Looking for cozy and creative Ottoman decor ideas? See how I styled a vintage-inspired slipcovered ottoman in our Vermont living room using soft textures, blue-and-white charm, and antique touches that blend comfort with timeless style.
Looking for Ottoman decor ideas that are both functional and stylish? A living room ottoman can be so much more than a place to rest your feet, it can double as a coffee table, extra seating, or a cozy statement piece in any space.
I recently added a large, white slipcovered ottoman from Four Seasons Furniture to our Vermont living room, and it completely transformed the space. I love this brand for its timeless design, machine-washable slipcovers, and universal appeal.
To bring in that eclectic, vintage charm I adore, I layered the ottoman with a soft throw and a pair of sheepskin rugs. And the best part? With a simple slipcover swap, I can refresh the look anytime without replacing the entire piece.


Vintage Home Decorating Guides and Styling Inspiration
Are you curious about vintage decor but don’t know where to start? These cornerstone guides are packed with seasonal styling tips, how-tos, and inspiration to help you confidently decorate with charm and character.
All Things Ottoman: Stylish Ottoman Decor Ideas for Every Living Room
The Perfect Ottoman for Any Living Room Space
Can Ottomans be used in a living room?
A living room ottoman is one of the most versatile furniture pieces you can add to your home. Whether you’re styling a large ottoman as a coffee table, incorporating a small ottoman for additional seating, or using a storage ottoman to keep things tidy, these pieces bring both function and charm to any space.
Versatile Ottoman Decor Ideas for Every Room
When it comes to ottoman decor ideas, think beyond the living room. Ottomans are incredibly versatile—they work beautifully in sunrooms, bedrooms, or even styled at the foot of a bed. A cocktail ottoman becomes a charming focal point when topped with a vintage tray, while a leather ottoman adds timeless character. For cozy texture, try draping a sheepskin rug over an oversized ottoman or layering one beneath it for that collected, eclectic look you love.

And let’s talk customization—accent ottomans can be styled in endless ways! Opt for a custom slipcover to change up your décor or DIY one from a thrifted ottoman. Mix in different patterns for a playful touch, and top it off with a vintage bowl or tray to pull everything together.
In the next section, I’ll share ideas on how to layer, style, and decorate your ottoman to make it a standout piece in your home!

Try a Styling Tip!
Looking for simple, vintage-inspired decorating ideas you can try in an afternoon? Explore all my Styling Tips for easy seasonal projects, quick DIYs, and creative ways to style your home with charm.
17 Ottoman Decor Ideas: Stylish Types to Elevate Your Living Room
From classic leather styles to playful poufs and clever storage options, here are 17 stylish types of ottomans to consider for bringing comfort, charm, and function into your home:

Shop all Stylish Ottoman Styles
This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Pair a vintage rug with your new living room ottoman
Looking for a new vintage or eclectic style rug to accent your new living room ottoman coffee table? Save 15% off my favorite vintage rugs here.
Ottoman Decor Ideas: Interior Design Tips for Styling Your Living Room
Living Room Ottoman Coffee Table Ideas
How do I make my ottoman a feature in my living room?
If you’re looking for ottoman decor ideas that blend comfort with charm, consider turning your living room ottoman into a functional coffee table. Style it with a vintage tray for books or candles, add texture with a sheepskin throw, or layer in seasonal decor for a lived-in look. Whether you’re setting the stage for family board games or a cozy afternoon with a good read, a well-styled ottoman becomes the centerpiece of your living space.

How to Style a Living Room Ottoman with Ease
Styling a living room ottoman is more than just decorating—it’s about curating a cozy and functional space that reflects your unique style. Whether you’re working with a slipcovered square ottoman, a vintage tufted piece, or a modern round design, there are so many ottoman decor ideas to try. Start with a decorative tray layered with books or candles, mix in textures like folded blankets or sheepskin throws, or add playful touches like a bowl of pinecones or a favorite board game. With the right details, your ottoman becomes the heart of your living room.

Recommended REading
You may also find inspiration in this How to Style Eclectic Interiors with Timeless Style post.
What’s in Your Ottoman Bowl? Style It Your Way
A decorative bowl on a living room ottoman coffee table is the perfect way to add personality and texture to your space—whether you’re styling small ottomans, a square ottoman, or something more significant. I styled my recent Goodwill red wooden bowl find with an assortment of vintage books, a spring bouquet, and colorful spring magazines for a layered, casual look that’s easy to change with the seasons.
What would you put in your living room ottoman bowl?



