How to Style an Ottoman as a Coffee Table Alternative
By Sunday Citizen: The World’s Softest Luxury Bedding and Loungewear | Published: 2026-10-27
Category: How-to Guides
Turn your ottoman into a stylish coffee table alternative. Follow these steps to pick the right size, add a tray, and balance function with comfort.
Quick answer
Yes, you can use an ottoman as a coffee table alternative. The key is choosing a sturdy, flat-topped design and adding a serving tray to protect the fabric and create a stable surface for drinks, books, and decor.
Why choose an ottoman over a traditional coffee table?
An ottoman offers soft edges, a comfortable footrest, and often extra seating — none of which a hard coffee table provides. The trade-off is that fabric upholstery can stain or show wear from hot mugs and sharp objects. Using a tray or a protective mat solves that problem while keeping the cozy look.
Which ottoman works best for this purpose?
Look for an ottoman with a flat, stable top and a height similar to your sofa seat (typically 16–19 inches). The Hudson Ottoman attaches to modular seating and can double as a coffee table with a tray on top. The Dakota Ottoman and Lennox Indoor Ottoman both feature soft Teddy fabric and a generous footprint, making them great for resting feet or holding a tray. Avoid overly round or plush styles that won't hold a tray level.
How to style your ottoman as a coffee table in 4 steps
- Choose the right ottoman size and height: Measure your sofa seat height and choose an ottoman that's within 1–2 inches of that height. The top should be wide enough to hold a tray (at least 20 inches across). The Dakota Ottoman and Lennox Indoor Ottoman both offer a broad, flat surface ideal for this. Common mistake: picking an ottoman that's too low or too tall, making it awkward to reach from the sofa.
- Add a sturdy serving tray: Select a tray with a raised lip (at least 1 inch) to catch spills. Place it centered on the ottoman. Use a tray that's slightly smaller than the ottoman top so at least 2 inches of fabric show around the edges. This protects the fabric and gives you a stable surface for drinks, remotes, or a laptop. Checkpoint: the tray should not wobble. If it does, add a non-slip mat underneath.
- Layer decor around the tray: Place a small stack of books, a candle, or a low vase next to the tray (not on it) to keep the surface functional. Keep items under 6 inches tall so they don't block sightlines. For a cleaner look, limit decor to two pieces on the ottoman itself. Common mistake: overcrowding the ottoman so there's no room for a coffee mug or remote.
- Test the setup with daily use: Use the ottoman as your coffee table for a few days. If you find yourself constantly moving the tray to put your feet up, consider a second ottoman or a smaller side table for drinks. The Hudson Ottoman's modular connectors let you rearrange your layout easily if you need more surface area. Checkpoint: if the tray slides when you rest your feet, swap it for a tray with a rubberized bottom.
Product highlights
- Hudson Ottoman: The Hudson Ottoman can act as a coffee table alternative with a tray on top and attaches to other Hudson modules with hidden velcro connectors. If you have a modular sofa setup, this ottoman locks in place so it won't shift when you set down a drink or lean on it.
Hudson Ottoman - Dakota Ottoman: The Dakota Ottoman is generously sized with comfy cushioning and covered in luxuriously soft Teddy fabric. Its larger surface gives you room for a serving tray plus a few decor items, while the soft fabric invites you to put your feet up when the tray is removed.
Dakota Ottoman - Lennox Indoor Ottoman: The Lennox Indoor Ottoman features a Contour Foam base and memory foam blend cushion filling for comfortable support. The firm yet cushioned top keeps a tray stable and feels comfortable when used as a footrest between coffee table moments.
