Our style editor’s selection of stylish storage ottomans will keep your home looking both chic and tidy
Storage ottomans can be a highly versatile addition to a space, and they are great for creating hidden extra storage; these are my favorites new designs
Spring cleaning can be fun – that is, until you uncover tons of stuff that you want to keep, but have no idea how. After all, what will you do with all your cozy throw blankets when spring rolls around? Well, after dealing with my own similar dilemma recently, I have the answer: a chic storage ottoman.
In general, I believe that ottomans are one of the most versatile pieces of furniture out there, and they are a great storage idea for the home. You can use them as footstools, extra seating, side tables, and so much more. Plus, once you add the storage component to it, the design can be used to store loose clothes, blankets, toys, books, and just generally all the items that tend to cause a mess in your living room or bedroom.
After perusing all of my favorite home retailers, I realized that there are so many incredible types of ottomans out there that hide extra storage, and they’re available in multiple sizes, materials, price points, and design styles.
Explore my favorite storage ottoman picks
Whether it’s a high-end leather piece or a more simple linen number, these ottoman ideas will help you store all your items with ease.
You can pick from any material you like—linen, velvet, performance fabric, the works!—and customize this ottoman to perfectly suit your decor space. The chunky legs and oversized cushion add a light and airy feel.
Was $136.99, now $129.99 at Wayfair
Bouclé has been in fashion for ages, but this ottoman takes the trend to the next level with layers and layers of it. It’s a fun, bouncy option for a children’s room.
This ottoman can be custom-made in top-grain leather that’s available in a series of made-to-order hues, so you can choose anything from a dark Espresso shade to a cool gray Pebble. Antique bronze nailheads adorn the bottom for a modern feel.
One of my favorite budget-friendly options, this collapsible ottoman is a simple 15-inch cubic square that’ll fit in anywhere to give you some secret extra storage space.
How cool is this lift-top storage ottoman? Crafted from a solid wood frame with a leather top and base, you can even use the lifted area as an elevated table, while the two roomy compartments underneath let you store everything from blankets to games inside.
Aptly called “Lounge”, this storage ottoman can easily double as extra seating for when you have more company than expected. The kiln-dried hardwood makes it a sturdy base for your items, too.
The lively floral pattern on this ottoman is perfect for spring, and the cute, removable seat cushion adds the poof you need up top.
Available in 12 gorgeous textured linen shades, this ABC Carpet & Home exclusive has been entirely hand-upholstered from top to bottom, making sure it radiates warmth in any space.
Was $395, now $276.50 at One Kings Lane
This skirted ottoman is giving me major antique vibes, and the colorful linen color is dreamy in a small space. It’s been built with a study pine frame, so it’ll definitely withstand tons of weight as well.
FAQs
What is the difference between a pouf and an ottoman?
While the words are used interchangeably, there are some slight differences between a pouf and an ottoman.
An ottoman is a low, upholstered stool, usually with legs, and it can also be used as a footrest, coffee table, or seat. Ottomans are much firmer than poufs: poufs are cushioned, pillow-like seats that stay low to the ground. They can function as makeshift chairs, footstools, or side tables, but note that they generally sit lower and are softer than ottomans.
Perfect for placing in a living room beside a sofa or armchair, or for use in a cozy corner of a bedroom; no matter the size of style of your home, a storage ottoman can bring both charming character and functional storage to your space.
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Nikhita is the Style Editor for Homes & Gardens, making sure our home-savvy readers are always aware of the latest trends and deepening their knowledge of classic design. Nikhita graduated with her Master of Arts in Magazine Journalism from New York University, and has spent a decade in interior design and shopping roles at shelter publications ELLE DECOR and Domino Magazine.
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