How to Choose an Ottoman

Decorating a room or a home is a very important and sometimes an intimidating job. You quickly become a full time interior designer. It is important that you begin the process with patience and openness.

• Style
Before purchasing a new ottoman, you must first determine your particular style. Everyone has his or her own likes and dislikes and as the saying goes; “to each his own”, but it is important for you to figure out exactly what your style is. Look around your room and get a feel of the existing furniture and decor. You will want to blend the color and design of your new ottoman to what is already in the room. You will want to coordinate the style of the room with the style of the ottoman. Color is especially important. It is best to match the colors of your window treatments, carpet or rugs, and existing furniture with your new ottoman. This will help continue the flow of your room and keep your ottoman from looking out of place.

• Functions
What type of room are you furnishing? Is it a formal room? Is it a room for the entire family? These are questions you should consider when shopping for an ottoman. Are you hunting for an ottoman perfect for the whole family to use and enjoy? If you are interested in a piece to place in your family room, you may want a coordinating ottoman that will be durable and functional. Although aesthetics is important, you might be more focused on the structure and fabric of the ottoman. If you are furnishing a more formal room, you might be more concerned with design and style rather than durability.

• Storage
Storage is an added feature in some ottomans and is popular among many consumers. If you need a little more storage space, maybe for blankets, pillows or books, then this is the type of ottoman for you. This style of ottoman not only fulfills the functions of a traditional ottoman, but also adds additional storage within the unit

• Size
How large is the room in which you will be placing your ottoman? What is the size of the existing furniture in the room? How much space is available? These are all questions that are crucial when deciding on the ideal ottoman for you. It is very important to consider size in your decision making process, to be certain you choose the best product for your room.

Fabrics
Ottomans are covered in a variety of different fabrics. Materials that cover ottomans come in many different colors, textures and weights. The fabric you choose to cover your ottoman largely depends on your style and the intended purpose of your new ottoman. What is best for you may not be the best choice for another. It is very important that you choose a fabric based upon your intended use. For example, you will not want to cover your ottoman with an extremely delicate piece of fabric if it is intended to be used as a footrest for many family members. You would want to choose a more durable fabric that is designed to withstand a great deal of wear and tear. Once you have determined the purpose of your ottoman and considered your coordinating furniture and style, you are ready to shop for the perfect fabric. Although there are many fabrics to choose from, these listed below are the most common:

• Traditional Upholstery
This material would make up most of the fabrics available. Upholstery gives you a great deal to choose from as far as color and design. The price might significantly vary depending on the type of material that you choose. Different types of fabrics might include, corduroy, floral, stripes, solids, velvet, plaids, and suede.

• Micro fiber
Micro fiber is much like ultra suede, only better. Micro fiber is made with tiny filaments that are tightly packed together. This creates a fabric that is moisture resistant, durable, breathable, and easy to maintain. It has become extremely popular because of its soft feel and its durability. Ottomans covered with micro fiber material are very reasonable in price, which is one of the reasons this up and coming fabric is so popular.

• Leather
Not only are leather ottomans pleasing to the eye, they are also extremely durable. Pure leather is a natural product, as opposed to a manmade material. This material is conditioned to ward off stains and is wonderful for day to day use of families. Because leather ottomans are such a great product, they are more expensive. However, there are lower grades of leather that will help drop the price of a leather ottoman. The downside to lower grade leather is that, unfortunately, it might not be quite as pure and plush as a higher grade.