Luxury and Function Meet in Every Stool & Ottoman

Picture this: You've just walked in after a long day. Your shoes come off, you sink into your favourite chair, and right there—perfectly placed—is a plush ottoman waiting to cradle your tired feet. That small moment of relief? That's the magic of furniture that truly understands how you live.

Stools and ottomans are the unsung heroes of beautiful, functional homes. They're the pieces that make spaces feel complete, offering extra seating when friends drop by, hidden storage for life's inevitable clutter, and that touch of luxury that transforms ordinary rooms into personal sanctuaries.

The best part? These versatile pieces work harder and smarter than almost any other furniture in your home, all while looking effortlessly stylish.

Welcome to your guide on how stools and ottomans can transform your Australian home—one perfectly placed piece at a time.

Key Takeaways

Your Essential Ottoman & Stool Guide:

• Ottomans and stools offer multi-functional luxury—seating, footrests, side tables, and storage in one beautiful piece
• Trending 2025 materials: boucle texture, plush velvet, and natural linen create tactile comfort that elevates any space
• Round ottomans soften minimalist interiors while storage ottomans solve clutter challenges in Australian apartments
• Place ottomans strategically: end of bed for hotel vibes, beside sofas for relaxation, clustered under coffee tables for designer looks
• Small investment, big impact—ottomans complete rooms and add personality without major expense

Why Ottomans and Stools Are Having Their Moment

In 2025, ottomans have evolved from simple footrests to elegant centrepieces that anchor entire rooms. Interior designers are embracing them as design statements—pieces that combine sculptural beauty with genuine everyday functionality.

Here's what makes them essential for modern Australian homes:

They maximize space in apartments and compact homes where every square metre counts. They provide flexible seating for entertaining without the permanence of extra chairs. They add texture and visual interest to minimalist spaces that might otherwise feel cold.

Most importantly, they bring that elusive quality every home needs: the feeling that someone has thought carefully about comfort, about beauty, about making daily life just a little bit better.

The Multi-Functional Advantage

One ottoman. Five different uses. That's the kind of smart furniture Australian living demands.

Morning: A comfortable seat at your dressing table while you get ready. Afternoon: A footrest for reading in your favourite chair. Evening: Extra seating when friends arrive unexpectedly. Night: A side table for your cup of tea. Always: Hidden storage for throws, magazines, or children's toys.

This versatility isn't just practical—it's liberating. You're not locked into single-purpose furniture that becomes redundant when your needs change. Your ottoman adapts with you.

2025 Ottoman Trends: What's Inspiring Australian Homes

Boucle Texture Takes Centre Stage

If you haven't experienced boucle, you're missing the fabric of the moment. This looped, textured material feels luxurious to touch, looks sophisticated, and adds instant warmth to any space.

Why boucle ottomans work beautifully in Australian homes: They bring softness to our love of clean lines and hard surfaces. They photograph gorgeously (hello, Instagram-worthy spaces). They work year-round in our climate—cosy without being heavy.

Cream and white boucle ottomans have become particularly popular, creating that coveted "quiet luxury" aesthetic that feels expensive without being pretentious.

Velvet for Sophisticated Glamour

Velvet brings a touch of old-world elegance to contemporary spaces. The way it catches light, shifting from deep richness to subtle shimmer, creates visual interest that flat fabrics simply can't match.

Deep jewel tones—emerald green, navy blue, terracotta—are trending for velvet ottomans, adding personality to neutral rooms. These saturated colours feel bold without overwhelming, especially when the rest of your palette stays restrained.

Styling tip: A single jewel-toned velvet ottoman can be the statement piece that ties your entire colour scheme together. Echo its colour in one or two cushions, and suddenly your room feels curated rather than random.

Natural Linen for Relaxed Living

For coastal and Scandinavian-inspired interiors, natural linen ottomans bring that effortlessly casual sophistication Australians do so well. They're breathable, beautiful, and develop character over time—slight creasing and natural variations only add to their charm.

Linen works particularly well in our climate and indoor-outdoor lifestyle. It doesn't trap heat, it looks fresh and current, and it suits our relaxed approach to entertaining and living.

Rounded Silhouettes and Sculptural Shapes

Angular furniture dominates modern Australian architecture—sharp kitchen islands, rectangular sofas, linear coffee tables. That's exactly why round ottomans are having such a moment.

Curved shapes soften spaces visually and emotionally. They invite you to relax rather than stand at attention. They create flow rather than barriers. They feel welcoming rather than formal.

