How to Choose the Perfect Ottoman Bench: UK Buying Guide

Finding furniture that is both stylish and practical can be a challenge, especially when you're trying to make the most of your space. An ottoman bench is a remarkably versatile piece that can solve several common household dilemmas at once, offering a comfortable seat, a place to store clutter and a touch of decorative flair. Whether you need a smart solution for your hallway, extra seating in the living room or a finishing touch for your bedroom, the right bench can transform a space.

This guide is designed to help you navigate the options available. We will look at key features to consider before you buy and highlight a few recommended models that balance style, function and value, helping you find the perfect fit for your UK home.

What to Look for in an Ottoman Bench

Choosing the right ottoman bench involves more than just picking a colour you like. To ensure it meets your needs, consider these three practical points.

1. Define Its Primary Role: Seating, Storage or Both?

First, decide what you need your bench to do. If your main goal is discreet organisation, a storage ottoman with a hinged lid is essential. Look at the internal dimensions to ensure it can hold what you have in mind, be it blankets, shoes or children's toys. If you're primarily seeking extra seating, focus on comfort. An upholstered bench with thick padding and a sturdy frame will be more suitable. Many models offer a blend of both, providing a comfortable seat on top of a useful storage compartment.

2. Material and Maintenance

The fabric of your ottoman bench affects its look, feel and durability.

• Velvet: A velvet bench offers a touch of luxury and softness, making it a great focal point in a bedroom or living room. It often comes in rich, deep colours.
• Linen-Look Fabrics: These are known for their clean, contemporary appearance and are often hard-wearing and easy to spot-clean, making them a practical choice for high-traffic areas like hallways.
• Corduroy: This textured fabric can add a retro or cosy feel to a room. It's generally durable but may require a soft brush or vacuum attachment for cleaning.

Also, check the frame and leg materials. Powder-coated steel offers a modern, industrial look and excellent stability, while solid wood legs provide a more traditional and classic feel. For safety, look for products that meet UK fire safety standards, such as BS5852.

3. Placement and Proportions

Measure the space where you plan to place your bench. An end of bed bench should ideally be slightly narrower than the width of your mattress to look balanced. For a hallway bench with storage, ensure there's enough room to walk past comfortably and for the lid to open fully without obstruction. Consider the height as well; it should be comfortable for sitting, typically between 40-50 cm, which is standard for entryway seating.

Our Top Product Recommendations

Here are a few ottoman benches that offer great versatility and style for different needs and home aesthetics.

HOMCOM Ottoman Storage Panelled Grey/Black

• Why It Stands Out: This ottoman combines minimalist design with practical function. The neutral grey linen-touch fabric and clean lines allow it to blend seamlessly into almost any decor, from modern to traditional. Its key feature is the generous hidden storage, perfect for decluttering a living room or hallway.
• Pros:
  • Spacious inner storage (92W x 31D cm) for blankets, shoes or magazines.
  • Durable linen-touch polyester fabric is easy to maintain.
  • Sturdy powder-coated steel legs provide a stable base with a 150 kg weight capacity.
  • The panelled design on the lid adds a subtle touch of texture.
• Who is it for? Anyone seeking a straightforward and highly functional storage ottoman that doesn't compromise on style. It's an excellent choice for a first home or for adding versatile storage and seating to a busy family space.

HOMCOM Ottoman Corduroy Green/Black

• Why It Stands Out: With its rich green corduroy upholstery and tufted top, this bench makes a confident style statement. It prioritises comfort, featuring an exceptionally thick 13 cm padded seat. While it doesn't offer storage, its bold, retro character makes it a standout piece of entryway seating or a comfortable bedroom bench.
• Pros:
  • Thick foam padding provides superior comfort for sitting.
  • The corduroy fabric adds texture and a vintage aesthetic.
  • A very high weight capacity of 220 kg ensures it is a robust and reliable seat.
  • Meets BS5852 safety standards for fire retardancy.
• Who is it for? Style-conscious individuals who are looking for a comfortable and eye-catching upholstered bench and do not require storage. It's perfect for adding a pop of colour and personality to a room.

HOMCOM Ottoman Storage Curved Tufted Velvet Grey/Black

• Why It Stands Out: This piece exudes elegance. The combination of soft, grey velvet-feel fabric, classic button tufting and gracefully carved rubberwood legs gives it a sophisticated, French-inspired look. It also includes a large storage compartment with a soft-close lid, blending opulence with practicality.
• Pros:
  • Luxurious design elements make it an attractive focal point.
  • Large internal storage (111.5W x 37.5D cm) is ideal for a bedroom bench.
  • The soft-close hinge is a thoughtful safety and convenience feature.
  • Carved rubberwood legs add a touch of classic craftsmanship.
• Who is it for? Those looking to add a touch of glamour and refined style to their home. It works beautifully as an end of bed bench for storing extra linens or as an elegant storage solution in a formal living room.

Looking for a Different Seating Solution?

If an ottoman bench isn't quite the right fit for your space, or if you're searching for a more compact or individual seating option, there are other possibilities to explore. A smaller, versatile stool can often provide that extra seat or surface without taking up too much room.

For more ideas, why not browse our collection of accent stools?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you sit on a storage ottoman?

Yes, most storage ottomans are designed to be used as seating. However, it is crucial to check the product's specified weight capacity. For example, the models we've highlighted have capacities ranging from 120 kg to 220 kg, making them perfectly safe for one or two adults to sit on, provided the weight limit is not exceeded.

2. What is the difference between an ottoman and a bench?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there can be subtle differences. A bench is typically a long seat for several people, with or without a back. An ottoman is traditionally a padded, upholstered footstool, but modern designs have evolved into larger, bench-like forms, often with the added feature of a storage compartment. An ottoman bench effectively merges the two concepts.

3. How can I style an ottoman bench in my living room?

An ottoman bench is incredibly versatile. You can place it against a wall under a window to create a cosy reading nook. It can also sit opposite your main sofa to provide flexible entryway seating for guests. Alternatively, use it in place of a traditional coffee table by placing a decorative tray on top to hold drinks and remote controls, giving you a soft surface when you want to put your feet up and a stable one when you need it.