How Do I Choose the Best Leather Cocktail Ottoman?

A leather cocktail ottoman can add a touch of class to most living rooms or lounges, but choosing the best one will take a bit of patience and research. The ottoman will be a great place to rest one's feet, or it may be a good place to put down a drink, so before choosing the leather cocktail ottoman that will work for you, be sure to determine how the ottoman is most likely to be used on a regular basis. If the ottoman will be used for family activities, you may want to consider a durable unit that can withstand regular abuse.

If you are considering a leather cocktail ottoman for a lounge, try to choose a model that will be attractive yet functional. People will most likely want to put a drink on the ottoman, so choose one that is not overly upholstered; too much upholstery can set a drink off balance, leading to spills. Some leather cocktail ottoman models account for this by including a section that is hard wood rather than upholstered, which allows a person to place a drink on the hard surface while still enjoying the plushness of the upholstered section. The hard surface can be in a different location on the ottoman depending on the manufacturer's preference, so choose the one that works best for you.

Many people choose to buy a leather cocktail ottoman to function as a focal point in a lounge or other living space, so it is important to choose a unit that is very attractive. You will need to do a bit of research so you are able to recognize high-grade leather. Lower-grade leather may have blemishes, and it may not be as durable or attractive in the long run. High-grade leather will wear nicely and become even more attractive with age, and it will not feature blemishes that will adversely affect the overall aesthetic of the piece.

The base of the leather cocktail ottoman should be attractive and functional. You may choose a base that is comprised simply of individual legs that are ornately carved, or you may choose a base that features slide-out drawers or hard surfaces. Simpler designs tend to be less expensive, while more functional designs, such as ones with drawers, shelves, or other surfaces, may be more expensive. Try to choose an ottoman with a base made from fine woods that complement the leather.