The 11 Best Storage Ottomans of 2023

Our top pick is the Halvorsen Vegan Leather Storage Ottoman from George Oliver

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Four of the Best Storage Ottomans on a light blue background with a dotted border on the sides

The Spruce / Alli Waataja

When it comes to a piece of furniture that is as efficient as it is stylish and functional, it’s hard to beat a storage ottoman. Much like a sofa table, these handy pieces of furniture are a great way to optimize your space while also adding in some much-needed texture or flair. “You can put your feet up, have an extra place to sit, and also have a side table,” with a storage ottoman, says Diane Lowy, a home organizer and founder of New York at Home.

Using insights from Lowy to guide us, we researched dozens of storage ottomans on the market and distilled our choices down to the best ones for a wide range of specific needs. Our pick for the best overall is the Halvorsen Vegan Leather Storage Ottoman from George Oliver. This ottoman is a great way to add some valuable storage to your space while also providing some style, and we also love it for its soft corners, higher weight limit, and 1-year warranty.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

George Oliver Halvorsen Vegan Leather Storage Ottoman

George Oliver Halvorsen Vegan Leather Storage Ottoman

Wayfair

What We Like
  • Soft corners

  • 1-year warranty

  • High weight limit

  • Easy assembly

What We Don’t Like
  • Tufting gets linty

  • Color is slightly different than online pictures

A combination of price, quality, durability, and style is what puts the George Oliver Vegan Leather Storage Ottoman at the top of our list. With a contemporary look that catches the eye as well as a distressed leather feel, this will fit right in as a welcome addition to your living room. A weight capacity of 250 pounds makes it a viable option for sitting and also demonstrates just how durable it is.

This storage ottoman boasts a 4.8 out of 5-star rating, with purchasers raving over just how much storage space they get with the 36-by-36-inch build. But, it’s also the attention to detail that people love, like the soft corners that are bump- and kid-friendly and the side that can be lifted and used as a table for your laptop, for eating, or whatever else you may need.

One drawback with this option, as noted by a buyer, is that the tufting can accumulate quite a bit of lint and requires some extra attention to keep it clean. However, that’s a very mild trade-off for a product that comes with a lower price tag, a one-year warranty, and a higher weight limit.

Price at time of publish: $390

Dimensions: 16.5” x 36” x 36” | Material: Faux leather, engineered/manufactured woods | Lid Style: Hinged; lift off

Best for Small Spaces

Crate and Barrel Ever White Storage Nursery Ottoman by Leanne Ford

Crate and Barrel Ever White Storage Nursery Ottoman by Leanne Ford

Crate and Barrel

What We Like
  • Made with sustainable wood

  • Machine-washable cover

  • Features kiln-dried wood to prevent warping

What We Don’t Like
  • Pricier for its size

  • Shipping not included

While the name may imply that the Crate and Barrel Ever White Storage Nursery Ottoman by Leanne Ford is exclusively for nurseries, it’s quite versatile, and the smaller size makes it great for anybody looking to make the most of their space. Measuring only 32.5 inches in width, it’s perfect if you need a pop of timeless style but can’t fit something huge to help keep you organized. The cotton slipcover offers more than just looks—it’s machine washable and designed to handle the realities of life. Additionally, the floating top and skirted base provide a simple and easygoing aesthetic. 

One drawback with this ottoman is that the price doesn’t include shipping, and that can add up quickly. But Crate and Barrel does have over 100 stores across the US where you can potentially do free curbside pickup. And while $400 may seem steep for a piece this small, the quality and long-lasting durability, thanks to materials like kiln-dried wood, make it absolutely worth every penny.

Price at time of publish: $400

Dimensions: 20” x 32.5” x 17” | Material: Cotton, foam, feather, polyester fiber, wood, engineered wood | Lid Style: Removable

Best Budget

Andover Mills Amoret Upholstered Storage Ottoman

Amoret Upholstered Storage Ottoman by Andover Mills

Wayfair

What We Like
  • Free shipping

  • Four color choices

  • 200-pound weight limit

  • Easy assembly

What We Don’t Like
  • No removable cover

  • Can stain easily

Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean that you should have to settle for lower-grade products. Fortunately, Andover Mills’ Amoret Upholstered Storage Ottoman is the perfect combination of low price and quality. Made of solid and engineered wood underneath with foam and polyester surrounding it, this is a durable yet lightweight option. But don’t let the smaller build fool you: while it’s only 13 pounds, it is quite a substantial piece of furniture that is able to hold 200 pounds.