Round ottomans work particularly beautifully clustered in pairs under coffee tables, creating a layered, designer look while keeping floor space clear when not in use.

Storage Ottomans as Design Solutions

The storage ottoman might be the most genius piece of furniture ever created for Australian living. Beautiful on the outside, practical on the inside—hiding everything from extra blankets to children's toys to shoe collections.

For apartments and smaller homes, storage ottomans are game-changers. They solve the eternal question: where do I put all this stuff? The answer: inside furniture that's already serving other purposes.

Modern storage ottomans don't compromise aesthetics for function. You'd never know they open up. They look like elegant, upholstered pieces that happen to have secret superpowers.

Finding Your Perfect Ottoman Style

The Comfort Maximalist

Your vibe: Life's too short for uncomfortable furniture. You want spaces that invite you to sink in, relax, and truly unwind.

Your perfect ottoman: Oversized, deeply padded pieces in plush materials. Think cloud-soft boucle or sumptuous velvet in generous proportions. You want ottomans you can truly put your feet up on after long days.

Where to use them:

• Beside your favourite reading chair in the living room
• As a centrepiece ottoman large enough to use as an impromptu coffee table
• At the end of your bed for that hotel-suite feeling

Styling secret: Pair your plush ottoman with a soft throw draped casually over your sofa. The layered textures create an invitation to relax that's almost irresistible.

The Space-Savvy Minimalist

Your vibe: Every piece must earn its place. You value clean lines, uncluttered surfaces, and furniture that works as hard as you do.

Your perfect ottoman: Storage ottomans in neutral tones with sleek, simple lines. Round ottomans that tuck under tables when not needed. Pieces that serve multiple functions without visual bulk.

Where to use them:

• Tucked under console tables in hallways for emergency seating
• Clustered under coffee tables, pulled out only when needed
• Bedroom storage ottomans that hide extra bedding and seasonal clothes

Styling secret: Choose ottomans in the same colour family as your larger furniture. They'll blend seamlessly when you want minimal visual noise but be there when you need them.

The Texture Enthusiast

Your vibe: Rooms should engage all the senses. You love the interplay of smooth and rough, soft and structured, matte and shiny.

Your perfect ottoman: Heavily textured pieces—ribbed boucle, tufted velvet, or natural woven materials. You want ottomans that beg to be touched.

Where to use them:

• As textural contrast to smooth leather sofas
• Paired with sleek glass and metal furniture for material balance
• Grouped in varying textures (boucle ottoman + velvet cushions + linen throws)

Styling secret: Layer different textures throughout your room, using your ottoman as the anchor. Smooth walls, rough jute rug, soft boucle ottoman, sleek timber coffee table—each material makes the others more interesting.

The Entertainer

Your vibe: Your home is where friends and family gather. You need flexible seating that doesn't feel formal or rigid.

Your perfect ottoman: Multiple smaller ottomans or stools that can be scattered throughout your space, rearranged easily, and pulled together when needed.

Where to use them:

• Tucked around your living room, ready to be pulled into conversation circles
• Under console tables, becoming instant extra seats
• Stacked creatively when not in use (if sizes allow)

Styling secret: Choose ottomans in coordinating colours and styles so they look intentional when grouped together, but interesting enough to stand alone when spread throughout your space.

The Bedroom Sanctuary Creator

Your vibe: Your bedroom should feel like a boutique hotel—sophisticated, comfortable, and perfectly appointed.

Your perfect ottoman: An upholstered bench or ottoman at the end of your bed in luxurious fabric. Possibly with storage for extra blankets or out-of-season clothes.

Where to use them:

• End of bed for that designer hotel aesthetic
• Beside your dressing table for comfortable vanity seating
• In a bedroom corner creating a reading nook with a nearby lamp

Styling secret: Match or coordinate your ottoman fabric with your cushions or bedhead for a cohesive, designed look. Add a casually folded throw across the ottoman for visual interest and extra warmth.

Strategic Placement: Where Ottomans Work Their Magic

Living Room Positioning

The Footrest Classic: Place your ottoman directly in front of your sofa or favourite armchair, about 45cm away. This is the traditional setup, and it works because it's genuinely comfortable.

Styling enhancement: Top your ottoman with a decorative tray to instantly transform it into a functional side table. Remove the tray when you want to put your feet up.

The Coffee Table Alternative: Large, sturdy ottomans can replace traditional coffee tables, offering a softer, more casual look. They're particularly brilliant for families with young children—no sharp corners to worry about.

The Clustered Look: Group two or three smaller round ottomans under or around your coffee table. When guests arrive, pull them out for instant extra seating. When it's just you, tuck them away for a clean, uncluttered look.

