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Living in the UK often means making the most of the space you have. Clutter can quickly accumulate, from spare blankets in the living room to shoes in the hallway. A storage ottoman is a clever and stylish solution, offering a place to sit, a footrest and a discreet storage compartment all in one.
As the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you find practical and elegant pieces for your home. This guide cuts through the clutter, focusing on what truly matters when selecting a storage ottoman that fits your space, style and needs.
Before you decide, consider a few key factors to ensure you find the perfect match for your home.
The first step is to decide where your ottoman will live. Will it be a living room storage ottoman for magazines and remote controls, or an end of bed storage bench to hold extra bedding? Perhaps you need a compact entryway bench with storage for shoes and scarves.
Measure the intended area carefully, leaving enough room to walk around it and, if it has a hinged lid, to open it fully. A large ottoman bench with storage can anchor a room, while a smaller storage footstool is more flexible and can be moved as needed.
The material of your ottoman impacts both its look and durability. A velvet storage ottoman can add a touch of luxury and a pop of colour to a room. Linen-effect fabrics offer a more understated, classic feel that is often easy to clean.
Consider the overall design. A tufted ottoman bench brings a traditional, sophisticated look with its buttoned detailing, while a piece with clean lines and metallic legs suits a more modern aesthetic. The right choice will feel like a natural extension of your existing decor.
Here are a few standout options that balance style, function and practicality for different homes and needs.
Why It Stands Out: This compact ottoman makes a bold statement. The combination of rich, teal-coloured velvet-feel fabric and a sleek gold-tone base creates an eye-catching accent piece. Its round shape is ideal for smaller spaces where sharp corners might be intrusive.
Pros:
Who is it for? This is an excellent choice for someone living in a flat or smaller home who wants a stylish storage footstool that doubles as a decorative accent. It’s perfect for a living room corner, a dressing table or as a chic shoe-changing stool in the entryway.
Why It Stands Out: This is a substantial and versatile ottoman bench with storage. Its classic rectangular shape, neutral beige linen-touch fabric and tufted lid allow it to blend seamlessly into various decor schemes, from traditional to contemporary.
Pros:
Who is it for? Ideal for homeowners or families needing a significant amount of hidden storage. It works beautifully as an end of bed storage bench in a master bedroom or as a functional and comfortable window seat in a living room or hallway.
Why It Stands Out: This upholstered storage box exudes elegance with its French-inspired design. The gentle curves, deep button tufting and carved rubberwood legs create a sophisticated silhouette. A key feature is its soft-close lid, which adds a touch of refinement and safety.
Pros:
Who is it for? This is for the style-conscious individual looking for a piece that is as much a decorative feature as it is a storage solution. It’s a perfect fit for a formal living room, a master bedroom or a grand entryway where its elegant design can be fully appreciated.
If these particular ottomans aren't quite what you had in mind, there are many other ways to bring order and style to your home. From shelving units to cabinets, finding the right piece can transform your space.
Explore our wider collection of Freestanding Storage Organisers to discover more options tailored to your needs.
A storage ottoman is incredibly versatile. You can use it to store blankets, cushions, magazines, books, remote controls, children's toys, shoes or seasonal accessories like hats and scarves. It’s an ideal solution for items you want to keep close but out of sight.
Consider its function. If you need it primarily as a footstool, a smaller, square ottoman might suffice. If you want it to double as a coffee table or provide extra seating, a larger rectangular bench would be more suitable. As a rule of thumb, the height of the ottoman should be similar to the height of your sofa's seat cushions for maximum comfort.
Yes, most storage ottomans are designed with a padded, cushioned top, making them comfortable for occasional seating. Models with thick sponge padding, like the ones featured here, provide a firm but comfortable surface. Always check the weight capacity to ensure it can safely support its intended use.