Ottoman in the interior: types, design, transformation mechanisms, colors, location options

How does an ottoman differ from a sofa, sofa and bed?

Table with the difference between these furniture items.

Requirements to consider

Important points to pay attention to before choosing a double bed with a lifting mechanism:

• The bed components should not emit sharp sounds during operation, namely creaks or grinding sounds;
• The base of the bed should be level, without sagging or bending. Except in cases specifically provided by the manufacturer;
• The storage space closes tightly and does not have extra holes through which dust and other debris can get in;
• The materials used to make the mattress and other components of the bed do not cause allergic reactions;
• The product is convenient to use, easy to open, equipped with a handle or strap for lifting the base with the mattress.

If you have already bought a bed, in order for it to serve properly for the entire required period, you need to adhere to some rules:

• Do not store food products, strong-smelling liquids, caustic or toxic substances in the box;
• There is no need to allow children to play inside the box, for example, “hide and seek”.

Some pets have a habit of chewing or scratching the outer frame covering. To keep the bed looking attractive longer, prevent access to the product from such pests.

How to choose an ottoman?

A few recommendations for choosing:

• First of all, you should correctly calculate the size of the room intended for decoration. Decide on the style and color scheme of the product.
• An especially practical option would be an ottoman with replaceable covers, which will allow you to preserve the external image of the product for a long time.
• If this design will later serve as an additional bed, it is preferable to pay attention to models with pillows.
• It is also worth choosing the right materials. It is advisable to choose reliable and durable iron, metal or wooden structures.
• No less important will be the placement of the ottoman in the interior; in the case of a folding model, additional space should be provided for its transformation.
• When choosing, you need to pay attention to brands and quality marks.

Differences between an ottoman and a sofa

When choosing an ottoman, it is worth considering that such furniture has significant differences from a regular sofa:

• An ottoman is a product that combines the characteristics of a sofa and a bed. Its main features are simplicity and functionality, and ordinary sofas are distinguished by great variety;
• Most often, the ottoman does not have folding mechanisms, since it is quite compact in itself;
• Instead of a folding mechanism, the ottoman can have an additional sleeping place - by extending the lower part in the forward direction;
• Most varieties have armrests; drawers are also quite common;
• The back of the ottoman is generally low and can be either soft or hard;
• You can use any mattress for the ottoman that is suitable for the size of the bed. There are sofa beds in which the mattress comes complete, in a cover that matches the color of the piece of furniture itself.

The advantages of an ottoman over a sofa are: affordable price and compact size. There are intermediate options, for example, a couch or sofa. A couch, unlike an ottoman, has a more elegant back, or no back at all. A sofa is furniture with comfortable headrests and backrests designed for sitting.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages and disadvantages of these designs.

Review of materials

For the manufacture of the case, various materials are used to ensure durability, practicality, and reliability of the design. A classic wooden ottoman is usually complemented with a folding or retractable mechanism. Models made of walnut, oak, cedar, and pine are in demand. Metal furniture is less common; high-quality structures are characterized by increased durability and strength.

With a solid wood ottoman bed you can completely transform the interior of your room. The one-piece body is characterized by maximum reliability, stability, and high quality. The models are small in size and are not equipped with transformation mechanisms.

Most ottoman models are created using a combination of materials: the base is most often made of wood, the internal mechanisms are made of metal.

The ottoman should have durable upholstery that holds its shape well and has an attractive appearance. Patterns and colors are selected based on individual preferences and the overall style of the interior. Popular options:

1. Matting. It consists of a checkerboard weave of threads, the structure resembles burlap. The covering is made from silk, linen, wool, cotton with the addition of polyester or acrylic fibers. The fabric is durable and easy to care for.
2. Velours. The fabric, consisting of a complex weave of several threads, has a fleecy surface. The material is safe, pleasant to the touch, but gets dirty easily and is subject to abrasion.
3. Faux suede. Made from cotton and polyester, thanks to the Teflon coating it becomes resistant to wear and high strength. The canvas does not fade or burn out under the influence of sunlight, and does not become covered with creases and scratches.
4. Leather. Ottomans with such upholstery look expensive and presentable. The material lasts a long time, but requires careful regular care.
5. Artificial fur. Environmentally friendly material, available in a wide variety of colors. The main disadvantage is that they become soiled; synthetic fibers actively attract debris and dust.

