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Finding furniture that is both stylish and practical can be a challenge, especially when space is at a premium. A cluttered hallway, a bedroom with nowhere to sit, or a living room that needs an extra touch of comfort and organisation are common issues in many UK homes. A well-chosen storage ottoman can be the perfect solution, offering a three-in-one combination of seating, storage and style.
As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you navigate the options available. This guide will walk you through the key considerations for selecting the right piece for your home and highlight a few recommendations that balance form and function.
Choosing the right ottoman goes beyond just picking a colour you like. To ensure your new furniture meets your needs, consider these practical points.
First, think about where and how you will use it. Will it be a hallway bench for putting on shoes? An end of bed bench to hold decorative cushions and spare blankets? Or a footstool with storage in the living room for magazines and remote controls? The intended use will determine the ideal size, shape and features. For high-traffic areas like an entryway, a durable, long storage bench is often more suitable than a smaller, decorative stool.
The materials affect both the look and longevity of your ottoman. Upholstery options like linen-look polyester offer a clean, modern feel and are generally hard-wearing. Velvet, on the other hand, provides a touch of luxury and softness. Look for a sturdy frame, often made from solid wood like rubberwood or engineered wood (MDF), which provides stability. For safety and compliance in the UK, check if the fabric and foam meet BS5852 fire resistance standards, a key indicator of quality.
Before you buy, measure the area where the ottoman will go. Ensure there is enough room to walk around it comfortably and, if it has a hinged lid, that there is space for it to open fully. Also, consider the internal storage dimensions. If you plan to store bulky items like duvets or board games, check that the interior compartment is deep and wide enough for your needs. Finally, always check the weight capacity to ensure it can safely function as a padded bench seat.
Here are a few recommendations that cater to different needs and styles, from minimalist seating to discreet storage solutions.
Why It Stands Out: This piece captures the essence of Scandinavian design with its clean lines, neutral grey linen, and angled rubberwood legs. While it forgoes storage in favour of a sleek profile, its primary function is to provide comfortable and stylish seating.
Pros:
Who is it for? This bench is ideal for someone who prioritises seating and aesthetics over storage. It works beautifully as an end of bed bench in a minimalist bedroom or as an elegant seating option in a spacious hallway or living room.
Why It Stands Out: This ottoman bench is a master of disguise. Its classic design, featuring charcoal linen-look fabric and tapered wooden legs, conceals a generous storage compartment. It’s the perfect blend of a comfortable seat and a practical storage chest.
Pros:
Who is it for? This is an excellent choice for anyone needing a multi-functional storage bench. It's perfect for hallways to store shoes and bags, at the foot of a bed for extra blankets, or in a living room to hide away clutter.
Why It Stands Out: This compact storage ottoman makes a bold statement with its rich teal velvet-feel upholstery and elegant form. It’s a functional accent piece that adds a pop of colour and a touch of glamour to any room, while also providing useful hidden storage.
Pros:
Who is it for? This piece is for the style-conscious individual looking to add a functional and decorative element to their space. Its smaller footprint makes it perfect for bedrooms, dressing rooms, or as a chic footstool with storage next to an armchair.
If a rectangular bench or square stool doesn't quite fit your vision, a round footstool might be the perfect alternative. Their curved lines can soften a room's decor and they work exceptionally well in smaller spaces or as a centrepiece in a seating arrangement.
? Explore our collection of Round Footstools to find more options.
1. What is the difference between an ottoman and a footstool? Traditionally, a footstool is a low stool for resting your feet on. An ottoman is typically larger, upholstered and often includes a storage compartment. However, today the terms are often used interchangeably, with many products like the storage ottoman serving as a footstool, a seat and a storage unit all in one.
2. How much weight can a storage ottoman hold? This varies by model and construction. Most well-built ottomans, like the ones featured here, have a weight capacity of around 120 kg (approximately 18 stone), making them perfectly safe to use as a seat for one adult. Always check the product specifications before purchase to confirm its load-bearing limit.
3. Can you sit on a storage ottoman? Yes, most storage ottomans are designed to be used as seating. They feature a padded lid and a sturdy frame to support the weight of a person. This dual functionality is what makes them such a popular and versatile piece of furniture for modern homes.