Wood Ottomans and Footstools
If you wish to add the look of natural wood to your home, wood ottomans and footstools provide a stylish option. It's important to consider what you need before choosing from the range available. As a rule, ottomans tend to be a type of bench with integral storage, whilst a footstool is usually just for raising your feet and does not always have storage. Wood ottomans are sometimes referred to as blanket boxes.
Pick your type
There are several types of wood ottomans and footstools . The type you choose may depend on the age of your house, or the style of your other furniture.
Antique, vintage and traditional
Vintage style can mean either genuine vintage or brand new with a vintage or retro look. Antique style ottomans and footstools may contain period detailing such as buttoning, curled and embellished legs, panelling or fringing. Colours are usually muted and classic, such as brown, green or cream.
Modern and contemporary
Modern ottomans and footstools come in on-trend colours such as duck egg blue or sleek black. Traditional style footstools or ottomans are plain in design, with simple wooden lids. They are often available in pine or simple painted wood. Contemporary footstools and ottomans are more up to the minute, with modern detailing such as colour blocking or bold patchwork designs.
What room is it going in?
The room you place your wood ottoman or footstool in will need to be taken into account. If you are choosing a design for your living room, then you may find sofa-style upholstery and integral storage will help your ottoman or footstool blend in. Similarly, bedroom ottomans will usually be comfortable and attractive rather than utilitarian and functional.
If your ottoman is going to be used in the bathroom, you may find an integral laundry basket very useful. As a rule, it is best to avoid heavily upholstered ottomans or footstools in bathrooms because of possible damp issues.