Storage: what is it good for?
Absolutely everything, as it turns out. Whether you rent or own, everyone could do with extra storage to hide away the mounds of stuff that we all accumulate throughout the week/ month/ our lives. Even monks need somewhere to put their extra robes.
While organisers and storage boxes bring order to cupboards, drawers and wardrobes, furniture that doubles up as storage gives you the bonus of function while looking good doing it too. Think storage sofas and beds that lift up to reveal roomy under-bed space underneath.
These beds, known as ottoman beds, are the descendants of ottoman benches, a style of furniture that can be traced back to one of the world’s greatest powers.
Where does ottoman furniture come from?
As you might be able to guess from its name, the Ottoman Empire is behind this ingenious and versatile style of furniture.
Arriving in Europe from Turkey in the late 19th century, they began as beautifully upholstered seats and benches that took pride of place in the living room. When made hollow, they offered a way to keep things like extra cushions and blankets out of sight. They’re still wildly popular now in hotels and private members clubs like Soho House.
What are the benefits of an ottoman?
The latter’s Design Director, Linda Boronokay, explains their appeal: "We love using ottomans in our clubs because of their versatility and also because they give a softer, more relaxed vibe to a space than a coffee table, while remaining just as practical. When made hollow with a hinged top, they are great for storage. They can also be used as footstools or pouffes when the occasion calls for it, and they can perfectly hold food and drink with the addition of a nice tray on top."
Who should buy an ottoman?
For those living in one of London’s notoriously small flats or houseshares, having a piece of furniture that can also squirrel away off-season clothes, shoes and accessories or hide extra bedding and towels means an ottoman is worth the investment.
Use them as footstools and additional seating in the living room or position them at the foot of the bed for somewhere to perch when you’re getting ready. A robust design made from hardwearing materials can be put in the hallway to double up as shoe storage. You can also use them to organise your WFH things, helping to strengthen the divide between work and play at home.
Best storage ottomans at a glance
- Best for statement: Natur Pur Bruner Velvet Upholstered Storage Bench - £129.99, Wayfair
- Best for luxe: Wahson Storage Bench Stool - £119.99, Amazon
- Best for dressing tables: Polly Pink Velvet Blanket Box - £89.96, Roseland
- Best for interiors fans: Oliver Bonas Loha Faux Sheepskin Boucle & Rattan Ottoman - £595, Oliver Bonas
- Best for a splash of colour: John Lewis Rouen Upholstered Ottoman Storage Box - £275, John Lewis
- Best for messy hallways: IKEA Tolkning Storage bench - £129, IKEA
- Best for secret storage: Dusk Soho Ottoman Storage Pouffe - Olive Green - £143, Dusk
- Best for chic bedroom storage: Dunelm Boucle Lozenge Ottoman - £59, Dunelm
- Best for monochromatic magic: Homcom Velvet Storage Ottoman Button-Tufted Footstool Box - £136.99, Robert Dyas
- Best for simplicity: Habitat Aspen Ottoman - Light Grey - £145, Argos
- Best for unobtrusive style: Anthropologie Valencia Velvet Louise Storage Ottoman - £348, Anthropologie
- Best for unique boho boltholes: Urban Outfitters Urban Renewal One-Of-A-Kind Kantha Ottoman - £223, UO
If you’re looking for ways to make your money work harder when it comes to new furniture, we’ve rounded up the best storage ottomans to buy now. From intricate rattan options to designs wrapped in sumptuous fabrics, our edit spotlights the nicest versions around.
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Natur Pur Bruner Velvet Upholstered Storage Bench
Best for: statement
Dimensions: 46 x 110 x 44cm
Does storage get any more stylish? Made from a solid wood frame and encased in buttery cowhide print, this ottoman bench promises to make a style statement in living rooms and bedrooms. It’s not just about looks; there's tons of room inside for bedding, extra towels, blankets, magazines and more and it's robust enough to seat extra guests when they arrive.