Game Night Ready: Styling Your Ottoman for Fun
Decorating board games or cards on a living room ottoman adds both charm and function to your space. A magnetic chessboard or card set placed on a flat surface—like our white slipcovered living room ottoman—creates a stylish setup that’s ready for play without the mess.
Storage ottomans make it easy to tuck everything away when the game is over, turning your ottoman into part of the experience of lounging, entertaining, and everyday living.


Layer on the Softness with Sheepskin
Draping a sheepskin rug over your ottoman is one of the easiest ways to add instant coziness while protecting the fabric underneath—especially if your ottoman is white like ours.
It’s perfect for spring: still warm and plush for chilly days but light and bright enough to feel fresh and seasonal. Whether you’re kicking your feet up, serving snacks, or setting up for game night, sheepskin has your ottoman covered—literally!



Shop cozy sheepskins
This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Recommended Reading
You may also find inspiration in this Antique Bar Cart: 15 Eclectic Ways to Vintage Style post.

Vintage Bookshelf Decor Ideas You’ll Love
Looking for creative ways to style your shelves through the seasons? From cozy neutral built-ins to colorful spring styling and vintage collections, this guide is full of inspiration for every decorating style.
Tray Chic: Decorating with Trays on a Living Room Ottoman
Trays are a simple yet stylish way to anchor your decor on a living room ottoman, keeping everything feeling intentional and tidy. Whether it’s a vintage find or a seasonal favorite, a well-styled tray adds charm and function and is a perfect spot for playful touches.
Ottoman trays are so important that I felt they needed their own living room ottoman section.
Shop Eclectic Ottoman Trays



Pro Tip
How to choose an Ottoman tray for your living room? When choosing an ottoman tray for your living room, consider the size and shape of your ottoman—round trays work well on round ottomans, while rectangular trays are great for larger or square styles. Look for a tray that’s sturdy, easy to move, and fits your decor style, whether it’s wood, metal, or rattan. A well-chosen tray not only complements your living room ottoman but also adds function and style to your space.
10 Effortless Ottoman Tray Styling Ideas That Really Work

Recommended Reading
You may also find inspiration in this Nautical Serving Tray: A Summer Must Have post.

Spring Ottoman Tray Refresh: Styling My Living Room Tray the Vintage Way
While spring rolls in, I am excited to give my new living room ottoman a little seasonal refresh—vintage style, of course. This year, I’m layering in soft touches of blue, fresh flowers, and a few charming finds that feel collected and personal. It’s all about mixing the old with the new and letting that cozy, curated look shine through.

Recommended Reading
You may also find more decorating inspiration in this Blue and White Decor: How to Style a Vintage Platter Wall post.
In the progress photos, you’ll see how I styled my living room ottoman for spring with a mix of vintage charm and personal touches, starting with a blue and white transferware platter layered on top of the soft white sheepskin rug.


I added two blue McCoy vases I recently found in Maine, filled them with blue and white hydrangeas, and tied a bundle of old paintbrushes (a quirky Vintage Market Days Vermont find!) with a bow for an eclectic and personal pop of color that feels just right for the season.
vintage market days vermont
And speaking of vintage finds, Vintage Market Days Vermont is coming up again soon, actually, it’s typically held each spring in April and fall over Columbus Day weekend. It’s one of my favorite events for discovering unique pieces like these old paintbrushes I styled on my ottoman tray. I recommend checking their website for the most up-to-date details on upcoming show dates, vendors, and ticket info!

Gold and Silver
I never would’ve thought to pair gold and silver together—but this combo totally surprised me in the best way. I styled a medium-sized vintage gold tray with a silvery tin pitcher (complete with a bit of bronze patina) filled with fresh white tulips, and it all came together like spring magic.

The soft white tulips tie in beautifully with our new white ottoman and cozy sheepskins, giving the whole setup an eclectic, layered look that feels fresh and collected.

Ready to Embrace Vintage Decorating?
New to vintage collecting? This beginner’s guide will walk you through how to start collecting vintage home decor, what to look for, where to shop, and how to style your favorite finds with confidence.
Already have a collection you love? Don’t miss my favorite vintage collections display ideas with stylish, creative ways to decorate with what you’ve found.


