5 Best Ottoman Storage Options (2024 Guide) – This Old House

If your living room had a “junk drawer,” it would be the space between the sofa cushions. That’s where remotes go to retire, where stray LEGO bricks
form tiny unions, and where one mysterious sock lives out its days in quiet solitude. A storage ottoman is the grown-up solution:
it looks like furniture, acts like furniture, and secretly works a second job as a hiding spot for clutter.

In classic This Old House spirit, this guide focuses on options that do it right: sturdy frames, smart hardware, easy-clean materials,
and storage designs that make sense in real homes (not just in showroom fantasies where nobody owns a phone charger). Below you’ll find five
storage ottoman picksplus a buying guide so you can choose the best ottoman with storage for your space, your lifestyle, and your
specific brand of chaos.

Quick Picks at a Glance

• Best overall storage ottoman bench: Simpli Home Avalon 48″ Rectangle Storage Ottoman Bench
• Best for sectionals and everyday lounging: IKEA KIVIK Ottoman with Storage
• Best budget / small apartment option: SONGMICS Mazie 43″ Folding Storage Ottoman Bench
• Best for kid zones and “double-duty” living rooms: West Elm Lumi Upholstered Storage Ottoman (flip-top tray style)
• Best DIY option (custom and satisfying): This Old House Round Tufted Storage Ottoman (no-sew build)

How We Chose These Storage Ottomans

A “best of” list should be more than vibes and a pretty photo. For this 2024 guide, we looked at what reputable U.S. home-improvement and design
outlets emphasizedurability, safety, comfort, and practical storagethen cross-checked those priorities against real-world product specs and the
kinds of features shoppers repeatedly search for: lift-top storage, child-safety hinges, removable/washable covers,
and tray-top designs that can handle snacks, laptops, and the occasional “oops, I set my coffee down too close to the edge.”

The five options below cover the most common needs: end-of-bed storage, sectional extensions, entryway seating, small-space flexibility, and the
proudly DIY path for anyone who wants to say, “Yes, I built that,” while pretending it didn’t take three trips to the hardware store.

5 Best Ottoman Storage Options for 2024

1) Best Overall: Simpli Home Avalon 48″ Rectangle Storage Ottoman Bench

If you want one storage ottoman that can live in almost any room and still look intentional, the Avalon-style rectangular bench is the workhorse.
It’s long enough to function as an end-of-bed bench, wide enough to serve as extra seating, and clean-lined enough to pass as a minimalist coffee
table when topped with a tray.

Why it earns “best overall”: It hits the sweet spot of size, comfort, and storage capacity without getting fussy. Look for a build that
uses a solid/engineered wood frame, dense foam cushioning, and a lift-up lid with safety hingesa small feature that makes a big difference
when fingers (tiny or adult) are involved.

Best for: living rooms, entryways, bedrooms, and anyone who wants hidden storage without sacrificing a polished look.

• Storage style: Lift-top compartment (blankets, board games, seasonal throw pillows, “miscellaneous cords you swear you’ll organize someday”)
• Typical footprint: Around 48″ wide; works well at the foot of a queen bed or in front of a sofa
• Material options to consider: Faux/vegan leather for wipe-clean practicality; fabric for a softer, cozier feel
• Helpful detail: Many arrive mostly assembledoften just attach legsso you’re not building a spaceship on your living room rug

Pro tip: If you’ll use it as a coffee table, add a large tray. It protects upholstery, prevents “wobbly mug syndrome,” and makes the
ottoman feel purpose-built instead of “we’re just kind of balancing stuff here.”

2) Best for Sectionals: IKEA KIVIK Ottoman with Storage

Sectional owners know the truth: you don’t just buy a sofayou buy a lifestyle that includes constant blanket rotation. A matching ottoman with
storage is one of the easiest upgrades for comfort and clutter control, especially when it functions as a chaise extension and a hidden stash spot.

Why it’s a smart sectional companion: It’s designed to integrate with a popular seating line, and the storage is generous enough for
living-room essentials you want close but out of sight. Another practical win: many versions use a cover that’s designed to be removed and cleaned,
which is excellent news for households with pets, kids, or snacks.

