Some furnishings define a living room – a statement sofa being the obvious starting point, followed by a coffee table and a beautiful accent chair. It's high time, however, that the often-overlooked ottoman has its moment in the sun, and it would seem that Kelly Clarkson agrees.
The singer, who has a long-standing partnership with Wayfair, has curated the perfect ottoman – formally known as the Noelle Upholstered Ottoman (available via Wayfair). Most importantly, the neutral piece offers all the versatility you'd come to expect – pulling triple duty as an extra seat, a spot to kick up your feet, and a surface for serving trays. Meanwhile, in true ottoman style, its lid lifts up to reveal room for throws and pillows.
Decorating with neutral furniture is one way to ensure your living room or bedroom has breathability, and this ottoman allows precisely that. Its easy-to-style colorway fits seamlessly with various design aesthetics – whether you're a minimalist or you're using it to interrupt a maximalist space.
Featuring a beautiful neutral hue and a soft brushed finish, this ottoman is almost too beautiful to be functional. The seat is filled with foam to provide ample support, while button tufting completes the design.
With an ottoman's qualities considered, it's no surprise that they are highly regarded among celebrities (case in point, Kelly Clarkson) and top design experts alike.
'Ottomans are one of the most versatile pieces of furniture. Not only can they be used to store blankets and spare cushions (and even toys if you have little ones), but they can also be an impromptu perching spot and double as a coffee table when you add a large tray to the mix,' comments Sue Jones, the co-founder and creative director at OKA.
'To create a sense of unity, try a tray that's the same shape as your ottoman before accessorizing as you please. Multifunctional pieces like ottomans are also great in rooms with a minimalist aesthetic because it means you'll need fewer large items that could clutter up your space.'
Kelly Clarkson also has us covered when styling an ottoman. Emma Deterding, the founder and creative director of Kelling Designs, emphasizes the usefulness of a tray to make a mini coffee table. Meanwhile, we recommend topping it with a perfectly placed throw or cushion.
Elevate your hosting skills with this elegant serving tray, perfect for placing on top of an ottoman. Its round design features a marble base, while the shiny metal rim provides a modern contrast that works well as an accent piece on any surface.
This leather pillow adds visual interest and texture to any sofa or accent chair. We love its timeless colorway, and how its faux leather exterior is set to stand the test of time.
This rectangular serving tray features a streamlined design with antique-inspired elements, which are ideal for displaying a collection of candles or a few pieces of your favorite decor. Crafted from aluminum, it offers a metallic finish perfect for serving your favorite cocktail.
'When styling an ottoman, you want to add lots of layers to visual interest. A stack of books or magazines will add dimension and texture, whilst a statement tray in a complementary or contrasting shade will allow you to keep smaller items like candles, coasters, or a vase with flowers organized,' Emma says.
'Whether you place one in the living room to anchor your seating area, have one at the foot of the bed in the bedroom, or even in a walk-in closet, an ottoman will bring comfort, practicality, and, more importantly, a burst of color and pattern to any space.'
