LEATHER OTTOMANS & BENCHES

I’ve seen both ottomans and benches at the end of a bed. Which option is better?

It really depends on what you like best and how much room you have. You can go with a pair of square ottomans for tight squeezes, select a wider cocktail ottoman if you have lots of room, or choose a longer leather bench seat; they're usually narrower and adaptable to any size space.

Before you buy, note the depth measurement of your leather ottoman or leather bench seat, and make sure that you have enough room at the end of your bed for the furniture plus 18" or so—enough space for 1) walking past and 2) having legroom when you’re seated.

Do your leather ottomans pair with specific chairs, or are they easy to mix and match?

In some cases, we’ve created specific ottoman/chair partnerships; for example, if you order one of our Spencer leather chairs, you can be confident that the Spencer leather ottoman will pair perfectly with it. In other cases, we’ve created ottomans that coordinate with a wider range of furniture pieces. Here’s a look at what we have:

• Leather coffee table ottomans. We use this term interchangeably with leather cocktail ottomans; they’re on the larger side and can be either square or rectangular, like a living room coffee table.
• Leather storage ottomans have a lidded top that lifts to reveal space for stashing blankets, magazines, or anything else you need to tuck away.
• Square leather ottomans range from coffee-table size to cube ottomans small enough to stash beneath a console table when not in use. Leather hexagon ottomans are retro and stylish, particularly when decked out in nailhead trim.
• Leather poufs are smaller, squishier, and great for casual spaces. You’ll love them as quick seating or as a handy footrest, but you may not want to put your drink on top.

How do I choose the right leather for an ottoman or bench?

It’s a matter of taste: What do you want your leather ottoman to look when it arrives at your home, and how do you want it to evolve over the years?

For its arrival day, think about

• Color: Brown and black leather ottomans are the most popular, but make a bold choice—teal, anyone?—if it suits you.
• Character: Some leathers have obvious areas of shading and even show the natural marks from the hide. Others have the top layer of the hide removed, and they’re dyed to be opaque and to hide all natural markings; think the even, edge-to-edge look of a car interior.

For its evolution over the years, ask yourself

• Do you like leather that wears like a beloved bomber jacket, where time-loved worn patches and scratches are part of its charm?
• Would you rather have a leather that keeps its look consistent over the years—again, like a car’s interior?

The right leather is the leather that fulfills your expectations, and because it’s a big decision, we recommend seeing your leather in person before committing. You can browse our leather library and order up to 10 free swatches, or you can stop by a Design Center to browse an even bigger selection.

Is a leather ottoman or leather bench seat hard to take care of?

Leather is one of nature’s most durable materials, and it will last for years with some simple TLC. Here are our top tips:

• Keep leather furniture out of direct sunlight.
• Avoid sitting on leather when you have keys in your pocket.
• Place leather away from heating and A/C vents.
• Skip commercial cleaners, and blot spills immediately with a soft white cloth.

For more tips on taking care of your leather, watch our Leather Dos and Don’ts video.

Need one-on-one help choosing leather furniture? Visit a Design Center or click Designer Chat—we’re happy to help!