The Ottoman is typically used as a footstool or sitting stool, but another purpose could be to use it as a coffee table. It makes a soft, unique table. It is a great choice for the not-so-typical house.
Because the ottoman is made out of soft material instead of wood like most tables, it is the safe choice for families with young children. It is the best option for families with young children who are just learning to walk. When toddlers are just learning to walk, or older children not paying attention, they often bump into things accidentally. Most often that piece of furniture is a table. Using the ottoman as a table will not cause bumps or bruises like the traditional wooden table would. Parents may think the ottoman would not be a good table because it is not a hard surface and can not hold drinks. A serving tray not only solves this problem, but adds even more style to the room.
Foot Rest Ottoman
Using the ottoman as a table serves many purposes. In a pinch it can also be used as a stool or chair. At some point, everyone is in need of extra seating. Most often extra seating is needed when there are guest and typically a folding chair is used in that situation. The ottoman is a great alternative to a folding chair. The folding chair is usually not as attractive as the ottoman and is probably not as soft either. Another way to use the ottoman would be as a footstool. If the furniture in the room does not have a built in foot rest, the ottoman can serve as a footstool.
Yet another great use for the ottoman would be to use it as hidden storage. Big or small, every house and room could use additional storage. Items such as games, pillows or blankets could be stored in the ottoman. This is a great place for things that would be used while entertaining guests. That way the host does not have to go into another room to get a game or open the unorganized closet to pull out a game, just open up the ottoman and there they are. Not all ottomans have the option of storing things so be sure to consider whether or not that is of high importance when purchasing one.
The ottoman makes not only a unique, stylish coffee table but also can be so much more!