How to Choose the Right Storage Ottoman for Your Home

Living in the UK often means making the most of the space you have. Whether you're in a cosy flat or a modern new-build, clutter can quickly become a challenge. Finding furniture that is both stylish and practical is key. A storage ottoman is a remarkably versatile piece that tackles this problem head-on, offering a comfortable seat, a place to rest your feet and a discreet storage space all in one.

This guide is designed to help you navigate the options available. We will walk you through the essential factors to consider when choosing a storage ottoman and share some of our top recommendations to help you find a piece that perfectly suits your home and lifestyle.

How to Select the Perfect Storage Ottoman

Choosing the right storage footstool involves more than just picking a colour you like. To ensure it fits your space and meets your needs, consider these practical points.

1. Measure Your Space and Define its Purpose

Before you start browsing, think about where the ottoman will live and how you will use it. Will it be a central feature in your living room, a compact seat in the hallway, or an end of bed storage bench?

• For Living Rooms: A smaller, cube-shaped ottoman can serve as a footstool or an extra seat without overwhelming the room. If you have more space, a larger ottoman bench can double as a coffee table with the addition of a tray.
• For Bedrooms: An end of bed storage bench is an excellent choice for storing spare bedding, blankets and pillows while providing a convenient place to sit.
• For Hallways: A slim bench-style ottoman offers a spot to sit while putting on shoes, with the added benefit of hiding away hats, scarves and bags.

Always measure the intended area to ensure a comfortable fit, leaving enough room to walk around it easily.

2. Choose Materials and a Style That Complements Your Decor

A storage ottoman should blend seamlessly with your existing furniture. The upholstery is a major factor in its overall look and feel.

• Velvet: A velvet footstool adds a touch of luxury and texture to a room. It comes in a wide range of rich colours, from deep jewel tones to soft pastels, making it a great accent piece.
• Linen-Look Fabric: For a more understated and versatile option, linen-look polyester offers a clean, contemporary feel. Neutral shades like grey, beige or charcoal are easy to integrate into most colour schemes.
• Corduroy: This textured fabric brings a sense of warmth and comfort, ideal for creating a relaxed, cosy atmosphere.

Consider the frame and leg materials as well. Wood legs can add a natural, classic touch, while metal details can provide a more modern or glamorous finish.

3. Assess Your Storage Needs

Finally, think about what you plan to store inside your upholstered storage box. The internal capacity is a crucial feature. If you need to store bulky items like duvets or board games, look for a model with generous internal dimensions. For smaller items like remote controls, magazines or charging cables, a more compact ottoman will suffice. Also, consider the lid mechanism—a fully removable lid is simple and provides wide access, while a hinged lid can be more convenient for frequent use.

Top Storage Ottoman Recommendations

Here are a few recommendations that showcase the different styles and functions a storage ottoman can offer.

Homcom Ottoman Storage Velvet Luxe Teal/Gold

Why It Stands Out: This ottoman makes a statement with its rich teal velvet-feel upholstery and elegant design. Its compact, round shape makes it a versatile accent piece that can fit into smaller spaces, while the hidden storage compartment is surprisingly spacious for its size.

Pros:

• Elegant Design: The velvet-feel fabric adds a touch of sophistication.
• Multi-functional: Use it as a footstool, a dressing stool or an extra seat.
• No Assembly Required: Ready to use straight out of the box.
• Floor Protection: Features non-slip foot pads to prevent scratches.
• Weight Capacity: Supports up to 120 kg.

Who is it for? This is for someone looking to add a pop of colour and a touch of glamour to their living room or bedroom, without sacrificing practical storage.

HOMCOM Ottomans Storage Nested Textured Cream 2 Pcs

Why It Stands Out: This two-piece set offers exceptional value and flexibility. The soft, cream-coloured corduroy fabric provides a cosy, modern aesthetic. The key feature is its nesting design—the smaller stool fits inside the larger one, making it a brilliant space-saving solution when not in use.

Pros:

• Two-Piece Set: Provides two separate storage stools for the price of one.
• Space-Saving Design: The smaller ottoman nests inside the larger one.
• Comfortable Seating: Both stools have cushioned, removable tops.
• Generous Storage: Each stool offers a useful inner compartment.
• Weight Capacity (Each): Both stools support up to 100 kg.

Who is it for? This set is ideal for those who need flexible seating and storage options. It's perfect for families or anyone who frequently hosts guests and needs extra seats that can be neatly tucked away.

HOMCOM Ottoman Storage Padded Top Charcoal/Natural

Why It Stands Out: With its classic bench shape and neutral charcoal upholstery, this ottoman bench is a highly versatile piece. The solid rubberwood frame and legs provide a sturdy base, while the linen-look fabric and padded top make it a comfortable and practical addition to a hallway, living room or bedroom.

Pros:

• Versatile Bench Design: Works well as an end of bed storage bench, window seat or hallway bench.
• Substantial Storage: The inner compartment (63W x 29.5D x 16H cm) is great for blankets, shoes or magazines.
• Sturdy Construction: A strong wooden frame supports up to 120 kg.
• Neutral Aesthetic: The dark grey fabric and natural wood legs blend easily with various decor styles.

Who is it for? This is an excellent choice for anyone needing a substantial storage solution that also functions as comfortable bench seating. Its timeless design makes it suitable for almost any room in the house.

Looking for a Different Centrepiece?

While a storage ottoman adds functional style, perhaps you're undertaking a larger living room refresh. If you're looking to create a truly cohesive and luxurious space, a statement sofa can be the perfect centrepiece. For those who favour bold and warm tones, our collection of gold sofas offers a range of eye-catching options to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What can you store in a storage ottoman? A: They are incredibly versatile for storage. Common items include spare blankets and cushions, magazines and books, remote controls and electronics, children's toys and even shoes or seasonal accessories like hats and scarves.

Q: How do I choose the right size storage ottoman? A: First, measure the area where you plan to place it, ensuring there is enough space to walk around it. Consider its primary function—a smaller cube is fine for a footrest, but you'll want a larger bench if it's for seating or at the end of a bed. Finally, check the internal dimensions to ensure it meets your storage needs.

Q: Are storage ottomans comfortable to sit on? A: Yes, most are designed for occasional seating. Look for models with a thick, sponge-padded top for comfort. It is also important to check the product's specified weight capacity to ensure it can safely support use as a seat.