15 Storage Ottomans You’ll Want to Steal ASAP

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We can go back and forth on the form and function debate until we’re blue in the face, but one thing’s for certain at the end of the day—both must coexist to achieve total design perfection. Which is why we obsess over clever decorating hacks that allow us to have our cake and eat it too. The storage ottoman—a versatile piece of furniture that can double up as extra seating, a worthy footstool, and a useful spot to stash your stuff—is the answer to all your problems.

The ottoman is a piece of furniture, often upholstered, that has neither backs nor arms. It traces its roots to the furnishing practices of the Ottoman Empire in modern-day Turkey, where it was a central seating option in most rooms. It was first designed as a deeply cushioned, low sectional seat that wrapped around three walls of a room, before evolving into a freestanding circular padded seat. In the late 18th century, the ottoman was brought to Europe and, in the course of a generation, made its way into every boudoir in France, it seems. But it wasn’t until the 19th century that furniture designers started giving this seat a storage space—a clever addition that caught on quickly. By the 20th century, it had become a common household fixture.

Ottomans, however, are not a one-size-fits-all add-on. Susana Simonpietri, creative director at the design firm Chango, says she employs this versatile furniture item in any room that needs additional storage—particularly in kids’ rooms or playrooms, bedrooms, and, of course, living rooms to store blankets, decorative pillows, or television and tech accessories—“depending on its shape, texture, and positioning,” Simonpietri tells ELLE DECOR. “Ottomans vary in size and a large one can act as a key element to a room, while multiple small ones can move about the room to help create strategic seating arrangements.”

As for styling, Simonpietri says that different upholstery materials, colors, shapes, and even print, can play to your room’s strengths. “An oversize ottoman looks great with a beautiful tray on top, which acts as an additional surface that can be styled to hold books, vases, and objects you would put on a side or cocktail table,” she adds. “If you’re using an ottoman in a living space near a television, I like to add a lacquer or vintage box to hold remotes and other tech accessories.”

Wondering what version of this accent piece would work in your home? Maybe a barely-there footstool is all that is called for in your living room; or perhaps a pretty pouf would add some elegance to a spacious walk-in closet; or suppose your long entryway is screaming for a seating situation that will simultaneously hide your kid’s soccer equipment. Here, ELLE DECOR editors have selected the best storage ottomans for all budgets, so you, too, can benefit from this winning combination of functionality and beauty. You might want to sit down for this.

Modern Ottoman

Talk about a workhorse. This square ottoman doubles up as a coffee table, work-from-home desk, makeshift dining table, and footrest. Not to mention blanket receptacle. We love the emerald tigress fabric for a dash of whimsey, but you can also take your pick of more than 50 other designer print to customize your look. This ottoman is sure to be the bold new statement item your space needs.

Dimensions: 31” W x 31” D x 17'' H | Material: Linen and cotton upholstery | Assembly Required: No

A The Inside reviewers says: "This ottoman is so versatile- pair it with the slipper chair and you've got a chaise lounge, use it on its own as a coffee table, or put it in your foyer for a stylish stool."

Cream Storage Ottoman

Looking for a seat that doesn't feel heavy in a room? Crate & Kids's ivory ottoman, designed by Leanne Ford, boasts exaggerated deep channels in the cream-toned, ultra-popular nubby bouclé for a playful stacked look. Pair the cream storage ottoman with a coordinating glider for a snug nursery corner nook.

Dimensions: 36” W x 36” D x 13'' H | Material: Polyester and acrylic blend boucle fabric upholstery; Poplar legs | Assembly Required: Yes

Brown Lamb Fleece Ottoman

For those who are so over the bouclé trend but love texture in a room, this lamb fleece fabric bench is a fitting solution. It features high-density sponge material that will not collapse when you sit on it for a long time—something you're sure to do with such plush feel. The rounded, arc shape is ideal for a household with children.

Dimensions: 47.24” W x 16.93” D x 17.72'' H | Material: Faux lamb fleece fabric upholstery | Assembly Required: No

Skirted Storage Ottoman

Give your living room a touch of the Italian riviera aesthetic with this classic cabana stripe storage ottoman. Each piece is handmade by sewers, upholsterers and woodworkers across North America. At last, a way to show you've earned your stripes.

Dimensions: 20” W x 20” D x 19'' H | Material: Cotton upholstery | Assembly Required: No

A The Inside reviewer says: “I bought two of these for under my console table to store my sons toys and hide wires. Not only do they look amazing but all of the ugly toys are hidden and they double as extra seating when guest are over. Really easy to slide in and out and super sturdy and well built.”

Mod Storage Bench

Of course, sometimes we need something more than a mere footstool. Behold, West Elm's Mod Storage Bench. Whether your entryway needs some chic storage space or the foot of your bed is looking a bit bare, this customizable reciprocal will deliver on style and storage.

Dimensions: 42” W x 16” D x 18.5'' H | Material: Customizable (choice of basketweave, velvet, linen, chenille, twill, canvas, and boucle upholstery) | Assembly Required: White glove delivery available

Tambor Round Ottoman

Looking to bring the outdoors in? Channel your inner Ina Garten with this bluebird blue botanical print, which brings an understated elegance that is dripping in character. Created in collaboration with French fashion brand Sézane, the beauty of this fully-upholstered piece is that it can be admired from every angle (though we can likely can't say the same for the items you've chosen to hide within it).