Best for: modular seating setups, families, and anyone who wants the ottoman to look like it truly belongs.

• Storage style: Under-seat compartment (ideal for throws, games, small toys, or a “movie night kit”)
• Comfort and function: Works as a footrest, extra seat, or sofa extension
• Maintenance-friendly: Removable covers can make everyday mess less stressful
• Longevity factor: Warranty terms can be a meaningful clue that a piece is designed for daily use

Pro tip: If you use storage ottomans for kids’ toys, keep a shallow bin inside. It turns “clean up” from a scavenger hunt into a
one-step drop zoneno sorting required until you feel emotionally ready.

3) Best Budget / Small Space: SONGMICS Mazie 43″ Folding Storage Ottoman Bench

Small spaces don’t need more stuffthey need more function per square inch. Folding storage ottomans shine here because they’re lightweight,
quick to assemble, and can disappear when you need the floor back (hello, temporary home office… or dramatic dance break).

Why it’s the budget MVP: Many folding designs combine a sturdy interior structure (often MDF panels) with a cushioned top, plus a roomy
interior that holds linens, off-season accessories, or the “I don’t know where this goes” pile. Some include a divider so you can keep categories
separated without turning the interior into a fabric cave.

Best for: apartments, dorms, guest rooms, and anyone who loves the idea of storage but not the idea of hauling heavy furniture.

• Storage style: Lift-off/hinged lid over a large fabric-lined bin
• Common use cases: end-of-bed bench, entryway seat, footrest, or temporary coffee table with a tray
• Big advantage: Fold-flat storage when you’re rearranging, moving, or just reclaiming space
• Comfort note: Great for short sits and footrest duty; less ideal as your main “chair” for hours at a time

Pro tip: Folding ottomans are surprisingly strong, but they’re happiest on level floors. If you have thick carpet, add a firm board
underneath to keep the base stable.

4) Best Double-Duty (and Kid-Friendly): West Elm Lumi Upholstered Storage Ottoman (Flip-Top Tray Style)

The best storage ottomans don’t just hide clutterthey earn their keep all day long. Flip-top tray ottomans are the “Swiss Army knife” version:
soft on one side for feet (or sitting), and a firm surface on the other for snacks, books, or a laptop.

Why it’s a standout style in 2024: More families are combining living rooms, playrooms, and work-from-home zones into the same
footprint. A flip-top tray helps one piece of furniture serve multiple roles without looking like a compromise. Some designs even include playful
detailslike grooves sized for toy trainsmaking them quietly brilliant in kid spaces while still feeling grown-up.

Best for: family rooms, playrooms, small living rooms, and households that need surfaces and storage in the same footprint.

• Storage style: Interior compartment under a removable or hinged top
• Top design: Flips to reveal a tray surface (great for drinks and devices)
• Why it’s practical: Soft + hard surface options reduce the need for extra side tables
• Household bonus: Helpful for toy rotationstash half the toys, swap weekly, and suddenly you’re a genius

Pro tip: If you have toddlers, prioritize designs with stable bases and hardware that won’t slam. Storage ottomans should be helpful,
not secretly auditioning for “Most Dramatic Lid in a Family Room.”

5) Best DIY Option: This Old House Round Tufted Storage Ottoman (No-Sew Build)

Sometimes the best ottoman is the one you can customizesize, fabric, tufting pattern, even the “how fancy do we want to feel while hiding clutter?”
factor. The classic round, tufted storage ottoman is a This Old House favorite because it’s equal parts functional and statement piece.
And the no-sew approach lowers the intimidation barrier for first-time builders.

Why DIY is worth considering: You get the look of a high-end upholstered ottoman, but you control the materials and the finish.
Want performance fabric that can survive pets? Done. Want a bold color that retailers never stock? Also done. And since you’re building the frame,
you can optimize it for the exact storage needs you haveblankets, games, kids’ toys, or seasonal decor.

Best for: DIYers, custom design lovers, and anyone who wants a one-of-a-kind storage ottoman without paying one-of-a-kind pricing.

• Storage style: Lift-off lid and storage cavity (built into the frame)
• Difficulty level: Moderatemore “careful measuring” than “elite craftsmanship”
• Customization: Fabric, tufting, cushion thickness, and overall size
• Extra satisfaction: The first time someone compliments it, you get to casually say, “Oh, this? I made it.”

