Using your dark gray fabric ottoman is a piece of cake. You can put it in the hallway to sit on while you put on your shoes, or place it next to the sofa to rest your feet. To assemble, just attach the four solid wood legs to the ottoman body. When it arrives, the seat cushion is vacuum - compressed. Just unpack it and wait 24 hours for it to regain its full shape. As for maintenance, since it's covered in 100% polyester fabric, you can easily wipe off any spills or dirt. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight for long periods to prevent the fabric from fading. Also, don't overload it with too much weight to keep the solid wood legs in good condition.