Pro tip: Explore ottoman collections that offer coordinating pieces in various sizes for perfect layering.

Bedroom Transformation

End-of-Bed Elegance: Position an upholstered ottoman or bench at the foot of your bed, centred and leaving space to walk around both sides. This immediately elevates your bedroom from functional to luxurious.

What to use it for:

• Laying out tomorrow's outfit
• Folding back your bedspread during the day
• Storing extra blankets inside (if it's a storage ottoman)
• Creating a visual anchor that completes your bed's composition
• Seating while putting on shoes

Dressing Table Companion: Pair a plush ottoman with your vanity or dressing table. Choose something at the right height (typically 45-50cm) for comfortable makeup application and hair styling.

The luxury factor: A beautiful velvet or boucle ottoman beside your dressing table creates that hotel-suite vibe you see in magazines—and it feels just as good as it looks.

Hallway and Entryway Solutions

The Practical Welcome: Place an ottoman or small bench in your entryway for sitting while removing shoes—practical for our Australian indoor-outdoor lifestyle where shoes often come off at the door.

Under-Console Strategy: Tuck a pair of matching stools or ottomans under a hallway console table. They're there when you need them but invisible when you don't, keeping your entry feeling spacious.

Storage for Everyday Chaos: A storage ottoman in the hallway can hold shoes, pet leads, reusable shopping bags, and all the things that need to live near the door without cluttering your entryway.

Nursery and Children's Spaces

The Nursing Nook: A comfortable ottoman beside a nursing chair transforms feeding times from functional to truly relaxing. Choose something at the right height to support your feet comfortably during those long, quiet moments.

Toy Storage Hero: Storage ottomans in playrooms or children's bedrooms make cleanup surprisingly manageable. When everything has a home (especially one that looks nice), maintaining order becomes easier.

Growing With Them: Unlike specialised children's furniture, a beautiful ottoman grows with your child—from nursery footrest to toddler seat to teenager's bedroom bench.

Styling Secrets from Australian Interior Designers

The Rule of Texture Contrast

When everything in your room has the same texture, the space falls flat. Ottomans offer the perfect opportunity to introduce textural variety.

Try these pairings:

• Smooth leather sofa + plush boucle ottoman
• Sleek velvet armchair + natural jute ottoman
• Contemporary fabric sofa + tufted velvet ottoman

The contrast makes each piece more interesting. Your smooth sofa looks sleeker. Your textured ottoman feels more luxurious.

The Colour Echo Technique

Your ottoman doesn't need to match your sofa, but it should echo colours already present in your space. This creates cohesion without looking overly coordinated.

How to do it: If your room features navy cushions, grey sofa, and warm timber, choose an ottoman in any of these tones. Or select a pattern that incorporates multiple room colours.

The result: Your space feels thoughtfully designed rather than randomly assembled, but not so matched that it looks like a furniture showroom.

The Layered Designer Look

Professional designers often use multiple ottomans to create visual depth and practical flexibility. Here's how to replicate this look:

The formula:

1. Start with a larger coffee table (rectangular or round)
2. Tuck two smaller round ottomans underneath
3. Ensure ottomans coordinate but don't necessarily match exactly
4. Pull them out for extra seating when needed

Why it works: This layering creates visual interest, demonstrates thoughtful planning, and solves the eternal "not enough seating" problem without cluttering your room.

The Tray Transformation

One of the simplest yet most effective ottoman styling tricks: add a decorative tray.

What this achieves:

• Transforms soft ottoman surface into stable table
• Creates a designated spot for remotes, books, candles
• Adds another layer of texture and material (timber tray on fabric ottoman)
• Makes your ottoman look intentionally styled rather than just functional

Choose trays in: Natural timber for warmth, brass or gold for glamour, black metal for contemporary edge.

The Casual Drape

Never underestimate the power of a casually draped throw or small blanket across an ottoman. This simple addition:

• Adds another colour and texture layer
• Makes the space feel lived-in and inviting
• Provides a practical blanket when you need one
• Softens the look of structured ottomans

Pro styling note: The key word is "casual." Don't fold perfectly. Drape loosely, let one corner trail slightly. Perfection looks staged; casual looks styled.

Choosing Materials for Australian Living

Boucle: The Current Favourite

The appeal: Soft, textured, sophisticated yet approachable. Boucle has that "expensive" look without feeling precious or formal.

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, any space where you want texture and visual interest. Works beautifully in both coastal and urban Australian homes.

