Choose between an ottoman and a coffee table
Choose the central piece by what happens around the sofa on an ordinary evening.
Feet up, drinks down, a board game spread out: the space in front of a sofa is asked to do several jobs. An ottoman and a coffee table can occupy the same footprint while supporting those jobs quite differently. The decision is easier if you describe a normal evening rather than an ideal room photograph.
A coffee table offers a firm surface for cups, books and games. Its edges, height and position still need to suit the seating. An ottoman offers a softer place to rest feet, but a glass needs a stable arrangement rather than a hopeful patch of upholstery. A tray may help, though it also has to be moved when the ottoman changes roles.
List the tasks honestly
If drinks are usually placed on side tables, the center may not need another hard surface. If the sofa is used for shared meals or large games, a firm top may matter more. An ottoman intended for additional seating should be rated and designed for that use; a decorative footstool is not automatically a spare chair.
Measure the available space with the sofa and chairs in their normal positions. Include the room needed to walk past and to stand up. A large central piece can make the arrangement feel generous from the doorway while forcing people to turn sideways when entering it. Try marking the footprint using a floor-safe method before buying.
Consider the view underneath. A table with open legs leaves more floor visible, while a fully upholstered block can look substantial. In a room with several heavy cabinets, that difference may matter as much as the top material. A storage ottoman introduces hinges, lids and access needs that should be checked against the intended use and the manufacturer's safety information.
Upholstery brings fabric care into a high-use position. Ask how the specific covering should be cleaned and whether it can be removed or replaced. A pale textured fabric may be appealing, but its care routine must suit the household. Wood, stone and glass tops have their own limitations; none should be chosen on the assumption that it is maintenance-free.
You can also leave the center relatively open and rely on smaller tables where they are actually needed. There is no rule that every sofa must face one large object. The right choice makes the familiar actions of the room easier, even if it is less conventional than the arrangement in the catalog.