Dimensions: 18” W x 18” D x 18'' H | Material: Solid pine wood frame and linen and cotton fabric upholstery | Assembly Required: White glove delivery service available

Cow Storage Ottoman

Forget safe white-on-white living spaces. Take a gander on the wild side with this velvet cow-hide-style bench. We're loving the seat's unique leg design, which gives the impression that it's just a bit more upscale than its $180 price tag denotes. And if you're not ready to get that wild, it's available in a variety of other neutral solids. Giddy-up!

Dimensions: 45” W x 14.25” D x 10.25'' H | Material: Velvet upholstery | Assembly Required: Yes

Chaplin Storage Bench

For a traditional take, opt for Birchlane's blue striped storage ottoman. Ideally sized to sit at the foot of a bed, this bench is accentuated by a tailored kick-pleat skirt that exudes effortless charm. Now you finally have a proper reciprocal for your seasonal clothes—without the under bed clutter.

Dimensions: 38” W x 18” D x 19'' H | Material: Cotton upholstery | Assembly Required: No

A The Inside reviewers says: "AMAZING! So beautiful & I love that it's a storage ottoman. The entire lid comes off. I wasn't sure if it was on a hinge from the pictures or not, but I love that the whole thing can be removed!"

Storage Ottoman

For a seat that stands out without being the loudest piece in the room, this warm-hued bench is a fitting modern accent to a plethora of spaces. The legs are a gentle nod to the midcentury design, creating a timeless look that will add interest to any design style.

Dimensions: 38.97” W x 17.72” D x 16.54'' H | Material: Cotton and polyester upholstery | Assembly Required: Yes

Pera Velvet Ottoman

If you need proof that a functional furniture piece can feel like an indulgence, look no further than this soft olive green velvet storage ottoman from Joss & Main. Its solid pine wood feet and plump top cushion make for a worthy foot rest for the weary—and is the perfect statement piece a room needs to exude a little everyday lavishness.

Dimensions: 35” W x 35” D x 20'' H | Material: velvet upholstery; wood frame | Assembly Required: Yes

Ames Storage Ottoman

You can't go wrong with a classic coffee-table size ottoman that doesn't sit too heavily in a room but also offers ample storage space. This vanilla bouclé beauty is as chic as it is cozy. And if you can't decide which size to get, snag the smaller version to echo the theme in another room.

Dimensions: 25” W x 25” D (4.5" clearance to the floor) x 20'' H | Material: Polyester upholstery | Assembly Required: White glove delivery available

Torres Leather Storage Ottoman

Perhaps your space would prefer something less botanical and more no nonsense. Enter the Citizenry's Torres leather storage ottoman. This piece is the real deal. It was handcrafted with vegetable-tanned cow leather that was sourced from Alcanena, Portugal, a small town known as “The Land of Leather.” All made start-to-finish in a fair trade environment. Proof that style and durability can go hand-in-hand.

Dimensions: 25” W x 25” D x 20'' H | Material: Leather | Assembly Required: No

A The Citizenry reviewer says: "Color is beautiful, perfect size for the corner in my bedroom. Love everything from Citizenry!"

Storage Ottoman Bench

Who doesn't love a good Etsy find? This bespoke furniture piece, upholstered in Turkish rugs, is a true treasure. So if all you got from your grandma is a far-too-loved crockpot, this statement piece will be the only hand-me-down you need—even if it wasn't. We won't tell if you don't.

Dimensions: 18” D x 36” W (or 48") x 18'' H | Material: hornbeam and poplar wood | Assembly Required: Yes

An Etsy reviewer says: "What a beautiful addition to my bedroom! I was worried it would be too much with the bed cover but it works perfect. The workmanship is excellent...the shipping was super fast—10 days from order to delivery in Mexico."

Chalandra Faux Leather Ottoman

Have the style of Versace but the wallet of Wayfair? Fear not, this Wayfair piece hones all the designer vibes. A creamy white table-ottoman with Italian-esque legs, this piece is sure to give your living room a touch of sophistication without your spouse divorcing you over a shopaholic relapse.

Dimensions: 24” D x 46”W x 18'' H | Material: Faux leather | Assembly Required: No

A Wayfair reviewer says: "Absolutely love it. No assembly required, just take it out the well packaged box and there you go. Can't wait to decorate my new home with this piece."

Corduroy Celine Storage Ottoman

Haven't you heard? Corduroy is making a comeback. This soft and textured material, a ‘70s mainstay, is appearing on the runway as well as in furniture. And nowhere does it work better than on this creamy, customizable storage ottoman. Our favorite detail? The top is reversible; one side is plush upholstery and one side is wood, allowing it to effortlessly transform into a coffee table.

Dimensions: 17.25” D x 38”W x 18'' H | Material: Faux leather | Assembly Required: No

An Anthropologie reviewer says: "This sectional is both beautiful and comfortable. The corduroy fabric is sooo soft and luxurious. Its also so comfortable!"

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