10 Stylish Storage Ottomans To Upgrade Your Space

Large or small, patterned or plain—adding a storage ottoman can give your room an instant upgrade.

Always counted on to mix up a seating arrangement and play double duty as a table surface, footrest, or even a storage space, the ottoman is multifunctional furniture at its best. Since ottomans are relatively small pieces, adding one in a different color or texture is a quick way to take a room in a new design direction. These days, many ottomans offer extra storage, making the multi-taskers perfect companions for small spaces. Inside, hide old issues of Boston magazine, stash blankets and pillows, or organize electronics, like gaming devices and remote controls.

To soften the look of a living room, try using an ottoman in place of a coffee table. Some, like the Birch Lane Everly Ottoman, offer coffee-table-like storage under foot. A rectangular ottoman, like the tufted navy bench from HomeGoods, is perfect for the foot of a bed. If space is at a premium, a ottoman-like stool or cube could offer some of the same benefits in a smaller package—the Stash Aqua Storage Ottoman from Crate & Barrel has extra-creative storage options.