One drawback with this choice is that it is not washable as there is no cover. But that’s hardly a deal breaker! With four color choices and coming in at under $100, this is a great option for anyone looking to add some storage, some style, and save some money.

Price at time of publish: $84

Dimensions: 19” x 19” x 18” | Material: Solid/engineered wood, foam, polyester | Lid Style: Removable

Best Splurge

Pottery Barn Tamsen Round Storage Ottoman

Pottery Barn Tamsen Round Storage Ottoman

Pottery Barn

What We Like
  • Made with durable woods

  • Spacious

  • High weight limit

What We Don’t Like
  • Pricey

  • Hardware requires tightening over time

Pottery Barn has entrenched itself in consumer minds as a company that people immediately link with quality, and with good reason. The Tamsen Round Storage Ottoman may be pricier, but it’s worth every penny. Made with pine and rubberwood, two highly durable kinds of wood, and upholstery-grade fabric, you are ensured a quality product from top to bottom. In addition to the overall quality, the style is more minimal, with a double row of metal nail buttons with brass accents offering a subtle and elegant accent. While the rubberwood legs are finished in a great-looking espresso color, they can be removed if you prefer a lower ottoman. Additionally, the wider top makes it a great choice if you want to add a tray.

Pottery Barn does note that the hardware on this piece may need some tightening over time, and while we do like the transparency, it is a slight drawback for the price. Overall though, it’s a small inconvenience for a sturdy piece that can hold 250 pounds while still providing a softer look. Plus, with a 31-inch diameter and 12 inches of height inside, you have more than enough room to store pillows, games, blankets, or whatever else you may need to store.

Price at time of publish: $900-$1,200

Dimensions: 36" x 18.5" | Material: Wood, fabric, polyurethane | Lid Style: Removable

Best Bench

AllModern Arick Storage Bench

AllModern Arick Storage Bench

AllModern

What We Like
  • Can seat up to three people

  • Higher weight limit

  • Multiple color options

What We Don’t Like
  • No warranty

  • Too small for king-size bed

Adding a bench with storage can not only be a game changer as it not only offers a place to sit and store items, but it can also be a real centerpiece that catches the eye. We love the Arick Storage Bench from AllModern because it makes just as much sense in a bedroom as it does in your entryway. A 300-pound weight limit makes it a viable option should you need to sit and tie your shoes. Plus, the golden-finished legs add some height and are a perfect complement to any other midcentury pieces you may have.

Well built, stylish, and equipped with plenty of storage space, the only drawback noted by customers was that this choice is a bit small when placed at the foot of a king-sized bed, so just be sure to measure beforehand to make sure it’s the right size. With a 4.9 out of 5-star rating, it’s easy to see this simple piece is universally appreciated.

Price at time of publish: $274

Dimensions: 18'' x 43.25'' x 16.5'' | Material: MDF, metal, polyester | Lid Style: Hinged

Best Tufted

Canora Grey Audel Upholstered Storage Ottoman

Audel Upholstered Storage Ottoman by Canora Grey

Wayfair

What We Like
  • Free shipping

  • Nine color options

  • Comfortable to sit on

What We Don’t Like
  • Colors may look different in person

  • Legs are made of plastic

A tufted piece of furniture can make as much sense amongst traditional furniture as it does around modern furniture. We like Canora Grey’s Audel Upholstered Storage Ottoman because of the comfort and subtle style the tufting adds, and the nine fun color options are a great way to introduce something interesting into your space.

One drawback with this piece that some reviewers noted was that the color doesn’t come as described for a few of the choices. We recommend looking for customer-posted photographs and reading reviews for the color you want before purchasing. Overall, with over 1,300 reviews, this still boasts a 4.6 out of 5-star rating.

Price at time of publish: $177

Dimensions: 16.25” x 30'' x 30'' | Material: Polyester, manufactured wood, plastic | Lid Style: Removable

Best for Dorms

Mellow 15” Button Folded Storage Ottoman

Mellow 15” Button Folded Storage Ottoman

Target

What We Like
  • Collapsible design

  • 1-year warranty

  • Sturdy for size

What We Don’t Like
  • Only one color option

  • Less spacious than other options

College dorms are not known for their spaciousness, so anything that can be done to add value without taking up extra space is critical. Measuring just 15 inches and coming in at under $20, this Button Folded Storage Ottoman is perfect for any college student looking to upgrade their storage at a reasonable price. In addition to its smaller profile, it features padded foam to make it more comfortable to sit on. And if you should need to open the room a bit, this ottoman is fully collapsible. 

