Generally speaking, the ottoman is one of the most versatile, comfortable pieces of furniture on the market. Although often overlooked – since the vast majority are simple and functional – we’ve spotted a few pieces of art that wear the hat of a bench, stool, storage compartment, building block, or even a massive puzzle piece. In this week’s Top Ten, we’ll make sure that whatever you do in the design of your living spaces in the future, you’re sure to overestimate the power of the ottoman.

1. Reel

Designer: Atelier OiManufacturer:B&B ItaliaPrice:

Available upon request
55cm d x 40cm h; 130cm d x 26cm h; 95cm d x 33cm h

Spiral outdoors by adding the modern Reel ottoman to your outdoor collection. A circular pouf designed by Atelier Oi for B&B Italia, these small, circular ottomans come in three different sizes. Choose black, white, or natural and the colored, thick polyethylene threads or fibers wind around the aluminum frame like a loose ball of yarn, but with absolute durability.

2. Blottoman

Designer: Karim RashidManufacturer: NienkämperPrice:

$495-1100
18"d x 18"d x 14"h

Mildly bobble-shaped, the fun Blottoman ottoman by Karim Rashid for Nienkämper comes in a typical ottoman shape or in larger square or rectangular shapes. Besides it's attractive, two-toned (or monochromatic) appearance, the ottoman is made with a molded polyurethane foam wrapped in Fortrel® over a sturdy plywood frame and has solid wood legs in an ebonized finish. The Blottoman can be upholstered in your choice fabric, leather, or vinyl and is remarkably lightweight.

3. Burlap Upholstered

Manufacturer: Redefine Home and Noir Furniture LAPrice:

$600
30.5"dia. x 18"h

Since ottomans are so often made from leather and fabrics, the Burlap Upholstered Ottoman is a modern alternative to the norm. Since it uses environmentally friendly materials, you'll notice its rustic, but extremely modern appearance. Featured on a hip new site selling specialty home furnishings site called Redefine Home, this round ottoman – made in partnership with Noir Furniture LA – is made right here in the USA and is part of a smaller, boutique collection based in Los Angeles.

4. Sullivan Leather Rectangular

Manufacturer:Pottery BarnPrice:

$899
51"w x 31"d x 18"h

Soft leather lovers, the Sullivan ottoman by Pottery Barn is undeniably at the top of its league in both quality and value. With the finest aniline-dyed, top-grain leather out there, it's deep cushioning – with an 8-inch thick, high density foam core – adds to the overall resiliency of this ottoman. Underneath it's luxurious leather cushion however, a frame of kiln-dried solid hardwood and legs of solid mahogany holds up to 100 pounds.

5. Oliver

Designer:Laura BrittManufacturer:Vervano Price:

$1400, depending on fabric selection
17"h x 30"w x 30"d

Inspired by a recent 3rings blogpost featuring the entire line of Vervano furnishings, it’s clear that beneath the sustainably-designed Oliver Ottoman by Laura Britt is a great addition to your family room or bathroom. Store toys, blankets, or laundry inside the soft-closing, hinged top, and appreciate the eco-friendly wood frame and renewable, plant-based foam that is all built by hand in Central Texas.

6. P60

Designer:Antonio CitterioManufacturer:B&B ItaliaPrice:

Available upon request
23.6"w x 23.6"d x 17.7"h

An Ottoman with self-locking wheels, this sweet and flexibly soft cube can be used as a footrest, a backless seat, or as a multi-purpose seat in offices or playrooms. The upholstery can be wild and exciting with graphics or subdued, with black, white or beige pony skin covers atop its shaped polyurethane and polyester fiber cover. To go even deeper, the cushioned cube has a frame made from multi-layered solid wood panels, and if skilled, its added mobility from the wheels means it can be moved from one space to another without lifting a finger.

7. LC2

Designer:Le Corbusier

, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand
Manufacturer: Cassina
Price: $2000- 2200
28.5"w x 15.75"h x 22.5"d

Based on sketches by Charlotte Perriand, an ottoman was been added to complement the Petit Confort series in the Cassina Masters Collection. With it's polished chrome frame with supple leather cushions, the LC2 Ottoman is by far the most contemporary in our round-up. Place it with the LC3 sofa or other seating options, and satisfy your space with a piece of Corbu history.

8. Play

Manufacturer: P'kolinoPrice:

$229
17"d x 16.5"h

In vibrant colors and with its simple, kid-friendly design, the Play ottoman by P'kolino is a great way to liven up any room. The best of both worlds, it's top lifts off for easy storage and yet its cushioned, small stature – made with Baltic birch and premium vinyl – offers tired feet the perfect resting spot. However, the best part of the Play round ottomans is probably their ability to join in the fun. With one of each eight colors offered, you could lift them, drop them or stack them into the most beautiful playhouse configurations imaginable.

9. Upcycle

Manufacturer:Gus* ModernPrice:

$425
18"w x 18"d x 15"h

Who would have thought you could use a repurposed fair trade coffee bag for upholstery? In a recent 3rings blogpost, the Upcycle Ottoman by Gus* Modern was showcased, and it was surely one we couldn’t forget. Each one being unique – with different logos and markings speaking to the original goods transported – the Upcycle Ottoman is a not just a piece, it’s a conversation piece. Whether you see it as a footrest, a piece of art, or as a representation of your coveted cup o’ joe, Gus* Modern hit this design on the head.

10. Uzzle

Designer:Stanley Jay FriedmanManufacturer: BruetonPrice:

$1079- 1835

No, it’s not puzzle, it’s Uzzle! Since one may never seem like enough, especially when sectionals and gatherings are concerned, offer your guests one of four. The Uzzle Ottoman by Stanley Jay Friedman for Brueton works any way you configure it, so keep the concave cubes together as a unit or separate them for custom footrest placement around the room. No matter what you decide, the Uzzle Ottoman- offered in numerous color combinations – will spice up your space.

Hope you enjoyed our roundup of the Top Ten ottomans!

Top Ten articles publish every Tuesday. Email 3rings@designerpages.com if there’s a category you’d like to see.