Outdoor Ottomans, Footstools, & Poufs

Ottomans aren't just for the indoors. Their outdoor counterparts bring your patio lounge area one step closer to the comfort of your living room. They're one of the most versatile pieces of outdoor furniture, serving many functions. In this shopping guide, we will explore the different types of outdoor ottomans and their uses, features to consider when shopping for an ottoman, and some tips on how to style them in your backyard.

How to Style Your Outdoor Ottoman

As a footrest

The most common way to use an outdoor ottoman is to enhance your relaxation. Prop your feet up while reading a book poolside. This provides extra comfort while adding a touch of style to your outdoor space. The Gloster Bay Ottoman makes an excellent footrest, thanks to its oversized upholstered cushion. Many products are designed only to be used as a footrest for a specific chair or sofa.

As a coffee table

Ottomans with a wide flat surface, such as the Barlow Tyrie Ascot Folding Footstool, can be used as a coffee table by placing a tray on top of it. This provides a flat surface for drinks and snacks while adding a touch of elegance to your outdoor space. Some ottomans, such as the one in DEDON’s AHNDA collection, even have a removable foam pad that can be interchanged with a glass top, an elegant way to transform a seat into a table at a moment’s notice.

As extra seating

Ottomans can be used as extra seating when you have guests over. Since they are small, easy to store, and lightweight, ottomans can be stored for special occasions or moved around the garden from a footstool to an extra seat. The DEDON SEAX Footstool is commonly chosen to also be used as extra seating.

Other Types of Patio Ottomans

Storage Ottomans

Storage Ottomans serve a dual purpose by providing storage space and a comfortable place to sit. These ottomans come with a removable top that reveals a hollow space inside. They are perfect for small balcony spaces or patios that require extra storage space.

Cube Ottomans

Cube Ottomans are compact and can easily fit into small spaces, pushed up close to other deep seating furniture to extend the seating area or save space. They can be used as an extra seat, footrest, or even a side table. Most cube ottomans in our catalog, like the Gloster Maya Square Ottoman, are part of a modular seating collection and can be styled like a chaise lounge when pushed up against a sofa.

Features to Consider When Shopping for an Ottoman

Size

The most important factor when choosing an ottoman is to ensure that it is a good fit with your lounge chair or sofa. Many lounge collections will include an ottoman that fits perfectly with an accompanying seating option, making an ottoman and matching chair an ideal set. If you buy an ottoman for a sofa or chair you already own, measure the height and width of the seat and choose an ottoman with matching dimensions. The height of the ottoman should match the seat height of the chair or sofa.

Fabric

The fabric of the ottoman you select should complement the decor of your outdoor space. Consider the color, texture, and pattern of the fabric when making your selection. Again, the material and fabric of your ottoman should pair with the rest of your lounge furniture.

Shape

Select an ottoman shape that complements the layout of your outdoor space. Round ottomans are perfect for open spaces, while square ottomans are ideal for creating a cohesive look. Some footrests, like the one in the Houe Click collection, slope to the perfect angle of a matching chair. When these footrests are pushed next to the seat, they act as a cohesive extension to create a chaise lounger.

FAQs

What is the difference between a pouf and an ottoman?

Pouf ottomans don’t have any visible legs, making them a lightweight option for smaller spaces. They are upholstered in weatherproof fabric, acting as a comfortable extra seat or footrest. Some models have removable covers for easy cleaning.

How do I clean an outdoor ottoman?

The cleaning process depends on the fabric of your ottoman. Check the manufacturer's instructions for specific cleaning recommendations. In general, you can spot-clean the ottoman using a damp cloth and mild detergent. You can find our Care Products here.

Can I use an ottoman outdoors?

Yes, all of our ottomans can be used outdoors since they have been specifically designed for outdoor use. Our ottomans can withstand most natural conditions and are made of waterproof and UV-resistant materials. We recommend that you store or cover an ottoman during the winter months.