When it comes to spending time outside, comfort should be one of your primary goals. An ottoman is an especially versatile piece of outdoor furniture, because not only can you put your foot up, but you can make use of extra storage for anything you might want to use during your outdoor get-togethers. Not only that, but you can use it for additional seating when you have people over.
Considerations for Buying an Outdoor Ottoman
If you’re looking for an outdoor ottoman, there are things you should consider. By thinking about your space and what you need, you’ll be able to make a better buying decision and get more use out of your ottoman.
Material
There are a lot of options when it comes to ottoman materials. Many frames are made of PE wicker, high-grade plastic, or powder-coated aluminum while cushions should be made with fade-resistant and weather-resistant materials that can handle exposure to direct sunlight and moisture.
Aluminum is lightweight, but sturdy, and is one of the strongest materials you can find. It might cost a little bit more, but it will last longer and show less wear and tear. For more affordable ottomans, choose plastic or wicker. These are still sturdy enough to withstand heavy use but may not last as long as aluminum.
Weight capacity
If you’re using your ottoman for a footrest, you may not need it to hold a lot of weight. However, if you’re going to use it for extra seating, you’ll need something that can handle the weight. If you are willing to spend the money on a quality ottoman, it can support 200-300 pounds, perhaps more. Lightweight ottomans may only hold about 100 pounds.
Size
Ottomans vary in shape and design, so it’s probably not surprising that you’ll find outdoor ottomans in a wide variety of sizes. It’s difficult to find square and round ottomans larger than about 20 inches, but rectangular and oval options can be found up to 56 inches.
You may also find asymmetrical ottomans that fall within this range as well. If you like odd shapes, they may be more difficult to find, but they do exist.
Height
Much like an indoor ottoman or coffee table, the height of your outdoor ottoman needs to match your furniture. While you can find ottomans anywhere in the range of 8-17 inches, you need to choose a height that’s about 2 inches lower than the cushions on your seating. This makes it a convenient and comfortable place to put your feet up as well as eat or sit.
Storage
Outdoor ottomans are great options for extra storage, and many of them have storage beneath the cushions. These help to keep your patio or pool area clean and picked up. They open on a hinge or the top comes off completely, to reveal room for pillows, blankets, toys, and other backyard accessories.
Some ottomans are even insulated and can double as coolers or places to keep extra food and drinks during parties or backyard gatherings.
Removable covers
Outdoor ottomans will gather dirt, especially if they’re outside all the time. They’re under the attack of weather when they’re not being used, and they’re often used barefoot or used for eating, so they will get dirty.
Look for ottomans with removable covers that are machine washable. You can clean them more easily this way, and you can even replace them if they get stained or damaged in some other way.
This is also a great way to change out your design seasonally, but purchasing a variety of colors and patterns.
Lid design
Some outdoor ottomans have lids that you can turn over to reveal a flat surface. These types of ottomans are very versatile because the cushion side can be used to prop your feet up or for extra seating while the flat side makes a great table for eating or placing drinks.
Indoor/outdoor Styles
You can find ottomans that work well indoors and outdoors, so they look much more like indoor furniture. Some people prefer these designs for mudrooms, screened-in porches, or sunrooms. They’re versatile enough to work in rooms that are an extension of your indoor space while featuring the same versatility and strength as a piece of outdoor furniture.
Price
You can find very affordable outdoor ottomans in a lot of places, and many styles cost less than $30. If you want it to double as seating or storage, you may pay a bit more. However, for very durable and quality outdoor ottomans, you may pay up to $150 or more.
For premium ottomans that are extra-large, highly styled, or made of other premium materials can cost up to $1000 or more. These are frequently built to look exactly like indoor furniture, built to be very sturdy, and contain premium fabric.
Accessories
If you’re purchasing an outdoor ottoman, you may also want to consider some accessories to go along with it. This makes it a more functional piece, allowing you to create a multifunctional entertainment and relaxation space.
Look for ottomans that come with serving trays, extra covers, pumps for inflatable ottomans, and even spare parts for repairs.
Product Recommendations
If you’re looking for a new outdoor ottoman, there are a lot of options on the market. Here are some of the best products you can buy, and each suits its own unique purpose. Consider these and similar features while you shop.
Kettler Roma Patio Ottoman
This cute and versatile stool makes a great place for you to kick up your feet and relax. It’s lightweight and affordable, so you can get one for each seat on your patio. You can use it to rest your feet, or it can double as extra seating. It also functions well as a side table for drinks and food.
It’s simple, but durable, making it a great choice for your outdoor space. It’s made from high-impact resin, so it’s weatherproof and scratch-resistant. It will also withstand a fair amount of corrosion. The stool is foldable, so you can break it down and put it away when you don’t need it. It gives you the flexibility to rearrange and store the stools you don’t need in a small closet.