Pro tip: DIY upholstery is mostly about patience. Work slowly, keep your staples tidy, and don’t rush the tufting layout. The “clean,
even diamonds” look comes from careful markingnot magic.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Storage Ottoman

1) Pick the Right Shape for How You Live

A storage ottoman bench (rectangular) is typically best for end-of-bed placement, entryways, and extra seating. A round storage ottoman
tends to feel softer in a room layout (fewer sharp corners) and often works well as a coffee-table alternative. Square ottomans split the difference
and can feel especially tidy in symmetrical living rooms.

2) Measure Like You Mean It

Measure the space, then measure again after you’ve walked through the room pretending to carry laundry, groceries, or a sleeping dog (realistic
scenarios matter). For living rooms, ensure there’s comfortable clearance between the ottoman and seating so people can move without doing the
sideways crab shuffle.

3) Choose the Storage Mechanism That Fits Your Habits

• Lift-top with safety hinges: Great for frequent use, safer around kids, and less likely to slam.
• Removable lid: Simple and often lighter, but you need a place to set the lid down.
• Flip-top tray: Ideal if you want a coffee-table surface without buying another piece of furniture.
• Folding bin style: Best for flexible spaces; easy to move and store when not needed.

4) Don’t Ignore Materials (They’re the Difference Between “Cute” and “Still Cute After Six Months”)

For busy homes, easy-clean wins. Faux/vegan leather is usually wipeable and forgiving. Performance fabrics are great if you want softness with better
resistance to stains. Velvet and boucle can look amazing, but consider your household: if your cat treats boucle like a climbing wall, your “splurge”
could become a “lesson.”

5) Confirm the Structure Is Built for Real Life

Storage ottomans get sat on, leaned on, kicked (accidentally), and used as a temporary step stool (even when you say “please don’t”). Look for
sturdy frames and solid joinery. If the ottoman is primarily MDF, make sure the design is reinforced and intended for seatingnot just light storage.

6) Comfort MattersEven for a “Utility” Piece

If you’ll sit on it often (entryway shoes-on, bedroom getting-ready, extra guest seating), prioritize cushioning that feels supportive. High-density
foam generally holds up better than ultra-soft padding that compresses quickly. Tufting can add style, but it can also create a firmer feelgreat for
tables, less great if you want it to be your favorite perch.

Where Storage Ottomans Work Best (Room-by-Room)

Living Room

Use a storage ottoman as a coffee-table alternative, a footrest, or extra seating. This is where flip-top tray designs really shine, because you can
go from “cozy” to “functional surface” in seconds. Store throws, game controllers, and board games inside.

Bedroom

An end-of-bed storage ottoman bench is a classic move for a reason: it gives you a place to sit while getting dressed, and it hides extra bedding,
seasonal sweaters, or spare pillows. If your closet is doing its best but still losing the battle, this is a clean-looking backup plan.

Entryway

Entryways are clutter magnets. A storage bench ottoman can hold shoes, hats, gloves, dog leashes, and the mail you keep meaning to sort. Bonus: it
gives you a stable seat for shoe tying, which is underrated until you try it once and wonder how you ever lived without it.

Kids’ Spaces

Storage ottomans are excellent “toy rotation” tools. Keep a portion of toys inside, swap them out weekly, and suddenly everything feels new again
without buying anything new. Look for stable designs and safer hardware.

Care, Safety, and Long-Term Use Tips

• Avoid lid slams: Safety hinges or slow-close hardware help protect hands and reduce wear.
• Use felt pads: They protect floors and make repositioning easier (especially in living rooms).
• Don’t overload: Storage ottomans are not mystery closets. If the lid fights you, it’s time to edit.
• Keep it organized: A small bin or divider inside prevents the “blanket avalanche” effect.
• Follow care instructions: Wipe faux leather, vacuum fabric, and spot-clean quickly to avoid stains setting in.

FAQ

Can a storage ottoman replace a coffee table?

Absolutelyespecially a larger rectangular or round ottoman. Add a tray for stability, and you’ll get the best of both worlds: comfort plus a usable
surface. If you host often, consider a flip-top tray design so you have a firm top whenever you need it.

