Ottoman Chairs, Style, Comfort and Function for UK Homes

Looking to add a touch of luxury and functionality to your living space? Ottoman chairs – also known as footstools or pouffes – are the unsung heroes of home décor. These versatile pieces can serve as a footrest, extra seating, a coffee table, or even hidden storage. In the UK, ottomans have transcended trend status to become living room and bedroom staples, praised for their ability to tie a room together while saving space. In fact, design editors note that this “practical object has… become one of the most well-loved pieces of furniture in English homes” .

In this guide, we’ll explore five handpicked ottoman chairs from Opulent Co. that can elevate your interior. Whether you’re searching for an ottoman chair for the bedroom to sit at the foot of your bed, a chic living room footstool, or a statement leather pouffe to spark conversation, we’ve got you covered. Each featured piece blends form and function, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort (or vice versa).

(Oh, and did we mention? Ottomans have quite the pedigree – the design originated in Turkey’s Ottoman Empire and made its way to Europe in the 18th century, which is how it got its name!

Let’s dive into our top picks, followed by some tips on choosing and styling the perfect ottoman chair for your UK home.

 5 Ottoman Chairs for UK Homes: Stylish Footstools and Pouffes

Meet our curated selection, from plush fabric footstools to artisanal leather pouffes, ideal for modern living rooms, cosy bedrooms, and everything in between.

1) Vesper Taupe Ottoman Foot Stool: Timeless elegance in taupe

Why you will love it: The Vesper Taupe Ottoman is a versatile and stylish addition to any space. Upholstered in a plush, velvet-like fabric with a sophisticated taupe hue, it exudes timeless elegance and warmth.

The clean-lined silhouette and sturdy wooden legs nod to both modern and farmhouse design, meaning this footstool complements a variety of interiors. Its generous 82cm-square size and supportive cushioning invite you to kick up your feet in comfort.

Best for:

• Living room: luxe footrest or soft coffee table alternative (add a tray).

• Bedroom: vanity seat or end-of-bed accent without visual clutter.

Styling tip: Layer with neutral cushions and throws for warmth, or contrast with black accents for a modern edge.

2) Lily Swivel Ottoman in Oatmeal Twill: Playful comfort with a 360° twist

Why you will love it: Meet the Lily Swivel Ottoman, a fun swivel footstool that spins 360° for a dash of playfulness. Upholstered in soft, textured oatmeal twill fabric, Lily combines style and practicality. The subtle oatmeal-beige tone adds comfort and elegance to any space without stealing the spotlight. Built on a discreet swivel base, it can rotate smoothly – a unique feature that makes it more than just a static pouffe.

Best for:

• Minimal or modern spaces: adds tactility without visual fuss.

• Nursery/reading nook: swivel to face conversation or sunlight.

• Bedroom corner: create a cosy, light-toned perch.

Styling tip: Add a patterned cushion or throw for a pop of colour; the neutral twill plays well with both contemporary and traditional décor.

3) Fern Botanical Leather Pouffe: Artisanal leather charm

Why you will love it: The Fern Botanical Leather Pouffe is a statement piece for those who crave something truly unique. Handcrafted with genuine leather patches in a subtle botanical print, this round pouffe brings an element of artisanal charm.

Its palette is a mix of fern greens and natural hues – an easy way to introduce a bit of nature into your interior. Compact (43cm diameter) yet impactful, the Fern pouffe is 50% leather by material composition (blended with a durable fabric for the print), giving you the luxury of leather with a creative twist.

Best for:

• Living room: pair two as a flexible coffee table or extra seats.

• Bedroom or reading spot: plant-friendly, nature-inspired accent.

Styling tip: Let the pattern sing, surround with solid colours and natural textures (timber, linen) for balance. Leather develops a beautiful patina over time.

4) Wilde Safir Black and White Stripe Leather Pouffe: Bold stripes, modern edge

Why you will love it: Wilde Safir (Safira) Leather Pouffe is all about making a statement. It features a striking black-and-white abstract stripe pattern crafted from 100% genuine leather, instantly drawing the eye.

This square pouffe (approx. 40cm x 40cm) is not only a piece of furniture but also a piece of art – the kind of ottoman that guests will gravitate towards and ask “Where did you get that?!”. Despite its bold look, it’s fully functional and oh-so-comfortable to sit or rest on.

Best for:

• Monochrome or Scandi interiors: adds graphic punch.

