An ottoman coffee table is one of the most practical pieces you can put in a British living room: a single upholstered box that stands in for a coffee table, a footstool and an extra seat all at once. This collection gathers our mixed-shape designs — square, cube and rectangular — in velvet and deep-buttoned Chesterfield finishes, in both hidden-storage and non-storage styles, with prices from around £110.
In short: a table stool (or ottoman coffee table) is a soft-topped, upholstered piece that works as a coffee table, a footrest and occasional seating in one. Choose a storage version when you want a hidden compartment for throws and clutter, or a non-storage version when you simply want a firm, handsome surface. Sizes here run from compact cubes for small UK flats up to large 80 cm-plus squares for family sitting rooms.
What is a table stool, and how is it different from a plain footstool?
A plain footstool has one job: to rest your feet. A table stool — the pieces in this collection — is built to do more. The top is firm and level enough to take a tray, a book or a cup, so it doubles as a coffee table, while the padded upholstery still makes a comfortable footrest or a spare seat when guests arrive. It is the classic "does the work of three" argument for anyone furnishing a smaller UK home, where floor space is at a premium and every piece needs to earn its place.
Because the range covers mixed shapes, you can match the piece to the gap you actually have: a cube tucks beside a sofa arm, a square anchors the centre of a seating group, and a rectangle bridges the space in front of a two- or three-seater. For a fuller explanation of the category, see our guide to what an ottoman storage bench is and what to look for.
What shapes and sizes are in this collection?
This is our "mixed shapes" range, so it deliberately spans several footprints rather than one. As a rough starting point for planning your room, these are the typical categories you will find here — always check the exact figures on each product page before buying, as sizes vary by design.
| Style | Typical footprint | Best for |
|---|
| Cube ottoman / stool | ~40×40 cm | Small flats, beside a sofa arm, occasional seat |
| Small square coffee table | ~50×50 cm | Compact living rooms, a side or centre piece |
| Large square ottoman table | ~80×80 cm and up | Family sitting rooms, central coffee-table role |
| Rectangular ottoman bench | ~100 cm+ long | In front of a larger sofa, or as a window bench |
Should I choose a storage or a non-storage table stool?
Both styles sit in this collection, and the right choice comes down to what you need the piece to do. A storage table stool has a lifting top and a hollow interior, ideal for hiding throws, magazines, board games or seasonal clutter while keeping the room tidy — browse the dedicated storage coffee table range or our wider storage footstool collection if a hidden compartment is your priority. A non-storage piece has a fixed, fully-padded top; it is simpler, often firmer underfoot, and a good pick when you mainly want a stylish surface and extra seating rather than concealed storage.
What height should an ottoman coffee table be next to a UK sofa?
For a piece that works as both a footrest and a coffee table, aim for a height that sits roughly level with, or just below, your sofa's seat cushion — for most UK sofas that means somewhere around 40–45 cm. Match it too tall and it is awkward to rest your feet on; too low and it feels lost in front of a deep sofa. Measure your seat height before you choose, and if nothing in the standard range fits your room, we also offer a made-to-measure service.
How do I style a table stool in a British living room?
Because these pieces are upholstered rather than hard-topped, a slim tray turns any of them into a stable surface for drinks and remotes while keeping the soft look. A velvet or Chesterfield finish reads as a considered accent in a neutral room; a single bold colour — navy, mustard, forest green — lifts an otherwise plain scheme without the commitment of a large piece. Pair with a side table for a coordinated look, and keep at least 40–45 cm of walkway around the piece so people can pass comfortably and any lid can open fully.
Frequently asked questions
What is an ottoman coffee table and how is it different from a footstool?
An ottoman coffee table is an upholstered, soft-topped piece designed to work as a coffee table, a footrest and occasional seating in one. A plain footstool is made only for resting your feet, whereas a table stool has a firm, level top that also takes a tray, book or cup, making it a genuine multi-use piece for smaller UK rooms.
Can you sit on the ottoman coffee tables in this collection?
Yes. These pieces are built as multi-use furniture, so they double as an occasional seat as well as a footrest and a table surface. For everyday use as extra seating, always check the individual product page for the specific dimensions and construction, as size and firmness vary across the mixed-shape range.
What is the right height for a coffee table ottoman next to a UK sofa?
Aim for a height that sits roughly level with, or just below, your sofa's seat cushion — for most UK sofas that is around 40 to 45 cm. This keeps it comfortable as a footrest and useful as a coffee-table surface. Measure your sofa seat height before choosing, and consider our made-to-measure service if you need an exact fit.
Do these ottoman coffee tables have storage inside?
Some do and some do not — this collection includes both storage and non-storage styles. A storage version has a lifting top and a hollow interior for throws, magazines or clutter, while a non-storage version has a fixed, fully-padded top. Each product page states clearly whether the piece has a storage compartment.
What shapes and sizes does the collection include?
This is a mixed-shapes range covering cubes (around 40 by 40 cm), small and large squares (from about 50 by 50 cm up to 80 by 80 cm and larger) and rectangular ottoman benches over 100 cm long. Compact cubes suit small UK flats, while larger squares and rectangles work as a central coffee table or a bench in family living rooms.
