Five great spots for an ottoman

Here's how I wake up every morning: I pour myself a big cup of coffee, then settle into my favorite chair with my feet propped up on an ottoman. As the caffeine works its magic, I go over the day's activities until I'm fully awake and ready to get at it. I think of that ottoman as my daily launching pad, proof that these relatively small pieces of furniture can play a big role in home decor — and life. Here are five of my favorite places to use ottomans:

1. As a coffee table

My all-time favorite way to use an ottoman is as a coffee table, operating as a very stylish hub of a living room or family room. Since ottomans come in just about every shape, size and style, the sky is the limit. Right now at Nell Hill's, we're placing lots of large, square ottomans at the center of conversation areas, which could include a sectional sofa and chairs, two sofas, or a cluster of chairs. These big beauties really become a focal point in a room and look great topped with a display grounded on a tray — or with nothing on them at all.

Coffee-table ottomans are an ideal place to experiment with bolder fabrics, like large-scaled patterns and strong colors — statement textiles you might not want on a piece as large as a sofa or chair. We're putting lots of contemporary and transitional fabrics on ottomans right now for folks who want to freshen up a room without the cost of buying a new sofa or chair. Then, if you get tired of the fabric, no problem. It only takes a few yards to reupholster an ottoman. Or, try this: Have two slipcovers made for your ottoman that you switch out seasonally, one that is bright and light and summery; the other richer and heavier for winter.

I often use benches and ottomans interchangeably because they really serve the same purpose. How about a bench as a coffee table? Benches are also great in front of fireplaces, in entryways, pulled up to vanities or tucked under tables. They add another layer and give you instant seating when you're in a pinch. Like ottomans, they are easy to reupholster, so you can have some fun with them.

2. Under a piano

If you are lucky enough to have a grand piano, try this: Tuck a round, skirted, tufted ottoman into the curve of the piano. It melds with the sensuous lines of the piano and balances the piano's hard, gleaming surface.

3. Under a table

The other day I worked with a customer to design a custom ottoman that will tuck up under a table in her foyer. It gave her a chance to add some color and pattern to the room, plus a little spot for guests to sit on to remove wet shoes. It's a great place to toss a purse or the day's mail, too.

I really like to place a few cube ottomans under sofa tables to fill in the empty space between their long, thin legs. We layer up the top of these tables with lamps and accessories, but if there is nothing underneath them, they can appear top-heavy. When you entertain, pull out the cubes and use them as extra seating.

4. At the end of the bed

Placing an ottoman at the end of a bed is a lovely way to provide a nice, graduated finish to the foot of your bed design. If your bed is covered in pillows, like mine is, you can pile the pillows on the ottoman at night. In the morning, use this little seat when you slip on your shoes.

When you pick out an ottoman for the end of your bed, or for a seat for a bedroom vanity, get one that is tall enough to use as an extra chair when you entertain. When I'm hosting a big dinner party, I commandeer the ottomans and benches from all over the house so guests have a spot to sit while they dine.

5. With a chair

Maybe I'm stating the obvious here, since the original intent of the ottoman was to nestle up at the end of a chair and hold your tired, aching feet. But since I use ottomans in so many ways, I have to remind myself to use them as a footstool. I'm a fan of ottomans that match the style and upholstery fabric of the chair they accompany, and of those that look completely different from their partner chair. I like them nestled up next to the chair, centered between two chairs so you can use one with a buddy. And I like them sitting next to a chair when they are not in use, acting as a side table.

It's all good, so experiment until you get a look you love.

Ÿ Adapted from Mary Carol Garrity's blog at nellhills.com.