The ideal ottoman tray should be practical rather than too small or big for the item of furniture it’s placed on. A tray should cover around one-third to two-thirds of the ottoman’s surface area. This leaves enough visible upholstery around the edges to keep the piece looking soft and inviting, while still giving you plenty of usable space for drinks, candles, books, or decorative accessories.

For larger ottomans, especially those used as coffee tables, a generously sized rectangular tray often works best because it helps define the surface and keeps items organised. Smaller ottomans benefit from compact trays that don’t overwhelm the piece. It’s also worth thinking about height and stability. A tray with slightly raised edges can be useful for stopping items from slipping off when the ottoman is being used as a seat or footrest.

An ottoman can make a wonderful alternative to a traditional coffee table, and the look has become genuinely popular in modern interiors.

To make it practical, simply place a tray on top to create a stable, flat surface for drinks, books, or a candle. The softer surface also makes it a more relaxed, family-friendly centrepiece — no sharp corners to worry about.