Criteria for choosing air beds, reasons for their popularity

Foam rubber or a spring block are used as filler. The first is an artificial material that is made from environmentally friendly components. The latter, made in accordance with established standards, covered with burlap and batting, will become a full-fledged place for everyday relaxation. What is best is something everyone chooses independently, depending on their individual needs.

Matting Velor Faux suede

Leather Faux fur

Types of ottoman

There are three main varieties:

• Single. It is a very practical option for a small room or, for example, a studio apartment. In the case of using a single model as a sleeping bed, it is recommended to supplement it with an orthopedic mattress.
• Double. The most practical and convenient solution that combines the functions of a sofa and a bed, while maintaining useful space in the room.
• One and a half truck. Will be a great addition to a bedroom or living room. The one-and-a-half model, equipped with armrests and a comfortable headboard, is considered universal for both daytime rest and daily sleep.

The photo shows a one-and-a-half-sleeping ottoman in a dark brown shade in the interior of a children's room.

What is an ottoman?

The ottoman was brought to Europe from Asian countries, where such a piece of furniture served as a place for guests and owners to relax. The ottoman was covered with carpets and thick fabrics. For convenience, there was always a table with fruits and sweets nearby. It was primarily used as a sofa, but if necessary, it fully satisfied the need for a full day's rest.

The first difference between an ottoman and a bed is the low height of the seat (bed) above the floor. A special feature of the ottoman is also the presence of 2 adjacent backrests in different interpretations and an attached soft sleeping place included in the kit instead of a mattress.

If we consider the question of which is better, a bed or an ottoman, there is no clear answer. A bed is a piece of furniture on which a person should rest comfortably. The ottoman is more intended for spending time in front of the TV in the company of friends. The ottoman bed combines both of these functions, allowing the owner, if necessary, to sit or sleep without compromising comfort or loss of useful space in the room.

Mechanisms for transforming the ottoman

The transformation mechanism must be particularly convenient and functional.

• Eurobook. It is a very reliable and durable mechanism that takes on minimal loads. To lay out, the seat moves towards itself and the backrest is located in its place.
• Dolphin. Thanks to the roll-out and lifting system, reminiscent of a dolphin's jump, it transforms into a comfortable sleeping bed.
• Click-clack. It has this name because of the sound that is heard when unfolding. Click-klyak is an improved book model and provides the ability to fix the backrest in various positions.
• Book. It is considered the simplest option, which can become a comfortable sleeping place, even when assembled. In order to unfold the ottoman-book, the seat tilts until it clicks and then falls down.

The photo shows an interior with a gray ottoman with a Eurobook folding mechanism.

When choosing a particular mechanism, you should carefully consider all its advantages and disadvantages, according to personal preferences. For example, there are products that fold out lengthwise or sideways.

Mechanism options

A lifting bed can be equipped with different types of mechanisms that allow the product to be tilted vertically or horizontally. In addition, you can see a bed with a side lifting mechanism. The ease of operation of the models, cost, and convenience depend on the type of fittings with which the folding beds are equipped. Each mechanism has its own distinctive features. They can be divided into three categories.

On coil springs

The lift-up bed with coil springs is a comfortable model. But springs wear out over the years and become unusable. The fragility of the mechanisms leads to the need for complete or partial replacement of fittings. The service life of a structure using coil springs usually does not exceed 5 years. It is worth noting that this period can be reduced or increased depending on the intensity of use of the bed.

Lift on gas shock absorbers

A gas shock absorber for a bed (gas lift), compared to coil springs, is more durable. In addition, models with such a mechanism are the most ergonomic and durable. The cost of models equipped with this lifting mechanism is higher.

Gas lifts are often installed on children's beds. This model transforms without much effort, the lifting mechanism operates smoothly and silently. That is why you can choose not only a bed for a teenager, but also furniture for younger children.

