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Finding furniture that is both stylish and practical can feel like a constant challenge, especially when you're trying to make the most of every square foot in your home. A cluttered living room or a bedroom with nowhere to hide away extra bedding can disrupt the sense of calm you want to create. This is where a well-chosen storage ottoman comes in, serving as a discreet storage solution, a comfortable footrest and even extra seating when guests arrive.
As the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you find items that genuinely enhance your home. This guide is designed to walk you through the key considerations for selecting a storage ottoman and to highlight a few options that balance form, function and value.
Before you start browsing, taking a moment to consider a few key points will help you narrow down the options and find a piece that you'll be happy with for years to come.
A storage ottoman is a master of multitasking, but it will likely have one main job in your home. Are you looking for an ottoman bench to place at the foot of your bed for storing spare blankets? Or perhaps a compact footstool with storage to tuck beside the sofa for magazines and remote controls? For an entryway, a sturdy hallway shoe bench that hides away footwear while offering a place to sit is an excellent choice. Defining its primary role will guide your decision on size, durability and storage capacity.
The fabric of your ottoman has a significant impact on both the look and longevity of the piece. A linen ottoman often lends itself to a relaxed, contemporary or Scandinavian aesthetic, offering a textured yet understated finish. For a touch of glamour, a velvet footstool can introduce rich colour and a soft, luxurious feel to a room. Consider your existing decor and lifestyle. Homes with pets or young children may benefit from more durable, easy-to-clean fabrics.
This may seem obvious, but it’s a crucial step. Before purchasing, measure the area where you plan to place your ottoman. An upholstered bench that looks perfectly proportioned online might overwhelm a small living room or block a walkway. Note the height, width and depth, and compare these to your sofa or bed to ensure the scale is right. It's also wise to check the internal storage dimensions to make sure it will accommodate the items you intend to store.
Here are a few recommendations that cater to different needs and styles, from seating-focused benches to dedicated storage solutions.
Why It Stands Out: While this piece is designed primarily as a seating bench rather than a storage unit, its clean lines and minimalist aesthetic make it a standout choice. The combination of smooth grey linen upholstery and angled rubberwood legs is a hallmark of Scandinavian design, bringing a light, airy feel to any room.
Pros:
Who is it for? This bench is ideal for someone who prioritises comfortable seating and style over storage. It’s a perfect fit for hallways, minimalist bedrooms or living rooms that need an extra perch without the bulk of a traditional storage ottoman.
Why It Stands Out: This compact velvet footstool proves that functional furniture can also be a statement piece. The rich, dark green velvet-feel fabric adds a touch of opulence, while the hidden storage compartment makes it incredibly practical for small spaces. It arrives fully assembled, ready to use straight out of the box.
Pros:
Who is it for? Perfect for those looking to add a pop of colour and texture to their living room or bedroom. Its dual function as a footstool with storage makes it an excellent choice for decluttering small living areas or for use as a chic dressing stool.
Why It Stands Out: This ottoman bench is a true workhorse, blending substantial storage with a comfortable seat and a versatile design. The neutral charcoal linen-look fabric and solid wood legs allow it to fit seamlessly into a wide range of interior styles, from modern to traditional.
Pros:
Who is it for? This is the go-to option for anyone whose main goal is to add practical, discreet storage to their home. It’s particularly well-suited for families or anyone needing to tidy up a living room, bedroom or busy entryway.
The rectangular and square shapes featured here are popular for their space-efficiency, but they are by no means the only options. If you're looking for a different silhouette, such as a softer, circular shape that can act as a central focus in a room, you might find the perfect fit in our collection of round ottomans.
This varies depending on the construction and materials, so it's always important to check the product specifications. However, many well-built ottomans, like the ones featured here, are designed to double as seating and can typically support a weight capacity of around 120 kg (approximately 18 stone).
The terms are often used interchangeably in modern furniture retail. Traditionally, a footstool was a smaller, lower stool intended solely for resting your feet. An ottoman was generally larger, often upholstered and could function as a seat or even a coffee table. Today, pieces like a footstool with storage blur these lines, offering the compact size of a footstool with the functionality of an ottoman.
For most fabric ottomans, including linen and velvet-feel polyester, spot cleaning is the recommended method. Use a soft, damp cloth with a small amount of mild detergent on any marks. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners or soaking the fabric. Always allow the area to air dry completely. For specific guidance, it is best to refer to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.