With Lid - Cotton Rope
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Storage baskets are great for hiding stuff. They’re made out of plastic so that they won’t break easily. They come in different sizes and shapes, but they’re usually about 12″ tall. You can use them as tables or as extra seating. They have lots of hidden storage, so you can store more than you think.

Natural Edge Wooden Table

Welland Live Edge Side Table With Hairpin Legs,
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A woody tree trunk is a classic design that looks great in any setting. This style also works well as an ottoman, a coffee table, or a sideboard.

Footstool

Youdenova 16 Inches Footstool Ottoman With 4
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A footstool is essentially a very small ottoman. It’s very versatile.

Footstools come in many different styles and colors. They can be made out of wood, plastic, metal, or leather.

Trunk

Household Essentials Steel Band Wood Storage Trunk
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A vintage trunk is a wonderful addition to any room. It provides character and style, plus it’s easy to store items inside. Vintage trunks come in many different styles, so you can choose one that fits your decor perfectly. You should also consider having side tables near this piece if you plan to use it as a footrest.

Bean Bag

Big Joe Classic Beanbag Smartmax, Stretch Limo
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If you like bean bags, then you’ll love these bean bag chairs. They’re perfect for relaxing after a long day. They’re comfortable, portable, and easy to clean. Bean bags are available in various colors and patterns. Choose one that matches your current decor.

Chinese Garden Stool

Jonathan Y Tbl1011a Floral Vine 18.5" Chinoiserie
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This Chinese garden stool is a beautiful addition to any home. It has a wooden base with a bamboo frame and a rattan seat. The legs are made from steel pipes. It adds a traditional touch to any room.

Tree Stump Stool

Welland Tree Stump Stool Live Edge, Natural Edge
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If you don’t have much space, you can still make a big impact by using a tree stump. You can use it as a coffee table or as a seat. It will fit anywhere, and it’s very versatile.

Vintage Drum Stool

Benzara Vintage Style Circular Top Metal Stool,
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The drum is another great option for adding a bit of personality to your living room. It comes in different sizes to pick the right size for your needs. It’s a great way to create a focal point in any room.

Reclaimed Barrel

Glitzhome Rustic Storage Ottoman Seat Stool,
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These reclaimed barrels are a fantastic way to bring rustic charm to your house. They’re fun, funky, and quirky. 

Wooden Pallet Ottoman

pallet table ottoman

Pallets are a popular choice when it comes to making DIY furniture. These wooden pallets are sturdy and strong. They come in all sorts of designs, so you can find something that suits your home perfectly.

FAQ

What can I use instead of an ottoman?

Some of the best alternatives include a bench or a small stool. An ottoman is a great way to provide additional seating in a small area. If you don’t need a lot of seating, you can opt for other options instead. 

Can you have both a coffee table and an ottoman?

Yes! Both pieces serve their own purpose. An ottoman is typically smaller than a coffee table, so it takes too much space. However, a coffee table is larger, so it can hold more items. 

What are small ottomans called?

A small ottoman is also known as a footstool. 

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