1. Footrest

Their most traditional use:

Placed in front of a sofa or chair

Provides leg support and relaxation

Helps improve posture and comfort

2. Extra Seating

Because of their long, rectangular shape, they can comfortably seat 1–2 people.
Common in:

Living rooms

Bedrooms

Entryways

Offices

This makes them good alternatives to benches or side chairs.

3. Coffee Table Substitute

Even without storage, they can act as a soft coffee table, often with a tray placed on top.
Used for:

Holding remotes

Drinks/snacks (with a tray)

Books

Decorative items

4. End-of-Bed Bench

Rectangle ottomans without storage are often used at the foot of the bed for:

Sitting while dressing

Placing bags or clothing

Decorative styling

Creating a finished look in the bedroom

They’re lighter and slimmer than storage versions.

5. Decorative Accent Piece

They add texture, color, and style to a room.
Examples:

Upholstered ottomans for elegance

Leather or faux-leather ottomans for modern look

Woven or minimalist designs for airy spaces

6. Space Dividers or Room Anchors

They can help define areas in open-plan spaces, especially when placed:

Behind a sofa

Between seating areas

Under windows

7. Entryway or Hallway Seating

A rectangle ottoman can function just like a bench:

Provides a spot to put on/take off shoes

Serves as a temporary place for bags

Because it has no storage compartment, it’s usually lighter and easier to move.