🪧 Rule #21 — Ottomans can double as coffee tables
Nothing says “casual elegance” like a tray-topped ottoman.
Why This Rule Matters
When staging for lifestyle, flexibility wins. A standard coffee table is expected — it tells no story. But an ottoman introduces softness, shape, and the sense that the space adapts to its owner. It invites the buyer to imagine stretching out, hosting friends, resting a book or a foot. Especially in smaller homes, this choice makes the room feel curated, not constrained.
How to Apply It in Real Homes
Choose ottomans with clean lines and subtle texture — boucle, light linen, or structured velvet work best. The key is balance: it must be firm enough to hold a tray and decorative pieces, but plush enough to suggest comfort.
Example: In a Waterloo apartment, we swapped a dark timber coffee table for a round ivory ottoman with a brass-rimmed tray. The effect was instant — the living zone felt brighter, lighter, and more luxurious, even without adding any extra space.
🧠 What Buyers Really Think
They’re not consciously judging the coffee table — they’re feeling the atmosphere. Ottomans read as relaxed and upscale. The buyer might think, “I’d love to sink into this room after work.” That’s an emotional win.
✨ Transformation Snapshot
Before: Heavy rectangular table, visual dead weight in the middle of the room.
After: Soft, round ottoman, styled with a minimal tray and a single sculptural object. Light bounced off the textures instead of dying on the surface.
🗣️ Agent’s Voice
“Every time we use an ottoman instead of a table, the feedback is the same — the room just feels more inviting.”
— Mark T., McGrath
❌ Trap to Avoid
Don’t choose a shapeless pouf or a sinking cushion. If it looks sloppy or can’t hold styling pieces, it won’t perform — visually or practically.
Final Thought
An ottoman is more than a surface — it’s a signal that the home fits real life.
🧭 Navigation
◀ Previous: Rule #20 — Avoid placing TV as the focal point if staging for lifestyle
▶ Next: Rule #22 — Floating furniture can unlock small spaces
Want insider tips on home staging every week? Join 1,200+ real estate pros and homeowners who read the Goldpac Styling Guide 📩