What size storage ottoman should I buy?

For a sofa, many people choose an ottoman roughly two-thirds the sofa’s width (or sized to align with the seating area). For the foot of a bed, pick
something that doesn’t block drawers or walking paths. When in doubt, tape the outline on the floor and live with it for a dayyour future self will
thank you.

Are folding storage ottomans actually sturdy?

Many are surprisingly strong, but treat them like what they are: lightweight, flexible furniture. They’re great for seating and storage, but they’re
not a permanent step stool and they shouldn’t be overloaded with extremely heavy items.

Real-World Experiences (the Stuff You Only Learn After Living With One)

Most people buy a storage ottoman for one noble reason: organization. Then real life shows up with snacks, guests, pets, and that one family
member who believes “putting things away” means “putting things somewhere I can’t see.” Over time, a few patterns show up again and againuseful
lessons that can help you choose the right piece and actually enjoy it.

First: the storage ottoman becomes whatever your home needs most. In some houses it’s a blanket headquarters. In others it becomes a board-game
library, a kids’ toy vault, or a place to stash chargers and remotes so they stop migrating like they’re training for a marathon. The big takeaway is
that you’ll use it more if it lives where the problem lives. If clutter piles up in the living room, a bedroom ottoman won’t fix it. Put the storage
where the mess happens, and you’ll naturally use it.

Second: size surprises people. A storage ottoman that looks “large” online can read smaller once it’s in a room with a sectional. The opposite also
happensa too-big ottoman can swallow walking space and make a room feel cramped. Homeowners who are happiest long-term tend to do one simple thing
before buying: they measure and mark the footprint on the floor with painter’s tape. It’s low effort and high payoff, and it prevents the classic
“Why does my living room feel like an obstacle course?” moment.

Third: hardware matters more than you think. People love the convenience of lift-top storage, but they love it even more when the lid doesn’t slam.
Families often report that soft-close or safety hinges are the difference between “we use this every day” and “we only open it when an adult is
supervising like it’s a science experiment.” If kids are around, hinge quality is not a luxury detailit’s a sanity detail.

Fourth: material choice quietly decides your relationship with the ottoman. Faux/vegan leather owners love how quickly spills wipe up, especially
in snack-heavy households. Fabric owners often prefer the softer feel and warmer look, but they’re happiest when they choose textures that hold up
to pets and daily use. And yes, boucle is beautifuljust be honest about whether your cat has ever met a looped fabric it didn’t want to “improve.”
Picking a durable, easy-care upholstery is how you keep the ottoman looking like a design choice instead of a regret.

Fifth: the best storage ottoman is the one you can keep organized. Without a plan, many people discover the “ottoman black hole”a place where
blankets, random cables, and small toys tumble together until the lid barely closes. The fix is simple: use a divider, small bins, or even a fabric
tote inside the ottoman so you can separate categories. A two-bin system works especially well: one bin for “living room essentials” (remotes, extra
chargers, batteries) and one bin for “soft goods” (throws, pillow covers). When everything has a lane, you’ll actually keep using the storagewithout
turning it into a hidden junk pile.

Finally, DIYers often say the same thing about building a tufted storage ottoman: the project is less about “having perfect skills” and more about
slowing down for layout and upholstery steps. The frame work is straightforward if you measure carefully, but the finished look comes from patience:
evenly spaced tuft marks, clean staple lines, and methodical smoothing as you wrap fabric. The reward is big, though. A custom round ottoman can
match your room perfectly, solve a storage problem, and become a genuine conversation piecebecause it’s not just furniture. It’s furniture with a
backstory.

Conclusion

A great storage ottoman is one of the easiest ways to make a home feel calmer without adding more cabinets, shelves, or bulky storage
furniture. Choose the right size, pick a storage mechanism that matches your habits, and prioritize safe, durable construction. Whether you go with a
long rectangular ottoman bench, a sectional-friendly footstool, a folding small-space champ, a flip-top tray multitasker, or a custom DIY build, the
payoff is the same: less clutter in sight, more comfort underfoot, and fewer lost remotes living their best life in the sofa cushions.