Mechanism with manual lift on hinges

The design is ideal only for adults, since in order to recline the sleeping place it is necessary to apply considerable effort. It is better to purchase this model for adults or children of high school age. Models with manual lifts will cost slightly less than other products.

The advantages of beds of this type include:

• strength;
• reliability;
• low price;
• ease of operation.

Electric drive

Sleeping places can be equipped with an electric drive. Their cost is quite high. For these models, the base can take several positions, which allows the owner to choose one of them in which he will be comfortable reading, relaxing or sleeping. In addition, beds often have an additional massage function. All this will make your vacation more comfortable and enjoyable, and your sleep more complete.

Additional equipment

In addition to the basic equipment, some models are supplemented with various elements. One of them is a box with a lifting mechanism for linen. This option is an excellent addition to the orthopedic base. Some furniture has a function for adjusting the stiffness of the slats.

In addition to sleeping places, an ottoman bed or sofa is equipped with a lifting mechanism. The ottoman sometimes acts as built-in furniture. It is complemented by wardrobes, chests of drawers, dressing table. Built-in furniture will significantly save space in the room. In this case, all interior items will be similar in style and color design.

Beds with lifting mechanisms are produced not only for home use, but also for various medical institutions: hospitals or nursing homes. A special bed for disabled people is necessary to fix a person in a certain position. Such models are often equipped with a mechanism that allows you to adjust the height of the bed and the angle of the backrest and leg section. For convenience, they operate from a remote control.

In addition, hospital beds are supplemented with elements that increase the comfort, safety and convenience of patients:

• stands for pulling the patient with a grip handle;
• toilet;
• brake devices on the rear wheels;
• side rails for patient safety.

Upholstery material

Natural or synthetic materials are used for cladding, which can differ in different shades, textures and prints.

• Textile.
• Leather.
• Eco leather.

The photo shows an ottoman decorated with natural leather upholstery.

Backrest options for ottoman

Particularly interesting in appearance are models with an elegant round or oval back, which significantly softens the angularity of the furniture design. Also no less elegant are products with a curved back in the shape of a wave. With the help of such details, it is possible to add light aristocratic notes to the design and make it much more expressive.

The photo shows an interior with a backless ottoman, made in black.

An ottoman with a forged patterned back looks very original and very sophisticated. To give the room coziness, choose models with a square or rectangular soft headboard, which provides comfort and pleasant tactile sensations. A truly unique and luxurious solution is the mirrored back, which not only creates a unique interior, but also visually expands the space.

Sizes and shapes

There are a large number of shapes and sizes that can be chosen for any room, for example, narrow products are perfect for a nursery, and wide ones for a family bedroom.

Corner

Compactness is the main advantage of this design. Due to its angular position, it has one armrest and can sometimes be equipped with legs.

The photo shows a pink corner ottoman with a drawer in the interior of a nursery for a girl.

Small

Occupies a minimum amount of space and easily fits into small spaces. A small model can be either a main sofa or an additional seating area.

Big

It is the main piece of furniture and the focal point of the space around which the entire interior concept is built.

Round

It will add additional comfort to the environment and will be an excellent solution for large rooms in which it can be placed in the middle.

Semicircle

It looks very original and, due to its streamlined shape, smooth lines and rounded edges, fills the interior with lightness and comfort.

What is an ottoman

The word ottoman is not very common in the CIS countries, but everyone knows its meaning very well. However, not everyone understands its difference from other types of sofas.

This type of upholstered furniture came to us from the East, or more precisely, from Asia. There they have been used for many centuries and are considered a luxury item; they are tried to be decorated with many pillows and carpets.

What's the difference? Why should you choose an ottoman? What varieties are available in our stores? What is its advantage over other types?

The main differences between an ottoman and other types of sofa are that:

• she's short;
• does not have a pronounced back;
• does not have clearly defined side rails;
• used for both sleeping and sitting.

Colors

The overall mood and comfort of staying in the space depend on the colors. For example, the most neutral shade is gray, which harmonizes perfectly with most other colors. Green will look more attractive and bright, adding beauty and unusualness to the environment.

