The 10 Best Storage Ottomans for 2023 – Ottomans with Storage

Storage ottomans are the furniture equivalent of a friend who shows up with snacks, helps you clean, and somehow still looks good in photos. They hold blankets, hide toys, rescue your living room from remote-control chaos, and give tired feet a soft landing after a long day. In small homes, apartments, bedrooms, playrooms, dorms, and entryways, a good ottoman with storage can feel less like decor and more like a tiny miracle with upholstery.

The best storage ottomans for 2023 were not just about looking pretty in a product photo. Shoppers wanted pieces that could do real work: double as a coffee table, offer extra seating, store bulky throws, survive kids and pets, and fit into rooms where every square inch has already filed a complaint. From large square coffee-table ottomans to small round footstools and foldable benches, the market gave homeowners plenty of smart options.

This guide breaks down ten of the best ottomans with storage, based on real product features, common buyer priorities, editorial recommendations, shopper-review trends, and practical use cases. Whether your style is modern, classic, boho, farmhouse, glam, or “please just hide the mess before guests arrive,” there is a storage ottoman here with your name on it.

What Makes a Great Storage Ottoman?

A storage ottoman should be more than a padded box with confidence. The best models combine hidden storage, sturdy construction, comfortable upholstery, and a size that actually makes sense for the room. A giant square ottoman may be perfect in a family room, but in a tiny apartment it can feel like parking a sofa in the middle of a hallway.

Size and Shape Matter

Square ottomans often work well as coffee table replacements, especially when they have a flat or tray-style top. Rectangular benches are excellent at the foot of a bed, in entryways, or under windows. Round ottomans soften a room visually and are easier to move around in tighter spaces. Cube ottomans are small-space heroes, especially when you need flexible seating.

Material Should Match Real Life

Velvet looks luxurious, bouclé feels cozy, faux leather wipes clean, and woven materials add natural texture. The best choice depends on how the ottoman will be used. If snacks, shoes, pets, or children are involved, easy-clean upholstery is your best friend. If the ottoman is mostly decorative, you can be a little more dramatic. Your living room may not need a velvet throne, but it probably would not complain.

Storage Access Should Be Easy

Lift-off lids are simple and common, but they require somewhere to set the lid while you dig around. Hinged lids are easier for frequent access. Split-lift tops are especially useful because one side can open while the other side still holds a tray, book, or cup. Foldable storage ottomans are great for temporary spaces, guest rooms, and apartments because they can be collapsed when not needed.

The 10 Best Storage Ottomans for 2023

1. Simpli Home Dover Square Coffee Table Storage Ottoman – Best Oversized Pick

The Simpli Home Dover Square Coffee Table Storage Ottoman is a strong choice for anyone who wants one piece of furniture to do the job of three. It works as a footrest, coffee table, storage chest, and casual extra seat. Its large square shape gives it a substantial presence, making it best for living rooms and family rooms rather than tight corners.

One of its most useful features is the split lift-up top. Instead of opening the entire lid every time you need a blanket or board game, you can lift just one side. That detail sounds small until someone has parked a tray of chips on the other half. The hidden compartments are roomy enough for throws, pillows, magazines, toys, or seasonal items.

Best for: Large living rooms, family rooms, coffee table replacement, blanket storage.

Why it stands out: Generous storage, split-lift design, sturdy look, and versatile use.

2. First Hill FHW Fifth Avenue Storage Ottoman – Best Classic Style

If you like furniture that looks polished without acting too fancy to hold your clutter, the First Hill FHW Fifth Avenue Storage Ottoman is a smart classic pick. It typically features traditional details such as button tufting, nailhead trim, and solid-looking legs, giving it a more formal appearance than many basic storage cubes.

This ottoman is especially good for transitional living rooms, reading corners, bedrooms, and spaces where you want storage without shouting, “I am hiding seven throw blankets and a lost phone charger.” It has the charm of a decorative accent piece but still provides practical hidden storage.

Best for: Classic interiors, accent seating, reading nooks, traditional living rooms.

Why it stands out: Elegant styling, useful storage, and a timeless shape that fits many rooms.