Buy now £129.99, Wayfair
Wahson Storage Bench Stool
Best for: luxe
Dimensions: 114D x 45W x 45Hcm
So chic we can hardly believe it's available on Amazon, this design-led velvet upholstered ottoman brings elegant design to any space you've earmarked for it. While the seat flips up to reveal modest storage space inside, the legs keep the design from looking purely functional. Try it in the living room or at the end of the bed for swanky hotel vibes.
Buy now £119.99, Amazon
Polly Pink Velvet Blanket Box
Best for: dressing tables
Sick of tripping over beauty tool wires? Keep bulky electricals off the floor and surfaces by storing them in this pleated velvet storage ottoman. Offered in a delicate shell pink, it's the perfect partner to a dressing table, allowing you to get ready in comfort while creating a hidden home for beauty essentials.
Buy now £89.96, Roseland
Oliver Bonas Loha Faux Sheepskin Boucle & Rattan Ottoman
Best for: interiors fans
Dimensions: 100 x 53 x 44cm
Blending two trends masterfully - boucle and rattan - is Oliver Bonas's storage bench. Set on tapered legs, the rubberwood frame offers oodles of room inside to make use of while the faux sheepskin top offers a touch of luxury.
Buy now £595.00, Oliver Bonas
John Lewis Rouen Upholstered Ottoman Storage Box
Best for: colourDimensions: H47 x W131 x D46cm
You'll wonder where you put all your things before this ottoman storage box. Proving that details can make all the difference, the shaped legs of this design set it apart from the rest. A foam cushion sits under the brushed tweed, creating a squishy seat to rest on. Ideal for the bedroom, living room or awkward nooks in the hall.
Free delivery.
Buy now £275.00, John Lewis
IKEA Tolkning Storage bench
Best for: messy hallwaysDimensions: 45 x 120 x 37cm
Rattan continues to be a winning trend in interiors, offering a way of injecting natural elements into the home. Swedish flatpack king IKEA has harnessed it to create your new hallway BFF in this bench, which has the bonus of storage inside.
Clear your floor of shoes and other clutter by stashing it in the compartment within.
Buy now £129.00, IKEA
Dusk Soho Ottoman Storage Pouffe - Olive Green
Best for: secret storage
Dimensions: 46.5 x 68.5cm
Whether you live in a small home or not, double-duty furniture is usually the best investment. Put your feet up on this luxe-looking olive green cube from Dusk, whose lid opens to reveal a chasm of space inside. Finished with soft chenille and piping detail, the 20kg unit offers a plump seat to use as additional seating.
Buy now £143.00, Dusk
Dunelm Boucle Lozenge Ottoman
Best for: chic bedroom storageDimensions: 49 x 77 x 39cm
Take a bite-sized leap into the boucle trend with this cute ottoman, which sits on a black metal stand to keep the floor space clear. Also available in black, the top is strong enough to support a pair of tired feet, so you can use it as a footstool. Alternatively, position it at the end of your bed for easy bedroom storage.
Buy now £59.00, Dunelm
Homcom Velvet Storage Ottoman Button-Tufted Footstool Box
Best for: monochromatic magicDimensions: 114 x 47 x 47cm
Who says storage shouldn't be in the spotlight? This footstool comes wrapped in a monochrome check with a button-tufted top to make sitting on top more comfortable. The hinged lid lifts open to reveal space inside to stash bits and pieces, helping you keep order over domestic clutter.
Buy now £136.99, Robert Dyas
Habitat Aspen Ottoman - Light Grey
Best for: simplicityDimensions: 45 x 120 x 40cm
Fans of minimalism will adore this sleek grey ottoman bench, which can hold up to 92 litres in its belly. The 13kg design is sturdy enough to use as occasional seating but is light enough to be repositioned from room to room.
It is sold with a one-year manufacturer's guarantee.
Buy now £145.00, Argos
Anthropologie Valencia Velvet Louise Storage Ottoman
Best for: unobtrusive styleDimensions: 47 x 53cm
Looking for compact storage solutions? Head to Anthropologie where you can find this cute-as-a-button ottoman storage footstool. The sweet stool is wrapped in soft Valencia velvet and finished with maple wood feet.
Buy now £348.00, Anthropologie