• Colourful rooms: crisp contrast against teal, rust or mustard.

Styling tip: Keep surrounding pieces solid-coloured so the stripes lead. Echo the palette with one or two black and white accents, not the whole room.

5) Bouclé Ribbed Footstool: Textured, cosy luxury

Why you will love it: Last but not least, the Bouclé Ribbed Footstool is all about tactile delight and classic style. “Bouclé” refers to the looped yarn fabric that’s superbly soft and in vogue (think of those trendy boucle chairs all over Instagram).

This footstool features a chic ribbed design on its sides, adding visual interest and a touch of elegance. The fabric is a creamy off-white bouclé – warm and inviting – and it’s perched on a sturdy internal frame (with discreet non-visible legs). The combination of luxurious texture and sturdy build makes it both a décor piece and a workhorse for daily use.

Best for:

• Modern, Scandinavian or mid-century rooms: softens straight lines.

• Bedroom vanity or fireplace nook: instant cosy factor.

Styling tip: Contrast the plush fabric with smooth materials (leather sofa, timber floor). Spot-clean gently and avoid harsh chemicals to protect the fibres and colour.

How to Style and Make the Most of Your Ottoman Chair

A great ottoman chair is more than a pretty accent. Used well, it adds comfort, storage and extra seating, and it can transform both a living room and a bedroom.

Dual purpose decor: Many ottomans, especially flat, sturdy tops like Vesper or Wilde Safir, double as coffee tables. Add a tray for books, candles or that cuppa, then lift it off when you need extra seating. Quality footstools are built to take adult weight, as noted by Footstools & More.

Ottoman chair for bedroom: Place one at the end of the bed to elevate the look, or use it as a vanity stool. A bouclé piece like the Bouclé Ribbed Footstool adds texture and warmth, while a storage bench version gives you hotel-suite practicality at home.

Leverage storage: An ottoman chair with storage is perfect for UK homes where space is tight. Hide blankets, pillows, toys or magazines inside and keep surfaces clear. As SK Luxury Living notes, storage ottomans are ideal for maintaining a clutter-free space. Our featured picks focus on style, but Opulent Co. also offers storage options if you need them.

Match or mix: There is no rule that says your ottoman must match your sofa. Mix materials for a designer look. Pair a leather sofa with a fabric ottoman like Lily Swivel in oatmeal twill, or set a leather pouffe against a bouclé or linen sofa for contrast. If you prefer a coordinated set, choose pieces from the same collection for that classic armchair plus ottoman pairing.

Scale and proportion: Aim for your ottoman to sit level with your sofa seat or slightly lower for comfortable leg support, a guideline echoed by Footstools. Large sectionals suit a pair of ottomans or one oversized piece. In compact rooms, a round pouffe like Fern Botanical keeps circulation open and feels lighter in the layout. For an ottoman chair for living room zones, check size against your coffee table and rug footprint so the flow still works.

Add a personal touch: Style a tray vignette with a small plant, candle and favourite book. In kids’ spaces, swap in toys or picture books. Seasonal throws instantly refresh a neutral ottoman, from chunky knits in winter to light patterned cotton in summer.

Used thoughtfully, an ottoman truly earns its keep. It is beautiful yet practical, and it will work hard for years as a table, seat, footrest and storage helper in every room.

FAQs

What is the difference between an ottoman, a footstool and a pouffe?
They largely serve the same purpose. Ottomans and pouffes are fully upholstered, a footstool may be hard or upholstered.

Can you sit on an ottoman?
Yes, quality ottomans are built to take adult weight for occasional seating.

How do I choose the right size?
Aim for the ottoman to be level with your sofa seat or slightly lower. Scale up for large sectionals and down for compact rooms.

Is storage worth it?
If you need to hide blankets or toys, storage ottomans are ideal. If not, choose on style, comfort and material.

How do I clean it?
Fabric: vacuum and spot-clean with a mild cleaner. Leather: wipe and condition occasionally. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage fibres or affect colour.

Final Thoughts 

An ottoman chair is more than just a footrest – it’s an opportunity to add character, comfort, and clever functionality to any room. From the luxurious textures of a bouclé footstool to the eye-catching pattern of a leather pouffe, the right ottoman can complete your space like the final piece of a puzzle.

Transform your living room or bedroom with an ottoman today – because comfort and style should always go hand in hand.

>> Browse all Ottoman Chairs & Footstools at Opulent Co. <<