Care considerations: Vacuum regularly with upholstery attachment. Spot clean with mild detergent. The looped texture actually hides minor wear well.

Climate factor: Works year-round in Australian conditions—doesn't trap heat but still feels cosy.

Velvet: Luxurious and Timeless

The appeal: Rich colour depth, sophisticated sheen, undeniable luxury. Velvet catches light beautifully, creating visual interest throughout the day.

Best for: Bedrooms, formal living areas, spaces where you want to create drama. Jewel tones work particularly well in Australian homes with abundant natural light.

Care considerations: Brush regularly in the direction of the pile. Rotate if possible to prevent wear patterns. Professional cleaning for serious stains.

Climate factor: May feel slightly warm in peak summer but adds welcome cosiness in cooler months.

Natural Linen: Relaxed Sophistication

The appeal: Breathable, beautiful, develops character over time. That slightly crinkled texture is part of its charm, not a flaw.

Best for: Coastal homes, Scandinavian-inspired spaces, anywhere you want relaxed elegance. Perfect for Australian indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

Care considerations: Spot clean or follow manufacturer guidelines. Many linen covers are removable and washable. Embrace slight wrinkling—it's part of linen's authentic appeal.

Climate factor: Excellent for Australian climate. Stays cool, breathes well, doesn't trap heat or humidity.

Leather and Faux Leather: Durable Elegance

The appeal: Easy to clean, ages beautifully, adds sophisticated edge. Works in both traditional and contemporary settings.

Best for: Busy households, homes with pets, spaces where practicality matters as much as aesthetics.

Care considerations: Wipe clean with damp cloth. Condition leather occasionally. Incredibly low-maintenance.

Climate factor: Can feel slightly cool in winter, slightly warm in peak summer, but generally versatile.

Timber: Natural Warmth

The appeal: Brings organic warmth, works with virtually any style, incredibly durable.

Best for: Bar stools, accent stools, spaces where you want natural material. Pairs beautifully with upholstered furniture.

Care considerations: Dust regularly, use coasters for drinks, appreciate how timber develops patina over time.

Climate factor: Timber thrives in Australian homes. Natural material that breathes and adjusts to humidity.

Size and Shape: Getting the Proportions Right

Round vs. Square: The Shape Psychology

Round Ottomans:

• Soften angular, minimalist spaces
• Create gentle flow in traffic areas (no corners to bump)
• Feel approachable and casual
• Work beautifully in pairs or groups
• Ideal for contemporary and Scandinavian aesthetics

Square/Rectangular Ottomans:

• Add structure to rooms with lots of curves
• Maximize seating surface for their footprint
• Feel more formal and traditional
• Work well as coffee table replacements
• Better for storage ottomans (easier to store items inside)

Designer insight: If your furniture has mostly straight lines (rectangular sofa, square coffee table), round ottomans add softness. If you have curved sofas or circular tables, rectangular ottomans provide visual balance.

Height Matters More Than You Think

For Footrests: Ideally 2-5cm lower than your sofa seat height. This allows comfortable leg positioning without your knees being too elevated.

For Seating: Should match your sofa seat height (typically 45-50cm). This creates visual cohesion and comfortable conversation height.

For Coffee Table Replacements: Slightly lower than traditional coffee tables (38-45cm works well). This allows you to reach comfortably without leaning over.

For Dressing Tables: Match your chair seat height to your table height. Most dressing tables sit around 75cm high, so look for ottomans around 45-50cm tall.

Size Guidelines for Your Space

Small Living Rooms (Under 15sqm): Choose one medium ottoman (60-80cm diameter/width) OR two small ottomans (40-50cm) that can tuck away.

Medium Living Rooms (15-25sqm): A larger ottoman (80-100cm) as a coffee table alternative OR one medium ottoman plus two small tucked-under pieces.

Large Living Rooms (25sqm+): Go bold with an oversized ottoman (100-120cm+) or create grouped arrangements with multiple pieces.

Bedrooms: End-of-bed ottomans should be roughly one-third to one-half your bed width. For a queen bed (153cm wide), look for ottomans 50-80cm wide.

Your Ottoman and Stool Questions Answered

What's the difference between an ottoman and a footstool?

Ottomans and footstools are essentially the same—both are upholstered, cushioned pieces for putting your feet up. Historically, "ottoman" referred to larger, often storage-equipped pieces, while "footstool" meant smaller accent pieces. Today, the terms are used interchangeably. Choose based on function, size, and style rather than worrying about terminology.

Can I use an ottoman as a coffee table?

