Outdoor Patio Ottomans

Outdoor patio ottomans give you a spot to kick your feet up after chores, settle in with a cold drink or stretch out during a quiet evening on the porch. These patio furniture pieces can help make a backyard seating area feel more inviting without taking up the space of another lounge chair. Start by measuring the space in front of your outdoor chair, loveseat or sofa, leaving enough room to walk around the ottoman and reach nearby tables. Compare the ottoman’s height with the seat height of your furniture so your legs can rest comfortably rather than angle too far upward. For a small patio or narrow deck, consider how the footprint will fit between seats, doorways and steps. If you want an outdoor footrest that can also serve as extra seating, check that the model is designed for sitting and follow its listed weight limit. Choosing outdoor patio ottomans also means thinking about the weather they’ll face and how you spend time outside. An open deck gets different exposure than a sheltered front porch, so check each item’s outdoor-use guidance, care directions and storage recommendations before deciding where it belongs. If you’re considering a patio ottoman with a cushion, look at whether the cushion attaches to the base and how it should be cleaned and stored between seasons. Think through everyday tasks, too: Will you need to move the ottoman to sweep the porch, make room for company or bring it into storage? Its size and weight can make a difference. Coordinate the shape and color with your existing outdoor seating for a pulled-together look, and keep footrests clear of busy paths. A well-planned patio seating arrangement leaves room to put your feet up without getting in the way of the day’s coming and going.