Ottoman or Coffee Table? How to Decide

An ottoman does three things a coffee table cannot: it gives you a place to rest your feet, a second seat when the room fills up, and a soft surface that makes a space feel less rigid. Sutter & Vale carries the full Jessica Charles ottoman collection, and most pieces are made to order in your choice of fabric.

What Does an Ottoman Do That a Coffee Table Cannot?

An ottoman is seating, footrest, and surface in one piece. A coffee table is only a surface. If your sofa sits low and you want somewhere to put your feet at the end of the day, an ottoman wins immediately. If you stack books, set down drinks without a tray, or need open display space, a coffee table is more practical. Many rooms use both: a low rectangular ottoman in front of the sofa, flanked by two small side tables that handle drinks and remotes.

How Do You Size an Ottoman to a Sofa?

The ottoman should be roughly two-thirds the width of the sofa and sit about 14 to 18 inches in front of it. Seat height matters too: you want the ottoman surface within an inch or two of the sofa cushion height so resting your legs feels natural.

Here is how several Jessica Charles ottomans compare on those two dimensions:

A 90-inch sofa pairs well with the Audrey or the 869, both just under 30 inches wide. A smaller loveseat works better with the Cagney Ottoman at 25 inches wide and a 17-inch seat height.

When Should You Choose a Skirted Ottoman Instead?

A skirted ottoman reads as softer and more formal than a leggy one. The Carrie Skirted Ottoman and the Cagney Skirted Ottoman both work well in rooms where the floor-to-base line needs to stay quiet, such as spaces with patterned rugs where exposed legs would add visual noise.

Does Fabric Choice Change How an Ottoman Functions?

Yes. A tight, durable weave handles everyday footrest use and occasional extra seating. A delicate velvet or bouclé suits an ottoman that functions mainly as a centerpiece with a tray on top. Jessica Charles builds each frame for longevity, so the fabric is the variable you are managing for wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an ottoman replace a coffee table entirely?

It can, with a tray on top to hold drinks and a remote. A firm, flat-topped ottoman handles light daily use well. Add a tray with a lip for stability.

How far should an ottoman sit from the sofa?

Between 14 and 18 inches is the standard range. You want enough space to walk past it comfortably while still being able to reach it from the sofa.

Are Jessica Charles ottomans available in custom fabric?

Yes. Every Jessica Charles ottoman at Sutter & Vale is made to order, which means you choose from the fabric library before production begins. Lead times vary, so plan accordingly if you are working to a deadline.

The Sutter & Vale Team