The photo shows a two-color single ottoman, made in shades of green.

With the help of a red shade, you can endow the interior with dynamism and active energy, and thanks to the pleasant and delicate blue, blue, dark wenge or black, you can create a laconic, calm and discreet design. The most universal solution would be a classic beige tone, filling the atmosphere with warmth and tenderness, or light brown.

Transformation mechanisms of a double ottoman

There are many variations of mechanisms for disassembling and assembling such furniture. The most popular ones are the folding version and the ottoman with a lifting mechanism.

The most popular transformation mechanism among doubles is a folding double ottoman.

Due to the large weight and sleeping area, this mechanism ensures the creation of a cozy, large sofa. But at the same time, such a large lifting mechanism on a two-seater ottoman can cause difficulty in lifting the upper part for women.

Many people suffer from back pain; during sleep, the lower back becomes numb, which disturbs sleep and causes insomnia. The best solution to this problem is a double ottoman with an orthopedic mattress.

The Doc Space Saving System company manufactured

a sofa that transforms into a bunk bed. The strength of the structure makes it possible to comfortably accommodate two adults. Furniture unfolds in one motion.

Thanks to their compact size, double folding sofas fit harmoniously into the space of small rooms, where bulky pieces of furniture would overload the interior. Read about choosing double sofas here.

With the help of this device, you will feel a sense of comfort, a feeling that your posture is in the right position and is not twisted. This is achieved due to the fact that the orthopedic mattress takes the shape of the human body.

All this will ensure deep, long and productive sleep. This type of mattress is mainly used by older people.

Read also: Stationary and folding couches for massage

Design and decoration

Products decorated with carriage screed fit perfectly into any interior design and are distinguished by severity, but at the same time a certain flirtatiousness. Models with pillows of various shapes and sizes have a special elegance and elegance, and products with one armrest simultaneously combine simplicity, conciseness and style. The decor with rhinestones, which are a truly spectacular decoration, or carved decoration, which always has a graceful and majestic appearance, will help to significantly enliven the atmosphere.

The photo shows an interior in light colors with an ottoman on legs, decorated with purple velvet lining.

No less interesting designs feature products with sides on which even a child can lie and sleep comfortably, or forged structures that undoubtedly add extravagance and expressiveness to the interior. They also often prefer an ottoman with legs, as it always looks very elegant and sophisticated.

To complement the overall style direction and semantic content of the room, choose products decorated with a printed pattern in the form of a floral, floral pattern, checkered, striped print or other patterns.

The photo shows a small ottoman with fabric upholstery, decorated with a checkered print.

Style and color

When choosing suitable furniture for your home, the first thing to consider is its size. The appearance of the structure and compatibility with other interior items are of great importance. The main decoration of such furniture is the color of the upholstery. The following options are popular:

1. Black gray. They fit harmoniously into Gothic and minimalist styles.
2. Red Blue. Combined with constructivism, not suitable for classical design.
3. Beige and other light colors. Optimal for modern.
4. White, blue, golden. Suitable for sophisticated interiors in the Renaissance or Rococo style.
5. Bright, acidic shades. Relevant for the high-tech direction.

Purpose of a medical bed, standard equipment and special functions

Straight models, decorated in sophisticated or neutral colors, harmonize with classic interiors. Using a scarlet corner ottoman bed or a double model with drawers and a side backrest, you can emphasize the originality of techno and constructivism styles. Children's products should be liked by the child. Boys prefer green, blue, light blue shades, girls prefer pink, peach, purple tones.

The ottoman sofa will fit organically into the interior if the furniture matches the color of the walls.

Photo of an ottoman in the interior of rooms

Design options in different rooms.

Children's room

The ottoman will be equally suitable for both a girl’s and a boy’s nursery. Such a compact design will not take up much space and, thanks to a variety of design and color options, will fit perfectly into the interior.

The photo shows a children's room with a brown ottoman, decorated with a carriage tie.

Teenage functional models are most often equipped with a more rigid orthopedic mattress, built-in drawers, comfortable armrests or a soft backrest.

The photo shows the interior of a teenage boy's room with a corner single ottoman with a soft back.