Absolutely! Ottomans make excellent coffee table alternatives, especially for families with young children (no sharp corners). Choose a sturdy, flat-topped ottoman and add a decorative tray on top to create a stable surface for drinks and books. This combination offers flexibility—remove the tray when you want to put your feet up, replace it when you need table surface.

How do I style an ottoman in a small apartment?

Choose storage ottomans to maximize functionality in limited space. Opt for round shapes that take up less visual space than square pieces. Select ottomans that can tuck under console tables or coffee tables when not needed. Keep colours neutral to blend with multiple rooms—small-space ottomans often move between rooms as needs change.

What size ottoman do I need for my sofa?

For footrest purposes, choose an ottoman about two-thirds the length of your sofa. For a 200cm three-seater sofa, a 120-140cm ottoman works well. If using as extra seating or a coffee table alternative, you can go larger—up to three-quarters of your sofa length. Ensure your ottoman sits 2-5cm lower than your sofa seat for comfortable foot positioning.

Are storage ottomans comfortable to sit on?

Yes! Modern storage ottomans feature the same cushioning and upholstery as non-storage versions. The hinged lid is designed to support weight safely. However, choose storage ottomans with proper padding—thin cushioning over a hard lid won't be comfortable for extended sitting. Look for pieces with high-density foam padding for both comfort and durability.

How do I clean a boucle or velvet ottoman?

For boucle: Vacuum weekly with upholstery attachment in the direction of the loops. Spot clean spills immediately by blotting (never rubbing) with a clean, damp cloth and mild detergent. The textured surface naturally hides minor wear.

For velvet: Brush gently with a soft brush in the direction of the pile to maintain texture. Vacuum on low setting. For spills, blot immediately and use velvet-specific cleaners. Professional cleaning recommended for serious stains. Rotate if possible to prevent wear patterns from developing.

Can I use outdoor ottomans inside?

Definitely! Many outdoor ottomans feature weather-resistant fabrics and materials that work beautifully indoors. They're particularly practical for homes with children or pets, as outdoor fabrics are designed to be durable and easy to clean. However, purely indoor ottomans shouldn't go outside—they're not designed to withstand weather exposure.

How many ottomans are too many?

There's no fixed rule, but as a guideline: one large ottoman OR two medium ottomans OR three-four small ottomans per main seating area works well. More than this can make spaces feel cluttered. Consider your actual needs—if you frequently entertain, multiple ottomans provide flexible seating. If you live alone or with one other person, one well-chosen ottoman is often sufficient.

Where should I place an ottoman in my bedroom?

Three ideal placements:

1. End of bed: Creates hotel-style elegance and provides practical surface for laying out clothes or storing extra blankets inside
2. Beside dressing table: Comfortable vanity seating that looks more luxurious than standard chairs
3. Corner reading nook: Pair with a comfortable chair and good lighting for a relaxing retreat within your bedroom

Choose based on your room layout and what functionality matters most to you.

Do ottoman and sofa fabrics need to match?

No—in fact, matching exactly often looks too coordinated and showroom-like. Instead, aim for coordination: choose ottoman fabric that complements your sofa in colour or texture but differs in one element. A grey sofa pairs beautifully with a charcoal boucle ottoman or a cream velvet ottoman. The variety adds visual interest while maintaining cohesion.

Start Small, Dream Big: Your Ottoman Transformation

The beauty of ottomans is that they deliver immediate impact without overwhelming commitment. One well-chosen piece can completely shift how a room feels and functions.

Start with one ottoman in your most-used space. Maybe it's a plush boucle piece beside your sofa where you unwind after work. Perhaps it's a storage ottoman at the end of your bed, finally giving you somewhere beautiful to hide extra blankets. Or possibly it's a pair of elegant stools tucked under your hallway console, ready to provide seating when guests arrive.

Whatever you choose, you're not just buying furniture. You're investing in daily comfort, practical solutions, and those small luxury moments that make houses feel like homes.

Ready to discover how luxury and function can meet in your space? Explore Luxo Living's complete ottoman and stool collection featuring:

• Trending boucle textures in soft, neutral tones
• Plush velvet ottomans for sophisticated glamour
• Smart storage solutions that hide clutter beautifully
• Round and rectangular shapes for every space
• Bedroom benches that create hotel-style elegance
• Multi-functional pieces designed for real Australian living
• Affordable luxury that transforms spaces without breaking budgets

Your perfect ottoman is waiting. And with it, countless cosy evenings, elegant entertaining moments, and beautifully organized spaces.

Step into comfort. Step into style. Step into the home you've always imagined.