3. Lue Bona Velvet Ottoman Foot Rest – Best Decorative Small Ottoman

The Lue Bona Velvet Ottoman Foot Rest is for people who want their storage ottoman to bring a little drama without demanding its own dressing room. Velvet upholstery gives it a plush, decorative feel, while the compact size makes it practical for bedrooms, small apartments, vanity areas, and cozy corners.

Small storage ottomans are not designed to swallow an entire linen closet, but they are perfect for smaller items: hair tools, books, slippers, remotes, charging cables, pet toys, or that one throw blanket everyone fights over. The Lue Bona option works particularly well when you want softness, color, and hidden storage in a smaller footprint.

Best for: Bedrooms, vanity seating, small living rooms, decorative accents.

Why it stands out: Pretty upholstery, compact size, and useful hidden storage for everyday items.

4. SONGMICS 43-Inch Folding Storage Ottoman Bench – Best Budget Bench

The SONGMICS 43-Inch Folding Storage Ottoman Bench became popular because it solves a very real problem: people need storage, but not everyone wants to buy a heavy, permanent piece of furniture. This foldable bench offers generous interior space, a padded top, and a design that can work in entryways, bedrooms, dorms, and living rooms.

Its bench shape makes it especially helpful at the foot of a bed, where it can hold extra bedding, pillows, off-season clothing, or bags. In an entryway, it can store shoes while giving you a place to sit. The folding design is the big advantage. If you move often, host guests occasionally, or like furniture that can disappear when not needed, this ottoman is a practical winner.

Best for: Budget shoppers, renters, entryways, bedrooms, temporary storage.

Why it stands out: Large capacity, foldable design, and strong value for the price.

5. Threshold Tufted Round Storage Ottoman – Best Small-Space Round Ottoman

The Threshold Tufted Round Storage Ottoman is a great option for small apartments and cozy rooms where a square ottoman might feel too boxy. Its round shape makes it visually softer, and the tufted top gives it enough style to look intentional rather than like emergency storage wearing a hat.

This type of ottoman is ideal beside an accent chair, in front of a small sofa, or tucked into a bedroom corner. It can hold smaller items such as books, accessories, light throws, and personal clutter. It also works as a footrest or occasional seat, depending on the setting.

Best for: Small apartments, bedrooms, accent chairs, reading corners.

Why it stands out: Compact size, rounded silhouette, attractive tufting, and easy placement.

6. Threshold Wicker Storage Ottoman Designed with Studio McGee – Best Natural Texture

For rooms that need warmth and texture, the Threshold Wicker Storage Ottoman designed with Studio McGee is a lovely pick. Woven storage ottomans are especially useful because they add visual interest while staying neutral enough for coastal, boho, modern farmhouse, and relaxed traditional spaces.

This style is excellent for storing blankets, magazines, toys, or decorative pillows. The woven look feels lighter than fully upholstered pieces, so it is a smart choice in rooms that already have bulky sofas or heavy wood furniture. It is storage, but with vacation-house energy. Sadly, it will not book the beach trip for you.

Best for: Boho rooms, coastal decor, farmhouse spaces, natural-style interiors.

Why it stands out: Woven texture, decorative appeal, and practical hidden storage.

7. Pottery Barn Lorraine Tufted Square Storage Ottoman – Best Premium Classic

The Pottery Barn Lorraine Tufted Square Storage Ottoman is the kind of piece that looks like it belongs in a grown-up living room where nobody eats cereal on the couch. Of course, real life happens, so the appeal is that it combines classic design with actual storage capacity.

Its tufted design, square shape, and customizable upholstery options make it a premium choice for homeowners who care about long-term style. It is especially good as a coffee table alternative in a formal living room or primary bedroom sitting area. The square form gives it presence, while the hidden storage keeps clutter out of sight.

Best for: Formal living rooms, premium interiors, long-term furniture investment.

Why it stands out: Timeless tufting, upholstery choices, and substantial storage.

8. Article Maribo 48-Inch Storage Ottoman – Best End-of-Bed Ottoman

The Article Maribo 48-Inch Storage Ottoman is a standout for bedrooms. Its long, narrow shape makes it ideal for the foot of a bed, where it can store extra blankets, pillows, sweaters, or linens while giving the room a finished, designer look.