Kitchen

An ottoman can fit very organically into the kitchen space, occupying a minimal amount of space, but at the same time providing comfortable accommodation for several people at once.

Balcony or loggia

This design is especially suitable for a small balcony. Products with built-in drawers for storing many different things can be a huge advantage. A mini-ottoman, complemented by soft pillows or a blanket, will bring warmth to the interior of the loggia and turn it into a cozy relaxation area.

The photo shows a compact brown ottoman in the interior of a small balcony.

Bedroom

For a bedroom, the ideal solution would be a double design with an orthopedic mattress that promotes healthy and sound sleep. In a small room, you can install a sliding model with a drawer for linen, due to which you will be able to avoid purchasing a chest of drawers.

Living room

An ottoman would also be appropriate in the hall. It will add a special touch to the atmosphere and will simply become a wonderful decorative addition to the living room.

The photo shows the interior of a modern living room, decorated with an ottoman with black fabric upholstery.

Popular models

Today there are many varieties of such furniture. Some of them appeared quite recently, due to the wide distribution of the product. The most popular models:

1. With a corner back. This modification is considered the most popular. You can place it in any free corner of the room.
2. Daybed with three backs. The design solution turns the ottoman into a full-fledged bed, which has compact dimensions and an unusual design.
3. Orthopedic. The surface follows the curves of the neck and spine, providing complete muscle relaxation. This ottoman is perfect for relaxation and healthy sleep.
4. With independent spring block. Each element of the mattress is placed in a separate cover, which promotes even distribution of body weight.
5. With armrests. In terms of performance properties and appearance, the product is more like a sofa.

Criteria for choosing a metal one-and-a-half bed, popular designs
For adults, folding furniture that can turn into a full-fledged bed is suitable. Children's models resemble miniature sofas. Boys will love the bright car-shaped ottoman, girls will appreciate the snow-white princess model. The roll-out design is suitable for families with children of the same age. The products save space and have higher safety characteristics in contrast to bunk beds.

With corner back

With three backs Orthopedic

With independent spring block

With armrests

How to place it in the room?

A very common option is to place it near a window, as this always provides a sufficient amount of natural light, as well as a beautiful view. If the design has an unusual shape, for example round, it is placed in the center of the room. In order to give the design of the room aristocracy and oriental sophistication, install a bedside Turkish ottoman.

The photo shows a two-color single ottoman located near the window.

Ottoman designs and sizes

This type of sofa, like an ottoman, as was said earlier, came to us from Asia, where people use it both for its intended purpose and to decorate their home.

There are two main types of construction of this upholstered furniture - metal and wood.

Variants of sofa-ottoman, which are made of wood, are often used simply for decoration and decoration of the room. They are cheaper and the upholstery material in them is also much cheaper than that of an ottoman, which is used for its intended purpose.

Read also: Single ottoman

Options that are made of different metals are often used for sitting and lying. Depending on the metal used in the design, they have different strength and cost.

The modern market also offers options for ottomans for one or two beds. A double ottoman bed is naturally larger, but also costs a little more.

In the following subheadings we will consider the advantages of this type of furniture and its varieties according to various characteristics.

How does it look in different interior styles?

Photo examples for different stylistic directions.

Provence

In this style, there are mainly products made from natural materials in light colors. For example, fabric upholstery in pastel shades, decorated with unobtrusive prints, vintage models with an attractive antique appearance or designs decorated with antique elements are especially appropriate.

Classical

For a beautiful classic design, an ottoman complemented with a carved back, legs or armrests is suitable. Products with a curved headboard or carriage headboard, leather or expensive fabric upholstery, will look very harmonious.

Loft

Designs with natural leather or fabric upholstery will fit perfectly here. The shape of the products should be distinguished by straight and strict lines, and the colors should not be too bright and muted tones.

The photo shows the interior of a loft-style room, decorated with a light-colored ottoman.

Scandinavian

A laconic ottoman will look especially advantageous in a Scandinavian style. Here they choose models in the manufacture of which natural materials are used. To add functionality and practicality to the decor, designs with additional drawers for storage are used.