Sit Back and Put Your Feet Up on Ottomans and Footstools

You've made it through the day. Now where do you put your feet? If your lounge room is missing that one piece that ties everything together, the spot to kick back, stash the throw blankets, or pull up extra seating when friends drop by, an ottoman might be exactly what it needs.

At Amart, our range of ottomans and footstools covers every style, size, and budget. From plush fabric ottomans for the living room to storage benches at the foot of your bed and compact footstools beside your favourite armchair, there is a piece here for every home and every kind of sit-down!

What is an ottoman?

An ottoman is an upholstered seat with no back or arms, designed to rest your feet on, pull up as extra seating, or use as a centrepiece in your living room. That everyday function is exactly why ottomans have become a staple in Australian homes.

Most ottomans sit low to the ground and pair naturally with a sofa or armchair, giving you a dedicated spot to put your feet up after a long day. Many also double as additional seating when guests arrive, so you get more out of one piece without crowding the room.

What are the popular types of ottomans in Australia?

From compact footstools to generous storage benches, there is a style to suit every room and every need. Here are the most popular types you will find across our range.

• Fabric ottomans come in square and round shapes across a wide range of colours, making them the go-to choice for living rooms across the country.
• Storage ottomans feature a lift-up lid with a hidden compartment inside, perfect for keeping everyday clutter out of sight.
• Storage benches are wider and longer than a standard ottoman, sitting beautifully at the foot of the bed with generous storage inside.
• Footstools are smaller and simpler, designed purely as a footrest for tighter spaces or beside an armchair.

What is the difference between an ottoman and a footstool?

The two terms get used interchangeably in Australia, but there are some real differences worth knowing. A footstool is typically smaller and simpler, designed as a dedicated footrest that tucks neatly into tighter living spaces. An ottoman tends to be larger and covers more uses, from a footrest to extra seating to hidden storage.

Neither is better than the other. It really comes down to your space and how you plan to use it. A footstool is a great fit if you want something compact and straightforward. An ottoman suits you if you are after something that can do a bit more around the home.

Can you use an ottoman as a coffee table?

Yes, and it is one of the most popular ways to use one in a living room. A flat-top ottoman placed in the centre of your seating area works just as well as a traditional coffee table, with the added bonus of being soft, safe, and easy to move around. It is a great option for homes with young kids or pets where a hard-edged table is not ideal.

The trick is to keep the surface practical. Pop a tray on top to hold drinks, remotes, or a candle, and your ottoman instantly functions like a proper coffee table without losing any of its comfort. It is one of those small styling moves that makes a big difference to how a living room feels and flows.

What are the most popular ottoman fabrics and materials?

The material you choose shapes how your ottoman looks, feels, and holds up over time. Across our range, there are two main upholstery options to choose from:

• Fabric is the most popular choice, coming in textures ranging from smooth linen-look finishes to boucle weaves and rich velvet ottomans. Soft, warm, and easy to style.
• Leather and leather-look options are durable, easy to wipe clean, and suit both contemporary and classic interiors. Our Signature Collection includes premium leather ottoman styles for a more refined finish.

How do you choose the right ottoman size?

Size makes a bigger difference than most people expect. An ottoman that is too large can overwhelm a room, while one that is too small can feel lost in the space. Getting it right comes down to three things: your room size, your sofa height, and how you plan to use it.

1. Measure your space first. Note where the ottoman will sit and how much floor space is available around it. This stops you from buying something that blocks walkways or crowds the room.
2. Check the height. Your ottoman should sit at a similar level to your sofa seat, so it feels natural to rest your feet on. The same applies if you plan to use it as a coffee table.
3. Think about how you will use it. A larger ottoman works well as a coffee table or storage piece. A smaller, compact style suits tighter spaces or pairing beside an armchair.

Where to put an ottoman in your home

Ottomans are one of the most flexible pieces of furniture you can own. Here are some of the most popular spots to use one.

• In front of the sofa as a footrest or styled with a tray as a coffee table alternative, adding a finished look to your living room furniture.
• At the foot of the bed paired with a storage bench to keep spare blankets and pillows neatly tucked away.
• Beside an armchair with a side table nearby to create a cosy reading corner that doubles as a spot for your home decor to shine.
• In an open plan living space alongside a modular sofa to anchor a seating zone and provide extra seats when guests arrive.

Can you sit on an ottoman?

Yes, absolutely! Most ottomans are built to handle regular seated use, not just as a footrest. Whether it is a square ottoman in the living room or a round ottoman in a reading corner, they are designed to support the weight of a seated adult comfortably.

Storage benches are particularly well-suited as additional seating since they are constructed with sturdy internal frames to handle everyday use. If you are buying an ottoman specifically for seating, it is always worth checking the individual product specs for weight capacity just to be sure.

Your next favourite seat is one click away

At Amart, our range of ottomans and footstools covers every style and size at regular or sale prices. Browse new arrivals and best-selling styles across fabric, leather, and Signature Collection options at amartfurniture.com.au, or visit one of our stores across Australia.

There is plenty more to love in our living room furniture range, too. Complete your setup with 3 seater sofas, chaise lounges, recliners, and sofa beds. We also have a collection of dining chairs, tables, and bar stools for your dining room.

Join Amart Club for free and get 10% off your first full-priced purchase as a welcome reward, plus ongoing member benefits on eligible purchases, or spread the cost with Latitude interest-free plans. Our Quality Guarantee means you are always getting great value. Save your favourites to your wishlist, head to checkout when you are ready, and choose delivery Australia-wide or in-store pick up.