One drawback with this option is the limited color options: It is only available in either black or brown. That being said, the faux leather does provide a nice subdued statement to your dorm. Additionally, the almost effortless and tool-free assembly makes this all the more ideal for the college student in your life.

Price at time of publish: $15-$23

Dimensions: 15" x 15” x 15” | Material: Faux leather | Lid Style: Removable

Best Large

Ivy Bronx Fittleton Upholstered Storage Ottoman

Ivy Bronx Fittleton Upholstered Storage Ottoman

Wayfair

What We Like
  • Contemporary look

  • Lots of storage space

  • Casters are removable

What We Don’t Like
  • Not as sturdy with casters

  • One color option

“Because they do so much, a storage ottoman can replace bulkier furniture like a side table or even a coffee table,” Lowy tells us, and that’s exactly the case with this contemporary Fittleton Upholstered Storage Ottoman from Ivy Bronx. We love it for its stylish look, clean lines, and ample storage space. On top, a tufted waffle stitch adds another layer of elegance, just not at the cost of any comfort, which is good, because this was meant to be sat on with its 300-pound weight limit. Its larger size makes it a viable candidate for a coffee table replacement. Plus, rolling casters on the bottom mean that you can easily adjust this whenever you need to, while pressure hinges ensure that the lid will stay open on its own and close without a loud slamming noise.

One drawback noted by a few purchasers is that the casters don’t lock in place, which can be a bit frustrating if you want it completely stationary. But with a 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Wayfair, we think this is worth it! 

Price at time of publish: $178

Dimensions: 15.25'' x 31” x 31'' | Material: Solid and manufactured wood, polyester blend | Lid Style: Hinged

Best Leather

The Citizenry Torres Leather Storage Ottoman

Torres Leather Storage Ottoman

The Citizenry

What We Like
  • Fair trade

  • Ethically made

  • Two size options

What We Don’t Like
  • Fee to return

  • Can only be professionally cleaned

If you are in the market for a leather storage ottoman that is as useful as it is sleek, look no further than the Torres Leather Storage Ottoman. Made with vegetable-tanned cow leather, there’s no need to fret as it is ethically sourced and made in a fair-trade environment. In addition to the smooth brown leathery finish, it also features hand-stitched detailing that adds a bit of a statement to the space. It looks great on its own, but it can also be purchased as a set of two, featuring one slightly smaller and one slightly larger ottoman.

One drawback with this item is that it has a $65 fee if you should want to return it. That, in addition to the already higher price of $895, is a bit of a letdown. However, it is a high-quality piece of furniture that's built with care.

Price at time of publish: $895

Dimensions: 14" x 24" | Material: Leather, wood | Lid Style: Removable

Best Round

Joss & Main Brynlin Upholstered Storage Ottoman

What We Like
  • Boucle upholstery

  • 30-day returns

  • Free delivery

  • Two color options

What We Don’t Like
  • Pricier

  • Requires frequent cleanings

While smaller in stature, we love the round Brynlin Upholstered Storage Ottoman from Joss & Main for a few reasons. Firstly, the drum shape makes it a wonderful contrast to the sharper edges of other furniture that you may have in your space. That, combined with the look and feel of the boucle upholstery material, helps to introduce an element of softness into the room. It looks great in front of a chair as a footrest but is strong and durable enough to be used as a seat as well. Lowy tells us that “keeping the ottoman light enough to move and storing items that you use in that space is the key to keeping them working as you intended!” and that is a breeze with this option only weighing 14.6 pounds before anything is put inside of it.

One drawback with this option is that keeping it looking great will require extra attention, with the manufacturer noting that “frequent vacuuming or light brushing is recommended.” However, that is a small inconvenience for a product as elegant and well-made as this ottoman.

Price at time of publish: $207

Dimensions: 18.5'' x 20.8'' x 20.8'' | Material: Wood, MDF, boucle, polyurethane | Lid Style: Removable

Best Coffee Table

WLive Lift-Top Coffee Table

WLive Lift-Top Coffee Table

Amazon

What We Like
  • Sleek midcentury modern design

  • Liftable top to work on or eat off of

  • Lower price tag

What We Don’t Like
  • Difficult to assemble

  • Made mainly with engineered wood

If you’re looking for extra storage but don’t want the traditional ottoman look, a storage coffee table is your best bet. We love this option from WLive for its sleek midcentury modern wooden look and the ample yet hidden storage space. The lift top design functions as a space for you to be able to do work, so you don’t have to hunch down to the level of the table. Inside, you have more than enough room for items like controllers, remote controls, and your laptop.

