A storage ottoman is an excellent opportunity to combine fashion and function in a room where you might not have a ton of space. This dual-purpose ottoman serves as a practical piece of furniture while giving you a place to tuck away clutter or large items you'd prefer to keep out of the way.
Ottomans come in a wide variety of sizes, styles and fabrics, meaning there's something out there suited to every stylistic need. Check out the Lark Manor Zakhar Tufted Rectangle Storage Ottoman for a sturdy, elegant bench that looks stunning just about anywhere.
Most storage ottomans come in three sizes, but all of them stand about 15-20 inches tall. Types include:
The standard storage ottoman has a metal, wood or modified density fiberboard frame with a fabric exterior. Since an ottoman is meant to be as stylish as it is functional, the fabrics used to upholster ottomans usually have a striking color or texture that draws the eye.
Fabrics such as cotton, polyester, velvet linen and faux leather are durable and easy to clean. Leather and viscose can require more care, but leather has rich tones and viscose provides an elegant shine, so they're worth considering.
Some ottomans have legs or feet while others sit flush against the floor. Legs are made from metal, wood or fiberboard and can be basic or crafted with attractive curves.
A storage ottoman features a lid that can either be removed entirely or propped up on hinges when you want to go through or rearrange the contents. Some hinged lids also have a locking mechanism so that the lid stays propped up for as long as you want.
The best ottoman has a little something extra. This can be an eye-catching fabric print, elegant feet, a tufted cushion or a nail-studded trim. These accents aren't usually used all together, but one or two can add visual interest. The smaller the ottoman, the more decorative you can afford to be with colors and patterns.
A storage ottoman is already pulling double duty, but a reversible lid means you can flip the cushion around and use it as a convenient serving tray or table. Most popular with footrests or table ottomans, a double-sided lid has a cushion on the top and a flat wood or faux wood surface on the other side.
This tray is great for remotes, drinks, snacks or anything else you might want close at hand. When you're done, just turn it over and the ottoman is back to being a footrest or seat.
A collapsible ottoman is great for temporary storage. It can be moved easily from room to room or home to home, making it especially useful for dorm rooms or rented spaces. It's lightweight and folds up flat when you don't need it. Setup and breakdown are simple, with no tools required.
The price varies greatly depending on the style and size, so a storage ottoman costs anywhere from $25-$700.
A. Most ottomans benefit from spot cleaning only. A damp cloth usually does the trick, but check the instructions to make sure water won't ruin the fabric.
A. It's a blend of faux and real leather. Leftover scraps from each are taken and combined to create a recycled material that looks like real leather.
Lark Manor Zakhar Tufted Rectangle Storage Ottoman
What you need to know: This button-tufted velvet bench is 18.89 inches tall and 50.3 inches wide with a weight capacity of 400 pounds.
What you’ll love: It's stylish, with seven color choices and small but sturdy birch wood feet. It's well-made and spacious. The interior is 19.29 inches deep and the lid has a hinge for opening and closing.
What you should consider: The legs have to be assembled.
Where to buy: Sold by Wayfair
Youdesure Folding Storage Ottoman
What you need to know: This rectangular, dark gray linen bench is 15 inches tall and 30 inches wide, with a weight capacity of 350 pounds.
What you’ll love: It's collapsible with a breathable fabric and a cushioned lid. The tufted top adds visual interest to an otherwise low-key design. It's lightweight but durable and easy to assemble.
What you should consider: The lid comes entirely off but is not reversible.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
OSP Home Furnishings Augusta Round Storage Ottoman
What you need to know: This round leather table is 18 inches tall and 32 inches across with a weight capacity of 200 pounds.
What you’ll love: It comes in six colors, with dark wood legs and faux and bonded leather upholstery. It's spacious with a stylish nail-studded trim. The lid is reversible so it can be used as a bench or a table. It's durable and easy to assemble.
What you should consider: It holds less weight than some ottomans of the same size.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Kohl's
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Emily Verona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