The clean Scandinavian-inspired style helps it fit into modern, minimalist, and cozy neutral interiors. Bouclé versions feel soft and trendy, while leather or other fabric options can shift the look more classic or casual. Because it is not overly bulky, it provides storage without making the bedroom feel crowded.

Best for: Bedrooms, end-of-bed storage, modern interiors, neutral decor.

Why it stands out: Slim bench profile, stylish upholstery, and bedroom-friendly proportions.

9. HomePop Large Tufted Round Storage Ottoman – Best Family Room Accent

The HomePop Large Tufted Round Storage Ottoman is a friendly, flexible choice for family rooms and casual living spaces. A large round ottoman can break up a room full of straight lines, making it especially useful with sectional sofas, square rugs, and rectangular coffee tables.

The tufted top adds texture, while the storage compartment can handle living room extras such as throws, game controllers, magazines, toys, or pet supplies. It is also easier to walk around than many sharp-cornered pieces, which is a small but welcome bonus in busy households.

Best for: Family rooms, sectional sofas, casual living spaces, softening angular layouts.

Why it stands out: Rounded design, large hidden storage, and relaxed everyday style.

10. IKEA GAMLEHULT Ottoman with Storage – Best Open-Weave Look

The IKEA GAMLEHULT Ottoman with Storage is a clever pick for people who like natural materials, light visual weight, and flexible use. Its woven rattan-style look gives it a casual, airy feel that works well in small spaces, sunrooms, reading corners, and relaxed living rooms.

Unlike fully upholstered storage ottomans, this style brings texture first and softness second. It may not be the plushest footrest on the list, but it works beautifully as an accent table, plant-side companion, or place to store lightweight household items. It is a good reminder that storage furniture does not have to look like storage furniture.

Best for: Small spaces, natural decor, light storage, accent-table use.

Why it stands out: Airy woven design, compact profile, and casual style.

How to Choose the Right Ottoman with Storage

For Living Rooms

Choose a larger square or round ottoman if you want to replace a coffee table. Look for a flat top, firm padding, or a tray-friendly surface. If the ottoman will hold drinks or snacks, avoid delicate fabrics unless you are emotionally prepared for stains. Faux leather, performance fabric, or tightly woven polyester will usually be easier to maintain.

For Bedrooms

A rectangular storage bench is usually the most useful bedroom option. Place it at the foot of the bed to store blankets, seasonal bedding, or extra pillows. Measure the bed width before buying. A bench that is too short may look accidental; one that is too long may turn your bedroom into an obstacle course.

For Entryways

Entryway ottomans should be sturdy, easy to clean, and comfortable enough for sitting while putting on shoes. Darker fabrics and faux leather are practical choices because entryways attract dirt the way magnets attract paper clips. A bench-style ottoman with shoe storage or a roomy interior is especially helpful.

For Kids’ Rooms and Playrooms

Choose soft edges, lightweight construction, and easy-open lids. Avoid heavy lids that can slam shut. Storage ottomans are great for stuffed animals, building blocks, dress-up clothes, and books. Bonus points if the ottoman does not look like children’s furniture, because then it can grow with the room.

Storage Ottoman Materials: What to Know Before Buying

Faux leather is practical, easy to wipe down, and great for homes with pets or snack-loving humans. It can look sleek in modern rooms and is often more affordable than genuine leather.

Velvet adds color and softness. It works well in bedrooms, glam spaces, and accent areas. It may require more care, especially in homes with shedding pets.

Bouclé gives a cozy, designer look and has been especially popular in modern interiors. It is stylish but may be harder to clean than smoother fabrics.

Woven materials such as seagrass, rattan, or wicker bring natural texture. They are excellent for decorative storage but may not be as soft for long footrest sessions.

Polyester upholstery is common because it is affordable, versatile, and available in many colors and textures. For everyday use, it is one of the safest choices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The first mistake is buying an ottoman without measuring. Product photos are sneaky. A storage ottoman that looks cute online may arrive with the confidence of a small refrigerator. Measure your floor space, sofa height, and walking paths before ordering.

