Ottoman & Bench Buying Guide
Few pieces work as hard as an ottoman or a bench. One day it's a footrest, the next it's extra seating for guests, a spot to pull on boots, or a home for the throw blankets. This guide will help you pick the right size, material, and style for your space — and keep it looking good for years.
Should I choose an ottoman, a bench, or a pouf?
Start with the job you need done. A bench is your best bet in the entryway: a sturdy seat for pulling on shoes, ideally with hidden storage for the clutter that collects by the door. An ottoman shines in the living room as a footrest, an extra seat, or — topped with a tray — a stand-in coffee table. A pouf is the most flexible of the three: light enough to move wherever it's needed, whether that's beside a reading chair or in the middle of a circle of guests.
What size ottoman or bench do I need?
Measure first, fall in love second. For a bench at the foot of the bed or against an entryway wall, measure the wall and choose a bench a few inches shorter on each side — filling the entire span makes a room feel crowded. A bench around 40–48 in (102–122 cm) wide suits most entries and bed ends.
For an ottoman used as a footrest, match it roughly to your seat height — most sofa seats sit 17–19 in (43–48 cm) high, so an ottoman in that range lets you stretch out comfortably. If it'll double as extra seating, make sure the top is firm enough to sit on. And always check your door swing: an entryway bench an adult can sit on is no good if it blocks the door from opening.
What materials hold up best?
Think about where the piece will live. In a busy entryway, look for durable fabrics or wipeable faux leather over a solid wood or metal frame — Canadian winters mean wet boots and salt, so forgiving materials earn their keep. In the living room, you have more freedom: soft velvets, bouclé-style textures, and woven fabrics add warmth and invite you to put your feet up.
Whatever you choose, check the legs and frame. Solid wood legs handle daily use far better than hollow plastic ones, and a well-built frame won't wobble when a kid inevitably treats the ottoman as a launchpad.
Do I need storage inside?
If your entryway collects shoes, bags, scarves, and mitts, a storage bench is one of the highest-impact upgrades you can make — seating plus a hidden home for the mess in a single footprint. Hinged-lid designs keep things out of sight; open-shelf benches make grab-and-go easier and give you a spot for baskets.
In the living room, a storage ottoman is perfect for throw blankets, board games, or the remote controls that always wander off. Just be honest about how you'll use it: a lid you open daily should feel light and smooth, not like a workout.
How do I match it to my sofa and style?
You don't need a perfect match — you need a conversation between the pieces. The easiest path is neutrals: oatmeal, beige, taupe, grey, and off-white layer beautifully with almost any sofa and let your cushions and throws do the talking. If your sofa is a solid neutral, an ottoman in a richer tone or texture (think deep green velvet or warm cognac) can become the accent that gives the room personality.
For style, echo one detail: the leg finish of your coffee table, the wood tone of your floors, or the curve of your sofa's arms. One shared thread is enough to make mixed pieces feel intentional.
What works in a small space or condo?
Small spaces love multitaskers. A slim-profile bench (under 14 in / 36 cm deep) fits narrow entries without blocking traffic. A round pouf tucks beside a chair and pulls out when guests arrive. And a firm-top ottoman with a tray on top can replace a coffee table entirely, freeing up visual space in a tight living room.
In a condo entry, pair a slim bench with a mirror above and a basket below — you get a complete drop zone in about two feet of wall.
How do I care for and clean it?
A little routine care goes a long way. Vacuum fabric ottomans and benches with an upholstery attachment every couple of weeks to keep dust from settling into the weave. Blot spills immediately — don't rub — with a clean, damp cloth. For entryway pieces, a fabric protector spray applied when new helps shrug off winter slush and salt.
Rotate or flip the piece occasionally if one side gets more sun, and tighten leg bolts once a year. Faux leather just needs a wipe with a damp cloth; avoid harsh cleaners that can crack the finish over time.
Shop the look
Ready to find yours? Browse the full ottomans, benches & poufs collection — including storage designs — or explore curated collections where our designers have already paired benches and ottomans with the rooms around them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an ottoman and a pouf?
An ottoman is typically a structured, upholstered piece — often with legs and sometimes storage inside. A pouf is softer, usually legless, and lighter, making it easier to move around as flexible extra seating or a footrest.
What size bench do I need for an entryway?
Measure your wall and choose a bench a few inches shorter on each side. Most entries suit a bench 40–48 in (102–122 cm) wide and under 14 in (36 cm) deep, so it doesn't block the walkway or the door.
Can an ottoman replace a coffee table?
Yes — choose a firm, flat-topped ottoman and add a tray on top for stability. It gives you a footrest, extra seating, and (with storage inside) a hidden spot for blankets, all in one piece.
Are storage benches worth it?
If your entryway or bedroom collects clutter, absolutely. A storage bench combines seating with hidden organization, which is especially valuable in condos and smaller homes where every square foot counts.
How do I clean a fabric ottoman?
Vacuum regularly with an upholstery attachment and blot spills right away with a damp cloth — never rub. A fabric protector spray applied when new helps guard against stains, especially in entryways.
What height should an ottoman be?
Roughly the height of your sofa seat — typically 17–19 in (43–48 cm). That makes it comfortable as a footrest and sturdy enough to double as extra seating.