Storage Ottomans: The Ultimate Multitasking Furniture for Your Living Room
Share
One Piece, Endless Possibilities
If there's one piece of furniture that punches above its weight, it's the storage ottoman. Footrest, extra seating, coffee table, and hidden storage — all in one beautifully upholstered package. Whether your living room is large or compact, a storage ottoman is one of the smartest investments you can make.
Types of Storage Ottomans
1. Lift-Top Storage Ottomans
The most popular type, featuring a hinged lid that lifts to reveal a spacious interior. Perfect for storing blankets, pillows, board games, and anything else you want within reach but out of sight.
- Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms
- Storage capacity: Large — can hold bulky items like throws and extra pillows
- Tip: Add a tray on top to create a stable surface for drinks and books
2. Tufted Storage Ottomans
Classic button-tufted upholstery gives these ottomans a timeless, luxurious look. Available in velvet, faux leather, and fabric, they add a touch of elegance to any room.
- Best for: Traditional, transitional, and glam interiors
- Tip: Choose a velvet finish for maximum visual impact
3. Cocktail / Coffee Table Ottomans
Large, flat-top ottomans designed to replace or complement a coffee table. Soft and safe for families with young children, they create a more relaxed, casual living room feel.
- Best for: Family rooms, open-plan living spaces
- Tip: Use a large tray on top to define the surface and hold items securely
- Size guide: Should be roughly 2/3 the length of your sofa
4. Bench Storage Ottomans
Long and rectangular, bench ottomans work beautifully at the foot of a bed, in an entryway, or as extra seating along a wall. The interior storage is ideal for shoes, linens, or seasonal items.
- Best for: Entryways, bedrooms, dining rooms
- Tip: Choose a height that matches your sofa seat for seamless integration
How to Choose the Right Storage Ottoman
- Size: For use as a coffee table, aim for 2/3 the sofa length and a height similar to sofa cushions
- Fabric: Velvet for luxury, performance fabric for families with kids or pets, faux leather for easy cleaning
- Color: A bold color adds personality; a neutral tone blends seamlessly
- Legs vs. No Legs: Legs feel lighter and more elevated; no legs feel more grounded and modern
Styling Tips
- Place a decorative tray on top with a candle, small plant, and a few books
- Use it as a focal point by choosing a contrasting color or texture to your sofa
- In small rooms, replace your coffee table entirely with a large storage ottoman
- Pair two smaller ottomans side by side for a flexible, modular look
Discover our full range in the Storage Ottomans Collection and find the perfect multitasker for your home.