Use ottoman to add sparkle to your space

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/06/2002 (8508 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There are certain pieces of furniture that some would consider more decorative than practical — tea carts, baker’s racks and phone tables (Does anyone really sit at those things?) to name a few. If you have the space, these pieces can be esthetic additions to the decor, but more often than not they tend to take up valuable space while perhaps holding a few plants or books.

In my experience, there is another such piece of furniture that tends to be lumped into the “pretty but unnecessary” category mentioned above. The decorative ottoman is often overlooked but worth consideration when updating your decor. I’m not referring to the ottoman that might come with your easy chair but rather, a one-of-a-kind piece that is going to add sparkle and perhaps a punch of colour to your space. Any one of these ottomans pictured here at the Blue Moon Evolution store would be a great addition to any decor. A small, stylish ottoman in a rich , vibrant fabric can add a sense of luxury to a powder room, guest room or bedroom but can be utilized in most any room in the home. While adding pizzazz to the decor, it can also be a resting place for your feet (in conjunction with a comfy chair) or a place to sit while putting on your shoes and can provide additional seating in a pinch. Small, decorative ottomans such as this really say “You’ve got taste.”

For those with more modern tastes, brightly coloured cubed ottomans strategically placed, can really make a statement while adding a punch of colour and crisp shape to the decor. These smaller pieces can be grouped as coffee tables, used as end tables and are easily moved about for a change in decor. Items like this will also go over well in a teen’s bedroom. They are small enough not be obtrusive, but funky enough for their youthful tastes. And once again, they add extra seating for when their friends come over. Some ottomans also open up to provide extra storage, so it may even provide a storage solution in a pinch.

On a more grand scale, the coffee table ottoman is something I’ve always longed to have. A large, tufted leather piece the size of a coffee table on which trays are used for serving and feet rest comfortably. An item of this size will definitely make a huge statement in the living room and can also provide extra seating. Then why, you ask, don’t I have my hearts desire? Cost, cost, cost. Yes, some decorative ottomans (small and large) can be costly, which may deter one from considering them for the decor. They seem to have been deemed a luxury item for the decor and tend to be priced accordingly. Your choices are either to shop around for a bargain or to try to make one yourself. Depending upon your carpentry and / or upholstering skills, you can probably fashion your own ottoman to suite your decor. If your coffee table has seen better days, why not try to fashion it into an ottoman. Coffee tables with legs are suited to this idea. You may have to cut the legs down to an appropriate length but other than that, all you need to do is buy some upholstery foam, batting and a great piece of fabric with which to create your own decorative ottoman. Decorative trim to finish it off is a must. Visit an upholstery store to see what’s available. On a smaller scale, if you’ve got an ottoman that’s outdated, (like those hexagonal ones from the 70’s, for instance) recover it in an updated fabric to bring it into the 21st century. Ottomans are not usually found at garage sales and thrift stores, but if you do happen upon one, consider buying it and revamping it for your decor. If you all ready have small, wooden storage boxes kicking around (like small toy chests), a little foam and fabric can change these boxes into the cube ottomans mentioned above, while still providing storage for toys if required.

connio@3web.net