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As a Product Recommendation Officer at Joybuy, I often see how the right piece of furniture can transform a space. In many UK homes, finding enough storage without sacrificing style is a constant challenge. A cluttered living room or a hallway piled with shoes can detract from an otherwise lovely home. This is where the humble storage ottoman comes in—a truly multifunctional hero.
A well-chosen storage ottoman serves as a comfortable seat, a handy footrest and a discreet storage unit all in one. This article is designed to guide you through the key considerations for choosing one and to highlight a few standout options that balance practicality with modern design.
Finding the perfect ottoman involves more than just picking a colour you like. To ensure it fits your space and meets your needs, consider these three points.
Before you start browsing, measure the area where you plan to place the ottoman. Think about scale—a large ottoman bench might be perfect at the foot of a bed or in a spacious living room, but could overwhelm a smaller space.
Equally important is what you intend to store. Are you looking to hide away bulky blankets and cushions, or do you need a spot for smaller items like remote controls, magazines or children's toys? A long hallway storage bench offers significant capacity, whereas a compact footstool with storage is better suited for tidying away a few essential items.
The material of your ottoman will define its look and feel. An upholstered ottoman offers a soft, inviting texture. Velvet, in particular, has become a popular choice for its luxurious feel and rich colour possibilities. A velvet storage bench can add a touch of glamour to a bedroom or living area.
Consider how the piece will integrate with your existing furniture. Do you prefer clean, modern lines, or a more classic, opulent style? Details like button-tufting, piping and leg design all contribute to the overall aesthetic. A modern footstool with sleek metal legs can complement a contemporary room, while a more traditional design might suit a classic interior.
Think about how you will use the ottoman day-to-day. If it's destined for your entryway, a sturdy hallway storage bench provides a convenient place to sit while putting on shoes. In a bedroom, it could function as a dressing table stool with the added benefit of storage for hair accessories or styling tools.
In the living room, a larger ottoman can even double as a coffee table with the addition of a decorative tray. Its versatility is its greatest strength, so choose a model that supports the primary role you have in mind for it.
After reviewing a range of models for their features, design and user-friendliness, we've selected a few options that stand out for different needs and spaces.
Why It Stands Out: This model combines substantial storage with clever design. Its generous length makes it a practical choice for larger rooms, and the foldable construction is a significant advantage for those who might move or need to store it away. The inclusion of two smaller internal boxes for organisation is a thoughtful touch.
Pros:
Who is it for? Households needing a high-capacity storage solution for a living room, bedroom or hallway, who also appreciate the flexibility of a foldable design.
Why It Stands Out: This piece is all about elegance in a compact form. The combination of cream velvet-feel upholstery and gold-coloured metal hairpin legs creates a chic, contemporary look. It’s a perfect accent piece that adds style and a touch of discreet storage.
Pros:
Who is it for? Style-conscious individuals looking for a small, decorative piece to add a touch of glamour to a bedroom or living area, with a need for light storage.
Why It Stands Out: This ottoman makes a statement with its rich teal colour and clean, square silhouette. Its key advantage is that it arrives ready to use with no assembly required. The deep internal compartment provides a surprising amount of storage for its footprint.
Pros:
Who is it for? Anyone who wants an instant style upgrade with a functional storage element, and who prefers to avoid assembling furniture.
If these particular styles don't quite match your decor, or if you're looking for a different size or even a simple footstool without storage, there are many other designs to consider.
? Explore our full collection of pouffes and ottomans to find your perfect match.
Yes, most storage ottomans are designed to be used as seating. However, it's important to check the weight capacity specified by the manufacturer. For example, the Ochama Storage Bench mentioned above has a maximum static load capacity of 300 kg (660 lb), making it very sturdy for sitting. Smaller decorative stools may have a lower capacity, typically around 120 kg.
Their use is incredibly versatile. Common items to store include:
Start by measuring the available floor space. As a general rule, if you're using it as a coffee table, it should be slightly lower than your sofa's seats. For width, aim for about two-thirds the length of your sofa. If it's for the foot of a bed, choose one that is slightly narrower than the width of your mattress to maintain a balanced look. Always leave enough room to walk around it comfortably.