The Best Storage Ottomans of 2025: Style Meets Function
In the world of interior design, few pieces work harder than the storage ottoman. It’s the ultimate triple-threat: a comfortable footrest, a discreet storage powerhouse, and an impromptu seat for guests. A great ottoman doesn’t just add to a room; it multiplies its potential.
But finding the *right* one requires a bit of know-how. From lift-top mechanisms to upholstery choices, we’ll break down everything you need to know to select the perfect storage ottoman for your space, needs, and aesthetic.
How to Choose the Perfect Storage Ottoman: A Buyer’s Guide
An ottoman is more than just a box with a lid. Consider these key features to ensure your choice is a perfect fit for your home.
1. Function & Mechanism
- Hinged Lift-Top: The most common type. The entire lid lifts up, revealing one large storage compartment. Look for soft-close or safety hinges, especially in homes with children, to prevent slammed lids.
- Removable Lid / Flip Top: The lid lifts off completely. Some clever designs feature a flat, wood-finished underside, allowing you to flip the lid and use it as a stable tray for drinks or snacks.
- Drawers or Cubbies: Less common but fantastic for organizing smaller items. These are often found in larger, bench-style ottomans designed for entryways.
2. Upholstery & Material
The material defines the ottoman’s look, feel, and durability.
- Fabrics (Linen, Velvet, Bouclé): Offer a huge range of colors and textures. Velvet adds a touch of luxury, linen provides a classic, airy feel, and bouclé is a trendy, cozy option. Performance fabrics offer stain resistance.
- Leather (Genuine & Faux): Exceptionally durable and easy to clean, making it ideal for families with pets or kids. Faux leather provides the same look and ease of cleaning at a lower price point.
3. Size, Shape & Placement
Measure your space! A general rule is to keep about 18 inches between your ottoman and sofa. The height should be the same as, or slightly lower than, your sofa’s seat cushions.
- Rectangular (Bench): The most versatile shape. Works great as a coffee table alternative or at the foot of a bed.
- Square: Perfect for sectional sofas or creating a central anchor point in a large room.
- Round: A stylish choice that softens the hard lines of other furniture and is great for traffic flow in smaller spaces.
Our Top Storage Ottoman Picks for 2025
We’ve curated this list to highlight the best options on the market, balancing style, durability, and practical features.
1. Simpli Home Harrison Tufted Bench – Best Overall
The Simpli Home Harrison is the quintessential storage ottoman. It’s large, beautifully constructed, and incredibly versatile. The classic tufted top adds a layer of sophistication, making it look far more expensive than it is. It’s the perfect size to double as a coffee table or sit elegantly at the foot of a queen or king-sized bed.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | ~ 48″ W x 18″ D x 19″ H |
| Material | Faux Leather or various Fabrics |
| Mechanism | Hinged Lift-Top with Safety Hinge |
| Best For | Living Rooms, Bedrooms, Entryways |
The interior storage space is massive, easily swallowing blankets, board games, or pillows. The child safety hinge is a crucial feature, preventing the heavy lid from slamming shut. It comes in a wide variety of colors and fabrics to match nearly any decor.
Pros
- Huge storage capacity
- High-end look with detailed tufting
- Child safety hinge is a major plus
- Available in many colors/materials
- Sturdy solid wood frame
Cons
- Can be heavy to move
- Tufting can trap crumbs
2. SONGMICS Collapsible Cube – Best Budget Pick
Sometimes you just need a simple, effective, and affordable solution. This collapsible cube from SONGMICS is a marvel of practicality. It sets up in seconds, can hold a surprising amount of weight (both inside and on top), and can be folded flat for storage when not in use.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | ~ 15″ W x 15″ D x 15″ H |
| Material | Faux Leather or Linen Fabric |
| Mechanism | Removable Lid |
| Best For | Dorm rooms, small apartments, playrooms |
The faux leather is durable and wipes clean in an instant, making it perfect for a child’s room or as a discreet spot to hide pet toys. While it won’t be the centerpiece of your living room, its utility-to-price ratio is off the charts. Buy a pair to tuck under a console table for quick-access seating.
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Surprisingly sturdy and strong
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight and easy to move
Cons
- Basic aesthetic
- No safety hinge
3. Convenience Concepts Round Ottoman – Best for Style & Small Spaces
This round ottoman is the definition of chic functionality. Its compact, circular shape is perfect for adding a soft edge to a room full of linear furniture. The standout feature is the reversible lid: one side is upholstered for seating, while the other is a finished wood tray, instantly creating a stable surface for a cup of tea or a book.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | ~ 17″ Diameter x 18″ H |
| Material | Various Fabrics |
| Mechanism | Removable, Reversible Lid/Tray |
| Best For | Living rooms, bedrooms, accent piece |
This piece is ideal for smaller apartments or as a stylish companion to an armchair. While the storage capacity isn’t as vast as a large bench, it’s perfect for stashing a single throw blanket, remote controls, or magazines. It’s a statement piece that pulls its weight in utility.
Pros
- Stylish and modern design
- Reversible lid-to-tray feature is brilliant
- Great for small spaces and traffic flow
- Adds a soft, curvilinear element to a room
- Comes fully assembled
Cons
- Limited storage space
- Not large enough to be a primary footrest for a large sofa
Pro Tips for Styling Your Ottoman
- As a Coffee Table: Place a large decorative tray on top to corral remotes, coasters, and a small vase. This creates a stable, stylish surface.
- At the Foot of a Bed: Use it to store extra bedding or seasonal clothing. You can drape a decorative throw over one corner for a layered look.
- In an Entryway: This is the perfect spot to sit and put on shoes. Store guest slippers, reusable shopping bags, or winter hats and gloves inside.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This varies greatly by model. A well-built, solid-wood-frame ottoman like the Simpli Home bench can often support 250-300 lbs or more for seating. Smaller, collapsible models might be rated for 200 lbs. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications before allowing multiple people to sit on one.
Faux leather or genuine leather are top choices. They are non-porous, so spills can be wiped up easily, and they don’t attract pet hair the way fabrics do. If you prefer fabric, look for “performance fabrics” that are specifically treated for stain resistance, or choose a tightly woven fabric in a darker or heathered color to hide minor stains and wear.
Always check the cleaning code on the tag first (W, S, W/S, X). For most, regular vacuuming with an upholstery attachment is key. For spills on fabric, blot immediately (don’t rub!) with a clean, dry cloth. For leather, simply wipe with a damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners unless specified by the manufacturer.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Decluttering Tool
A storage ottoman is more than just furniture; it’s a solution. It’s the answer to the question of where to put the extra blankets, how to add more seating without clutter, and how to create a polished, organized home.
Whether you need the expansive, elegant storage of the Simpli Home Harrison Bench, the clever versatility of the Convenience Concepts Round Ottoman, or the unbeatable practicality of the SONGMICS Cube, there is a perfect option waiting to transform your space. Choose wisely, and enjoy a tidier, more stylish home.