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Finding enough storage is a familiar challenge in many UK homes. Whether you're trying to declutter a living room, organise a bedroom or make a hallway more functional, space is often at a premium. A storage ottoman is a clever and stylish solution, offering a place to hide away clutter while also serving as extra seating, a footstool or even a coffee table.
As the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you find practical and well-designed items for your home. This guide cuts through the clutter, focusing on what truly matters when selecting a storage ottoman and presents a few standout options to consider for your space.
Before you start browsing, considering a few key factors will help you narrow down the choices and find the perfect piece for your needs.
The first step is to decide where the ottoman will live and what its primary job will be. Will it be a large storage bench at the foot of your bed for holding spare duvets and pillows? If so, an end of bed storage bench that is slightly narrower than your mattress often works best. For a hallway, a slim entryway bench with storage provides a convenient spot to sit and remove shoes, while keeping them neatly tucked away. Measure the intended area carefully, leaving enough room to walk around it comfortably.
Your new ottoman should complement your existing decor. An upholstered footstool with storage can add a soft, comfortable touch to a living room. Materials like linen-look fabrics offer a timeless, versatile appeal that fits well with many interior styles. For a more glamorous or traditional look, a velvet storage ottoman can serve as a beautiful accent piece. Consider the durability and cleaning requirements of the fabric, especially if it will be in a high-traffic area or a home with children and pets.
Think about what you plan to store. An ottoman bench with storage is ideal for bulky items like blankets and board games, while a smaller, round ottoman might be perfect for magazines, remote controls or knitting supplies. Just as important is the seating capacity. If you intend for it to be used as a regular seat, always check the manufacturer's specified maximum weight capacity to ensure it is safe and robust enough for your household.
Here are a few recommendations that balance style, function and practicality for different homes and needs.
Why It Stands Out: This ottoman is a workhorse, designed for maximum utility. Its main advantage is the combination of a very generous 131-litre storage capacity and an impressive 300 kg weight capacity, making it one of the sturdier options available for everyday family use. The foldable design is a clever feature, allowing it to be packed away flat if you need to reclaim the floor space.
Pros:
Who is it for? This is an excellent choice for families or anyone prioritising storage volume and durability in a living room, playroom or bedroom.
Why It Stands Out: This piece proves that functional furniture can also be a chic statement. The combination of soft, cream-coloured velvet upholstery and elegant gold-tone hairpin legs creates a luxurious look. Its compact, round shape makes it a versatile accent piece that doesn't overwhelm a room.
Pros:
Who is it for? Perfect for someone looking to add a stylish accent and discreet storage to a bedroom, dressing room or a cosy corner of their living room.
Why It Stands Out: With its button-tufted velvet, curved silhouette and carved rubberwood legs, this ottoman bench brings a touch of classic, French-inspired elegance to a room. Beyond its looks, it is highly practical, featuring a large internal storage compartment and a soft-close lid, which prevents slamming and is a thoughtful safety feature.
Pros:
Who is it for? Ideal for those wanting a decorative and functional centrepiece for their bedroom, hallway or living room, combining timeless style with ample storage.
While these selections cover a range of popular styles and functions, the right piece for you depends entirely on your personal taste and home layout. If you haven't found the perfect match yet, there are many other designs to explore.
Discover a wider variety of styles, sizes and materials in our full collection.
Explore More Living Room Ottoman Benches
A storage ottoman is incredibly versatile. Larger benches are perfect for storing spare bedding, blankets, cushions and towels. In a living room, they can hide away children's toys, board games, magazines or electronics. Smaller footstools are great for remote controls, charging cables and other small items that tend to clutter surfaces.
Most storage ottomans are designed to double as seating, but it is crucial to check the product's specifications. Always look for the manufacturer's stated maximum weight capacity before using it as a seat. For example, the Ochama bench mentioned above supports up to 300 kg, making it very suitable for seating, while others may be designed for lighter use.
Consider both proportion and function. If you plan to use it as a coffee table, its height should be similar to the seat cushions of your sofa. As a footstool, a smaller size is often sufficient. A good rule of thumb is to ensure the ottoman's length is no more than two-thirds the length of your sofa to maintain a balanced look. Always measure your available space to ensure it won't obstruct walkways or overwhelm the room.