Should an Ottoman Match a Sofa?

Est. Reading Time: 4 Mins

Ottomans and sofas are two of the most commonly used furniture pieces in any living room. But one question that often arises for homeowners looking to furnish or refresh their space is: Should an ottoman match a sofa?

While the answer depends largely on your personal style and the function of your space, there are several design principles and practical considerations that can help you make the right decision.

Whether you’re furnishing a modern home in downtown Ottawa or designing a cozy cottage-inspired room in Kanata, here’s everything you need to know.

Key Takeaways:

• Ottomans don’t always need to match your sofa, but they should coordinate in size, colour, and style.
• Matching ottomans create a cohesive and uniform look, while contrasting ottomans can add bold personality.
• Size and scale are essential: your ottoman should be proportionate to your sofa.
• Patterned or coloured ottomans can serve as stylish accents and focal points.
• Ottomans can pair just as well with reclining furniture as they can with stationary sofas.
  
  
  

In This Article…

1. Should an Ottoman Match a Sofa?
2. How to Coordinate vs. Contrast an Ottoman
3. What to Consider Before Choosing an Ottoman
4. FAQs

Should an Ottoman Match a Sofa?

The short answer? It depends. Matching your ottoman to your sofa can create a clean and cohesive look, especially if you prefer a minimalistic or traditional living room aesthetic. This can be easily achieved by selecting both pieces from the same furniture family, such as La-Z-Boy’s Paxton, which includes matching sofas, loveseats, and ottomans.

“Most people tend to go the easy way and get an ottoman that has the same style because they think it works better for their living room,” says Mary Lee Smyth, Interior Designer at La-Z-Boy Kingston.

However, Mary Lee also encourages customers to think creatively. “You don’t have to go this route every time. Picking an ottoman that isn’t from the same furniture family is always an option if you’re looking for more diversity in your pieces.” The key is coordination, not duplication.

To learn more about How to Mix and Match Patterns with Your Furniture, take a look at this article.

How to Coordinate vs. Contrast an Ottoman

Even if your ottoman isn’t an exact match, there are plenty of ways to ensure it complements your sofa beautifully.

1. Match or Mix Styles Thoughtfully

An ottoman doesn’t need to look identical to your sofa. Mixing materials (like pairing a leather ottoman with a fabric sofa) can create a rich, layered look. The important thing is to keep the overall style of your room in mind. Whether your space leans modern, rustic, or transitional, both pieces should contribute to a unified aesthetic.

To learn more about Mixing and Matching Fabric and Leather Furniture, take a look at this article.

2. Size & Proportion Matter

Mary Lee emphasizes the importance of proper scale: “You wouldn’t want your ottoman to be higher than your sofa… There needs to be a balance between the furniture pieces.”

Ottomans should generally be equal to or slightly lower than your sofa seat cushions — ideally, no more than four inches lower. If you prefer a more flexible arrangement, consider using two or more smaller ottomans instead of one large one. Mary Lee recalls a client who purchased four Leo Ottomans for a large living room and used them together or separately for hosting.

3. Get Creative with Colour & Pattern

Want to use your ottoman as an accent piece? This is where bold design choices shine. You can use your ottoman to introduce a new colour, texture, or pattern; just make sure it ties into the rest of your room’s palette. For example, if your Ottawa living room uses neutral tones, a burnt orange patterned ottoman can add a stylish pop of colour.

If you prefer a timeless look, sticking to the same colour as your sofa can simplify your decor and offer more flexibility to accessorize in the future. To learn more about Picking the Right Colour for Your Sofa, check out this article.

4. Yes, You Can Use Ottomans with Reclining Sofas

Reclining sofas often lack a built-in footrest for the middle seat. Adding an ottoman can provide comfort and functionality for the "middle guy,” as Mary Lee calls it. This is a simple way to increase comfort and make the most out of your seating arrangement.

5. Let the Ottoman Be the Star

In some living rooms, the ottoman doesn’t just support the sofa, it steals the show. Opting for a bold ottoman design while keeping your sofa more neutral can create an eye-catching focal point that elevates your space. Think of it as your living room conversation starter.

What to Consider Before Choosing an Ottoman

If you're still on the fence about what ottoman works best for your space, here are a few steps to take before purchasing:

• Order Fabric Swatches: If shopping in person or online, request swatches to test out colours, textures, and durability in your home’s lighting.
• Use Design Tools: Create a mood board on platforms like Pinterest or try La-Z-Boy’s 3D Room Planner to visualize your living room setup.
• Measure Your Space: Take note of dimensions before buying. Ottomans can quickly feel oversized or underwhelming if they don’t match the scale of your room.

Need help? La-Z-Boy offers complimentary design services across our Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston showrooms, making it easier than ever to find furniture that fits both your home and lifestyle.

FAQs

Do ottomans have to be from the same furniture brand as the sofa?

Not at all! While it’s convenient to buy from the same brand or collection, as long as your ottoman coordinates in size, colour, and style, it will work beautifully.

Can I use multiple ottomans in one living room?

Yes! Especially for larger spaces, using two or more ottomans can add flexibility and function, from footrests to extra seating.

What shape of ottoman works best with a sectional sofa?

A round ottoman typically works best with an L-shaped sectional because it provides easier access from all sides and helps maintain a natural flow in the seating arrangement. Its curved shape also softens the angles of the sectional, creating a more balanced look.

What's Next?

Now that you know if an ottoman should match a sofa, you’re one step closer to figuring out what your living room should look like! 

If you’re interested in what La-Z-Boy has to offer, check out our articles on the Best-Selling Ottomans and Best-Selling Sofas to see what ideas you can get from our furniture selection.

If you’d like to browse our furniture selection in person, visit one of our La-Z Boy Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston stores today or schedule a visit online before coming in. 

Our design consultants are always eager to lend a helping hand. Not only are they trained in knowing the large variety of furniture offered at La-Z-Boy, but they are also experts in furniture fitting and design.

You can also take advantage of our complimentary interior design services to see how our living room furniture could fit in your home. To learn more about La-Z-Boy’s Home Decor selections, check out this comprehensive buyer’s guide.

Related Articles:

Review of the Mackenzie Furniture Family

Review of the Petra Furniture Family

Review of the Laurel Furniture Family