When it comes to design versatility, nothing stacks up quite like ottomans and footstools. If you have one, you can take a seat when you don’t want the bulk of an occasional chair. You can carry it from one room to another as needed. Pair up two cube-shaped ottomans for fun modular seating in the family room. Or use a firm, flat-topped ottoman as an inventive tabletop or a welcome alternative to the standard coffee table.
Pretty feet
For a touch of whimsy, here’s a fancy large ottoman from MacKenzie-Childs Ltd., headquartered in Aurora, N.Y. The piece, 31 inches long by 23 inches wide and 15 inches tall, has a mahogany understructure with plaited rattan skin. Its bun feet are handmade and hand-decorated majolica (ceramic). The mat is of cotton batting slip, covered in cotton duck. Cost: $1,300. For the nearest store carrying MacKenzie-Childs’ Dawn with Bathing Hut Mat ottoman, call 888-665-1999 or visit www.mackenzie-childs.com.
Cubic feet
The white boucle cover on this sedate white cube, 14 inches high by 18 inches wide, can be exchanged for any other fabric of your preference, and custom-made in any dimension through Back Stitch, 1723 N. Damen Ave. Cost: $400. Call: 773-782-1570.
Island hopping
A teak bench, imported from Borneo can serve as an exotic ottoman, footstool or side table. Cost: $2,200 at Stitch, 1723 N. Damen Ave. Call: 773-782-1570.
Carpet ride
For the traditional home, a wide-topped and squarish kilim-covered ottoman, with carved bun feet by Patrick Charles, makes a perfect accessory in the library or den. It’s $715 at Embelezar, 1639 N. Damen Ave. Call: 773-645-9705.
