Is the ottoman taking the place of the original coffee table?

I'm in the process of puchasing a new living room suit, I like the sectionals, but every display I see, has a ottoman instead of a coffe table. I like it, but what kind of items do I put on there(books, ash trays, flower arrangements etc.), because what do a person do with their coffe cups,cocktail or drinking glasses?

Is the ottoman taking the place of the original coffee table?
I work in a Contemporary Interior Design store and no they're not replacing them. They are optional. They do make ottomans that have reversible hard surfaces. The top is cushion for a foot rest and when you flip it over it has a tray (with for sides). Some of these ottomans are chests as well, so they are really a good buy, with three purposes. Most people purchase sectionals with ottomans %26amp; end tables. You can get the sectional and skip the ottomans and get a coffee table instead or yes, if the ottoman is big enough get trays.
Reply:I'm not a fan of ottomans for anything except putting up your feet.


An upholstered or leather surface used otherwise is bound to get stained; it's just not the most stable place to put drinks and such.





Plus--when you substitute an ottoman for a cocktail/coffee table, you lose the great texture and interest that wood accent furniture gives to contrast with the upholstered sectional.





If you don't don't replace your furniture very often, then it's better to stay away from a trend that will leave your room looking dated in a couple of years. I'd go with wood or even wrought iron/glass...something classic and durable.
Reply:The displays show an ottoman to keep it simple and uncluttered, because they have to fit all parts of the sectional into one picture. Some people do use an ottoman with a large tray on top, but for most people it really isn't practical. I hate being at someone's house an not having a surface to put my glass or coffee cup on, and I don't want to be worrying about spilling.





An ottoman is still good for putting your feet up!
Reply:Don't drink in the living room.
Reply:I must have misunderstood. In my time, an ottoman was a foot rest. How can a foot rest take the place of a coffee table? They are two entirely different pieces, with very different uses.
Reply:A lot of them open up...but that is so tacky...stay with a coffee table....really....unless yo uare planning to add shag carpet too.


Cheers in your decorating!!!!!!!
Reply:you can use the ottoman as an extra seat, if you need a place for a Glass, a mug or anything you can always buy an extra coffee-table or end-tables, also a lot of sectionals have the optional fold down backrest with built in cup-holders. Check it out at a furniture store.
Reply:What do you want you or your guests to place there? Are you serving something? Ottoman with a serving tray.....fits right in with your question. What is the focus of the room you are furnishing and who will you invite into this room? Think about why any building is built. Purpose/Function...then fit it into your budget.

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