Pros
- White, classy design
- Adjustable and space-saving
- Versatile
- Durable, weatherproof, and scratch-resistant
Cons
- Requires some assembly
Kozyard Inflatable Ottoman
If you’ve never seen an inflatable ottoman before, this is perhaps one of the most attractive you’ll ever see. It’s a gorgeous gray color with a bohemian pattern. It’s a charming ottoman that offers versatility and easy storage.
It comes with its own air pump so you can easily blow it up whenever you need it and then deflate it again for storage. The double piping offers reinforcement, so this ottoman can hold more weight than most other inflatables.
It will support up to 300 pounds, making it incredibly safe for adults, and withstand children who like to play. It includes a handle that makes it easy to carry and the fabric is water repellant, so it’s a great piece to use by the pool or for camping.
The spun poly material is incredibly easy to wipe down, so this piece will be a breeze to clean, and it’s fade-resistant, so if you accidentally leave it out in the sun, it won’t damage the coloring.
Pros
- Versatile
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Comes with pump
- Holds up to 300 pounds
Cons
- Cover may not fit if over-inflated
Household Essentials ML-5005 Resin Wicker Footstool
This resin wicker footstool is made completely by hand, adding something unique to your outdoor space without breaking the bank. In fact, it is designed to function as both an indoor and an outdoor piece, so the quality design and appearance will compliment almost any area.
The low-profile stool makes a great accent, a side table, or an ottoman for a low-profile sofa or chair. It’s corrosion-resistant and sustainable, made with tight weaves and durable metal. Everything is easy to wash, and it’s weatherproof, so you can leave it outside all the time.
Hand-crafted with excellence, this piece looks luxurious and offers intricate detail that expresses your personality.
Pros
- Compact design
- Handmade with quality
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Great for indoor or outdoor use
Cons
- Top isn’t perfectly flat
Best Choice Products Wicker Ottomans
This set of two ottomans is not only attractive but highly functional. They feature hidden storage for gardening supplies, pool toys, entertaining, and more. They are made with weather-resistant material that’s durable and easy to clean.
All-weather wicker is wrapped around a sturdy steel frame while cushions attached to the hinged lids are comfortable and stylish. These thick cushions are detachable, so you can bring them inside or put them away when you’re done.
These make for excellent footrests as well as additional seating when you have guests. You can even remove the cushions for the perfect set of side tables.
Pros
- Versatile and attractive
- Durable
- Hidden storage
- Detachable cushions
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Expensive
Soleil Jardin Outdoor Ottomans
These two ottomans make the perfect modern pair. Smooth lines and clean finishes give you an enhanced modern look and they’re perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. The all-weather aluminum frame makes them lightweight, but durable.
The seat cushions feature zippers for easy removal and cleaning. While in use, the hooks secure them to the frame so they won’t blow away in the wind. You can adjust the height of the frame to make them even, even if you have an uneven outdoor surface.
These can be used as footrests or small seats so you can relax with your family and friends. Better yet, they ship fully assembled.
Pros
- Modern design
- Lightweight and durable
- Easy to clean
- Versatile
Cons
- Company may be hard to work with
FAQs
Question: What is the Proper Height for an Ottoman?
Answer: Ottomans usually measure a bit shorter than the cushions on your seating. Most ottomans come between 15.5 and 22 inches. Some people prefer ottomans to be the same height as the seating while others will prefer them a bit shorter. It all depends on your personal preference and what you find most comfortable.
Question: Should an Ottoman be the Same Height as the Chair?
Answer: Your ottoman doesn’t have to be the same height as your chair or sofa. While some people like the way the eye travels over the even furniture height, others think it’s more comfortable to sit with their feet propped up on something that’s slightly lower.
Question: Are Ottomans Comfortable?
Answer: Ottomans are intended to offer comfort and relaxation. Choosing the right ottoman for your space will give people a comfortable place to rest their feet, but ottomans often do more than that. They can offer additional seating and storage or double as side tables.
Question: What are Outdoor Poufs Filled With?
Answer: Many people choose poufs as ottoman solutions because they’re funky and fun. These types of ottomans usually have a polyester bean filling like a beanbag, gut you can fill them with foam or beads as well.
These types of ottomans have given, but still over the support that doesn’t get compacted over time as people use them.
Best Outdoor Ottoman: Final Thoughts
When shopping for the right ottoman for your space, keep in mind how you want it to function. Ease of use, versatility, and maintenance are some top considerations. My personal favorite is the Best Choice Products set of two because they are comfortable enough to sit on and they offer extra storage. Not only that, but the cushion is removable so you can wash them easily or use the ottomans as side tables.
There are plenty of options out there that offer you variety and function. What you choose will depend on how you’re using it and the kind of seating and comfort you need in your space.
- How to Find the Best Patio Loveseat - October 6, 2021
- How to Find the Best Outdoor Ottoman - September 15, 2021