CHOOSING THE RIGHT STYLE
Which Ottoman Leg Should I Choose?
You should choose an ottoman leg that makes your ottoman your preferred height.
🕓 5 min read | Expert advice from our design team
Quick Answer
To get your leg selection right you should start with your preferred overall ottoman height and subtract the height of the padded part. This will tell you how tall the leg needs to be to obtain your preferred height. Next, it is a case of toning your leg colour to your existing furniture and considering if you would benefit from castors to move the ottoman around. The ‘right’ leg is a design and functional choice.
See how to determine your ideal ottoman height ⟶
Extended Answer
After making 1000s of custom ottomans we recommend thinking about they leg you will choose early on in your design journey. Choosing the right leg seems like a relatively small specification but it actually has a large impact on functionality, character and proportions, not least the overall finished height of your ottoman.
Start With The Height You Need
Legs form part of the overall height of your ottoman. A taller leg makes the ottoman feel lighter. A shorter leg can give it a more grounded appearance. Your finished overall height will also be partly decided buy what you intend to use your ottoman for, taller for a coffee table or extra seating, shorter as a footrest.
We suggest thinking about the whole ottoman height, not just choosing an ottoman leg based on its looks.
DESIGN TIP Think silhouette, not just leg. Standing away from the area your ottoman will sit in will give you the opportunity to consider the ottoman’s scale and proportion and how much it visually ‘weighs’.
Let The Leg Help Set The Style
Different leg designs can change the character of of your ottoman and your room. For example a turned leg looks more traditional whilst a simple tapered leg can look cleaner and more contemporary. Darker timber can give more definition whilst a lighter wood can be softer or lighter in appearance.
These are not rigid rules, the colour of your ottoman and surrounding furniture also have a part to play.
EXAMPLE A simple, plain top ottoman can look very different depending on the style of leg chosen. In a neutral plain fabric a turned, dark wood leg can add character and look more traditional. The same fabric with a simple pale or natural coloured leg can look more relaxed and modern.
Coordinate, Don’t Automatically Match
You don’t need to fully match your ottoman legs to your other furniture. Look at the room as a whole and decide what brings it all together. Repeating or complementing your existing furniture can make the room feel cohesive. Equally, an intentional contrast can make the ottoman a feature.
BALANCE TIP If there is a common theme in your room, it can be nice to pick this up as an accent – for instance, if you have brass door furniture, consider a leg that has brass castors or cups to gently tie the ottoman into the room.
Expert Tip
Choosing the wrong leg with The Ottoman Workshop is NOT the end of the world. Our ottomans are made so that the legs are easily interchangeable using a strong M8 thread. We also run many more legs than our website can offer at any one time so just ask our stylist for advice on getting it right.
Key Takeaways
- Leg choice affects both height and appearance
- Different legs can change the character of your ottoman
- Consider how much of the leg you wish to be visible
- The leg finish should work with the room but doesn’t need to match other furniture exactly
- Choose the leg based on the overall specification of your ottoman not simply as a finishing touch
IN THIS GUIDE
• Choosing the right leg
• Choosing a leg shape/style
• Putting the whole look together
• What to think about when choosing your leg
Still Need Help?
Chat with our design team for free, expert advice tailored to your space.
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• Choosing Upholstery Fabric
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• Delivery & Ordering
• Made to measure options
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