Shop Vintage Style Living Room Ottomans

Top Vintage Decor Ideas & Thrifted Finds You’ll Love
Explore my most popular vintage decorating posts filled with personal stories, styling tips, and lessons learned from years of thrifting across New England and beyond.
7 Thrifted Finds I Regret Not Buying (And What I Learned)
9 Thrift Store Finds I Always Buy for Vintage Styling
9 Vintage Decor Pieces I’ll Never Part With
10 Vintage Decor Ideas I Spotted at Vintage Market Days Vermont
Styling with Coffee Table Books: Layered Looks for an Eclectic Vintage Home
Coffee table books are more than just reading material—they’re personal design statements, layered stories, and beautiful conversation-starters.
Whether you collect vintage hardcovers from flea markets or curated design tomes from local shops, styling with coffee table books adds instant depth and personality to your living room.

I love hunting for regional gems—like old Vermont guides and antique travel books—which connect our space to the place we call home. For this look, I layered a few well-worn Vermont volumes atop our sheepskin throw on our newly slipcovered ottoman.

Decorating with Old Books, Your Vintage Styling Guide
Looking for creative ways to decorate with vintage books? This guide shares over 30+ unique styling ideas using old books in table settings, shelves, mantels, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to thrifting, you’ll find easy, budget-friendly inspiration to layer in character and charm.


Try stacking books by color, theme, or even texture, mixing them with a small object, candle, or seasonal floral stem for an inviting focal point.
Don’t limit yourself to just design books either—coffee table cookbooks, travel journals, or artist monographs are perfect for reflecting your unique interests.
Think of your ottoman or table surface like a curated shelf—one that tells a story in layers.


Here’s a fun design debate—ottoman or coffee table?
My friend Molly in Maine has a great post called My Facebook Marketplace Coffee Table Transformation, where she shares how she swapped out her longtime living room ottoman (which I absolutely adored—it matched our Vermont couch perfectly!) for the sweetest blue coffee table she scored on Marketplace. And honestly? Both options have their charm! Ottomans bring softness, texture, and a casual vibe, while coffee tables offer structure and tons of styling potential. Which do you prefer in your own home? Cozy ottoman or charming coffee table? Honestly, I’m team both.
Room ottomans are one of the most versatile and stylish pieces you can add to your living space—they’re functional, cozy, and full of personality.
From choosing among 17 stylish types to making your ottoman a true focal point with trays, bowls, flowers, board games, and even decorative pillows, there are so many ways to style it beautifully.

Recommended Reading
You may find more eclectic decorating inspiration in this Cottage Farmhouse Decor Trending Finds and Home Ideas post.
So tell me—are you team coffee table, team ottoman, or, like me, happily team both?


Frequently Asked Questions About Ottoman Decor Ideas
Styling your ottoman can be as simple as layering a decorative tray with vintage books, a candle, and a cozy throw. Ottoman decor ideas often include seasonal accents, fresh flowers, or sculptural objects that reflect your personal style.
Yes! An ottoman coffee table is one of the most versatile ottoman decor ideas. Add a large tray for stability, then style it with everyday essentials like coasters, a vase of flowers, or stacked books.
For larger pieces, consider layering with texture, like a sheepskin rug, oversized tray, or a folded blanket. You can divide the surface into zones for function (e.g., tray on one side, game board on the other) to make the most of your ottoman decor ideas.
Slipcovered ottomans in neutral tones like white, beige, or soft blue work beautifully in vintage-inspired rooms. Look for details like turned wooden legs, soft upholstery, or skirted designs to match your cozy aesthetic.
Try Four Seasons Furniture for customizable slipcovered options, or browse thrift shops, antique stores, and Facebook Marketplace for one-of-a-kind finds. Pair your ottoman with vintage tray decor and soft textiles for a unique look.
Your Guide to Embracing Eclectic Style, Vintage Finds, and Thrifted Home Inspiration~
Love decorating with vintage finds, thrifted treasures, and eclectic charm? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, share this post with a vintage-loving friend, or join our Reader’s Showcase Series — where we feature your favorite thrifted and antique finds. Email me at [email protected] to be part of it!
Pin forLater!


Hi Ann
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE the beautiful white ottoman especially since it has a washable cover!! Styling is endless and it looks so cozy. I’m on the lookout for one now!!!! Thank you!!👍😊
I’m so glad Kathy, I know it’s controversial, but I’m so in too, HA!
Hi Ann! Love your new ottoman and all the different styling options! Thanks for sharing my coffee table story! You are making me miss my ottoman, though! 😉
Thanks so much Molly, hah! So far it’s been a great addition, as I could never style our coffee table with my husband’s feet always on it, LOL Love your new coffee table too, though!
Hey Ann. Great change. I’m team ottoman. Can be used as a “foot prop”, a surface for trays and such and a seat. A table is just a table!
I’m so glad you like it Barb, so far it’s been a real win!