How to Pick the Right Ottoman, Bench, or Side Table
There’s nothing better than coming home after a long day, kicking off your shoes, and putting your feet up. That little moment of comfort? It all comes down to having the right piece—whether it’s a cozy ottoman, a sturdy bench, or a side table that actually fits your space.
The first time I bought these pieces, I went for whatever looked good. If it matched my style, I was sold. But I quickly realized that looks aren’t everything. Some fabrics wear out too fast, some benches feel like sitting on a rock, and some side tables are more wobbly than helpful. After a few mistakes, I finally figured out what really matters. One big lesson? The material makes all the difference.
The fabric or finish you choose affects not just how it looks but how long it lasts and how practical it is. According to Sofa Trends for 2025 — The 7 Styles the World's Best Designers Are Choosing Now, beyond eye-catching designs, the most popular materials this year include bouclé, linen, velvet, and leather—each with its own strengths and drawbacks. To save you the trial and error, we did a quick breakdown of different materials so you can pick something that looks great, feels right, and actually holds up.
|
Material |
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
Best For |
|
Soft and cozy texture adds a stylish, modern look; durable for daily use |
Prone to snagging, attracts pet hair and lint, requires regular vacuuming and maintenance |
Homes with a modern or cozy aesthetic but not ideal for pet owners |
|
|
Light, breathable, and perfect for warm climates, gives a relaxed, natural aesthetic. |
Wrinkles easily, absorb stains quickly and require careful maintenance |
Casual, airy interiors or homes in warmer climates |
|
|
Luxurious, plush feel; deep, rich colours enhance elegance; fairly durable with proper care. |
Shows wear and pressure marks over time can trap dust and may require professional cleaning. |
Formal or stylish living rooms are great for statement pieces. |
|
|
Extremely durable, easy to clean, resists spills and allergens, ages beautifully over time |
Expensive, can feel cold in winter and warm in summer, and may require conditioning to prevent cracking. |
High-end, classic interiors or homes with kids and pets due to their durability |
Making the Right Choice
The best sofa material depends on your needs. Boucle is soft but requires upkeep, linen is breathable but wrinkles, velvet is elegant but wears over time, and leather is durable but costly.
By weighing the pros and cons of each material, you can pick a piece that not only looks great but also fits your home and daily life.
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