One drawback with this option is that the assembly is a bit tedious and time-consuming. When all is said and done, though, the response to it as an overall product is exceptional, with a total 4.3 out of 5-star rating on Amazon and customers stating they are thrilled with the low price and the overall high quality.

Price at time of publish: $130-$180

Dimensions: 19.7" x 39.4" x 16.3" | Material: Engineered wood,  | Lid Style: Hinged

Final Verdict

Our pick for the best overall storage ottoman is the George Oliver Halvorsen Vegan Leather Storage Ottoman for its attention to detail, stylish vegan leather look, and overall easy assembly. If you’re looking for an option that is more affordable, we highly recommend the Amoret Upholstered Storage Ottoman by Andover Mills. At under $100, it is exceptionally durable, and four color options make it a versatile choice for any space.

What to Look for in a Storage Ottoman

Size and Shape

As Lowy tells us, “A storage ottoman, when selected for a specific purpose, can be an amazing addition to any room,” so be sure to be clear on your intended use of it when purchasing. For example, if you have a bigger couch and living space, you can benefit from a larger, more square ottoman to put a tray on for use as a coffee table. However, if you’re tight on space, there’s also no shortage of small, round, or rectangular ottomans that can provide you with extra storage without crowding the room. For this, we highly recommend the Crate and Barrel Ever White Storage Nursery Ottoman by Leanne Ford. In addition to its smaller nature, we love the machine-washable cotton slipcover and the durability of its kiln-dried wood.

Style and Design

While a storage ottoman is functional, it is, first and foremost, a piece of furniture, so it should be a welcome addition to your space! With so many companies manufacturing them, there is no shortage of styles and designs, so you’ll be sure to find something that fits your eye. As Lowy tells us, “If you’re looking to add some cozy to a room by having a way to put your feet up, they’re fantastic,” so from a design perspective, try and find one that looks like a comfortable place to rest your feet.

In terms of style, there’s no shortage of options. Whether you’re a minimalist, a mid-century modernist, or even more eccentric, there are storage ottomans that range from subdued and simple to eclectic and unique looking. If you have a more classic style, larger tufted storage ottomans, like the Audel Upholstered Storage Ottoman by Canora Grey, may be right for you. In addition to the style, we love this option for the low maintenance of the linen material and the nine color options it comes in.

Material

Often the material your storage ottoman is made from will complement the style and design. For example, sherpa and faux fur materials can add a pop of texture in more eclectic spaces, but if you prefer more of a midcentury modern look, then a wooden coffee table with storage could be right for you. If you’re looking for a more earthy bohemian feel, then you might want to look into leather, like the Torres Leather Storage Ottoman. Aside from the great leather quality, we appreciate that it is ethically made and has two size options available. 

FAQ
  • How tall should an ottoman be?

    It’s important to make sure before purchasing a storage ottoman that you look into the size of the one you like and also measure the furniture that will surround it. The reason for this goes beyond just style, accounting for functionality too. According to Lowy, “Ottomans should be the same height or slightly shorter than the seat they're complementing since it is awkward to put your feet on something above you.”

  • Can you sit on a storage ottoman?

    Most often, the answer is yes! The majority of storage ottomans are designed to be sat on and handle weights as high as 300 pounds. Most of this information will be listed in the product description, so be sure to double-check before you sit on it.

  • What is the difference between a pouf and an ottoman?

    The main difference between a pouf and an ottoman is the appearance; a pouf is generally more of a cushion, while an ottoman will often feature a more structured build and have a flat top. Poufs are more cushiony and usually designed to accent the room, but an ottoman can be more functional and will usually take up more space. While both can be sat on, the ottoman’s flatter top makes it more optimal for holding items.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Jack Byram is a commerce writer who is focused on all things home. He has written countless reviews about furniture based on trial, research, and gathering professional insight. For this article, he used the insight provided by Diane Lowy, a home organizer and founder of New York at Home, to supplement and inform his choices. He made sure to include a wide range of price points and styles to provide something for every consumer.

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