The second mistake is ignoring lid style. If you plan to access storage daily, a hinged or split-lift lid will be easier than a removable lid. If you only store seasonal items, a lift-off lid may be perfectly fine.

The third mistake is choosing beauty over maintenance. A white bouclé ottoman in a house with muddy dogs, toddlers, and movie-night nachos may be a brave decision. Not impossible. Just brave.

The fourth mistake is assuming every ottoman can be used as seating. Check weight capacity and construction. Some pieces are decorative footrests, while others are strong enough for regular sitting.

Real-Life Experience: What It Is Like to Live With a Storage Ottoman

After using storage ottomans in different rooms, one thing becomes obvious: the best ottoman is the one that matches your actual habits, not your fantasy lifestyle. In the fantasy version, the ottoman stores one folded cashmere throw and maybe a coffee-table book. In real life, it holds three blankets, a missing sock, two remotes, a phone charger, board-game pieces, and something you were supposed to return last month.

In a living room, a storage ottoman quickly becomes the center of activity. It is where people put their feet, drop the TV remote, place a snack tray, fold laundry, or sit when the sofa is full. A firm square ottoman works best here because it can act like a soft coffee table. Add a tray on top and suddenly it becomes civilized. Without the tray, someone will eventually balance a drink on the cushion and test the laws of physics.

In bedrooms, a storage bench at the foot of the bed is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. It gives the room a finished look while hiding the things that usually end up on chairs. Extra bedding, pajamas, slippers, and seasonal throws all disappear neatly. The trick is not to turn the ottoman into a black hole. Use fabric bins or simple categories inside: blankets on one side, clothing accessories on the other. Otherwise, you may open it six months later and discover a museum of forgotten laundry.

Entryway storage ottomans are practical but need to be chosen carefully. A light velvet ottoman near the front door may look beautiful for about four minutes. Then shoes happen. For high-traffic areas, darker colors, faux leather, or textured woven finishes are better. A bench shape is ideal because people can sit while tying shoes, and the inside can hold scarves, bags, dog leashes, or reusable shopping totes.

For families, storage ottomans can be a lifesaver. Toys can be swept inside before guests arrive, which creates the illusion that the home is always tidy. This illusion is one of adulthood’s greatest interior design tools. Round ottomans are especially nice around kids because they avoid sharp corners, while lightweight cube ottomans can be moved around easily.

One practical lesson: do not overfill the ottoman. If the lid has to be forced shut, the storage system has failed. Keep frequently used items near the top and avoid storing tiny loose objects unless they are in pouches or bins. Ottomans are great for larger soft items like throws, pillows, blankets, and sweaters. They are less great for a hundred small objects rolling around like treasure in a pirate chest.

Another experience-based tip is to think about height. An ottoman used with a sofa should usually sit close to seat height or slightly lower. If it is too tall, it feels awkward as a footrest. If it is too low, it may look like it wandered in from another room. For coffee table use, a firmer top matters more than plushness. For footrest use, comfort matters more than a perfectly flat surface.

The best storage ottomans become part of daily life because they are convenient. They reduce visible clutter without requiring a major organizing project. They make rooms feel warmer and more complete. And unlike many storage solutions, they do not punish you by looking like plastic bins. In other words, a good storage ottoman is not just furniture. It is a stylish little secret keeper with a cushion on top.

Final Verdict

The best storage ottoman for most homes depends on where it will live and what it needs to hide. For a large living room, the Simpli Home Dover is a strong oversized pick. For a budget-friendly bedroom or entryway bench, the SONGMICS 43-Inch Folding Storage Ottoman offers impressive practicality. For a premium classic look, the Pottery Barn Lorraine is hard to beat. For small spaces, the Threshold Tufted Round Storage Ottoman keeps things compact and stylish.

No matter which style you choose, the winning formula is simple: measure first, match the material to your lifestyle, choose a lid style that fits your habits, and be honest about what you plan to store. Your future self, standing in a clean living room five minutes before guests arrive, will be deeply grateful.