HausChic
Ottomans are a true design hero in my petite NYC apartment, offering the best of function and flair in one package. However, small square footage isn’t a requirement to enjoy this furniture staple. Need to prop up your feet, store linens, or create a makeshift coffee table? Ottomans can do it all.
Plus, they work in almost any room of a home. “What I love most is how adaptable they are,” says Eva Sonaike, interior and furniture designer. “Whether you’re styling a calm corner for reading or creating a multifunctional living space, ottomans can work quietly in the background or take center stage, depending on how you design them.”
When selecting the best ottoman for your space, it’s important that it’s constructed from materials that can last—through sitting, spills, and more—and has a style that complements your existing decor. I also like features such as hidden storage and plush cushions for added appeal. In need of an ottoman yourself? Here are our top picks.
Our Top Picks
Urban Outfitters Evelyn Velvet Bean Bag Ottoman at Urban Outfitters
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Doubles as storage
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Square tufting details
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Square tufting details
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No padding on legs
The Pottery Barn Teen Baldwin Ottoman is a highly customizable option with storage space. We love that you can choose from a standard or oversized shape, and you can also choose your fabric and color, whether you prefer faux leather, fur, or even suede.
The design is classic yet chic with its square shape and square tufting details to match. We like that the double-decker shape cleverly conceals storage at the base, which is easy to access by simply sliding off the top portion. Plus, you don’t have to worry about it sliding when you prop up your feet, as there is a lip to lock it in place.
We also love that the cushions have spring support and a plywood frame for extra durability, which ensures it doesn’t sink in over time. Still, the cushy foam fill ensures it’s comfortable to sit (or lay on), too. We just wish there was padding on the legs to prevent scratches on hardwood floors.
Dimensions: 33 x 33 x 16.5 inches (standard) | Materials: Plywood, foam | Assembly required? Optional
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Flippable top
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Plastic glides protect floors
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Kid-friendly design
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Only one size option
The West Elm Lumi Upholstered Storage Ottoman is a family-friendly option that packs in both practical and stylish features. We love the circular stacked shape, with soft rounded edges that you don’t have to worry about kids running into.
The highlight, though, is the flippable top. On one side, it has an upholstered top to match the edges—comfortable to sit or rest your feet on—and on the other side, there’s a flat wooden tray surface, which doubles as a tabletop to set toys or food on. It even has grooves that are intentionally sized for toy trains.
We love that the top can be removed to reveal hidden storage for all the kids’ toys, books, and throws. The fabric and color is customizable so you can match the look to your space, and as a bonus, it has plastic glides so it won’t scratch your floors.
Dimensions: 34 x 18.5 inches | Materials: Engineered wood, foam | Assembly required? No
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Made with full-aniline leather
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Mid-century modern design
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Option for fabric upholstering
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Heavy to move around
With upholstered channels and a full-aniline leather coating, the Article Sefto Leather Ottoman is a beautiful, sleek option. We love the mid-century modern design with its clean lines and square shape.
The construction is what really stood out to us, as the ottoman has a corner-blocked wooden frame, which ensures it stays sturdy with heavy use. There is also a fabric upholstery option in velvet yellow or saltwater blue for a different look (and a less steep price tag).
This ottoman is great for larger-sized spaces with its roomy 3 feet by 3 feet proportions. Filled with foam and polyester, it’s soft enough to use as a seat without dipping or if you place drinks on it. Just be aware that the ottoman is on the heavier side at 60-plus pounds, so it’s not the easiest to move around.
Dimensions: 17 x 39.5 x 39.5 inches | Materials: Wood, MDF, foam, polyester | Assembly required?: No
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Handwoven Kilim pattern
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Petite size
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Made with CertiPUR-US certified foam
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Wool fabric has a rougher texture
Want to add a pop of personality to your space? The Room&Board Indira Ottoman is just the thing. Covered in a classic Kilim pattern usually found on rugs, the ottoman beautifully showcases the intricate design.
We love that you can choose from three colors, whether you prefer something deeper or more bright. You can also select from a square or round shape, so you can get exactly what works best for your space and design style.
This ottoman is lightweight with small-space friendly proportions, which makes it easy to move around or tuck away as needed. Plus, it’s constructed with a CertiPUR-US certified foam core for a comfortable, sturdy, and safe seat. The wool fabric makes it durable, but it does have a rougher texture compared to softer options like the Article Sefto Leather Ottoman.
Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 18 inches | Materials: Wool, foam, fiber, hardwood | Assembly required? No
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Comes as a set of two
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Modern silhouette
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Made using time-tested woodworking techniques
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Doesn’t meld as well with traditional furniture
If you need to fill up space—or just want multiple spots to rest your feet—a set of ottomans might be up your alley. We like the AllModern Adna Triangle Cocktail Ottoman for this reason, in addition to its simple yet striking silhouette.
We love that the triangular, long form adds a modern touch to spaces and is inspired by the shape of river stones. Despite its velvety texture, the fabric is quite easy to clean, as it’s made from cotton and polyester.
The set comes with one small and one larger size, which is great for spreading apart or keeping together, depending on the occasion. The frame also has mortise and tenon joinery—a woodworking technique that helps ensure the ottoman’s longevity.
Dimensions: 16 x 44 x 32 inches | Materials: Cotton, polyester, pine wood, manufactured wood, foam, synthetic fiber | Assembly required? No
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Option to attach a table
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Several fabric and leg finish colors
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Stain-resistant
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Simple design can feel sterile
While the Burrow Range Ottoman is designed to work in tandem with the brand’s matching sofa, it also works great as a standalone piece. There are six different fabric colors to choose from, including brighter tones and more neutral ones. We also like that there are three different leg finish options, whether you want metal or wood.
The design of this ottoman is pretty standard compared to more style-forward options like the Room&Board Indira Ottoman. However, it allows it to seamlessly blend with any aesthetic and in any room.
We like that there’s an option to include a table attachment, so that you can rest your feet and your plate of food at the same time. The fabric also has a tight weave that is resistant against any potential spills and stains.
Dimensions: 29.5 x 29.5 x 16 inches | Materials: Foam, wood, steel, fabric | Assembly required? Yes
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Ultra-plush feel
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Velvet shell
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Lightweight and easy to transport
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Not as firm to set beverages on
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Limited color options
Part bean bag chair, part ottoman, the Urban Outfitters Evelyn Velvet Bean Bag Ottoman is a perfect option for those who want to be clouded in comfort. We love that the ottoman is oversized and extra plush, which makes it perfect to sink into or kick your feet on.
Because this pick is so soft, it’s not ideal to place plates or cups on—especially when compared to sturdier options like the West Elm Lumi Upholstered Storage Ottoman. However, we love the soft color options, piped edges, and cotton velvet coating.
The fill is made partly from recycled materials, so it’s just as good for your space as it is for the environment. The ottoman is also super lightweight at 13 pounds, so it’s easy to move from room to room or from one end of the couch to the other.
Dimensions: 30 x 30 x 14 inches | Materials: Cotton, recycled fill | Assembly required? No
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Can order swatches of fabric before selecting your pick
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Each piece is handcrafted
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Flat top
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No unique decorative features
If you want a piece that looks as good as it’s built, The Citizenry Bower Ottoman delivers. It’s handcrafted in North Carolina using time-honored techniques and quality materials that stand up to daily life. Thoughtful design, durable construction, and fair trade practices make it a piece you’ll feel proud to own.
Like the Pottery Barn Teen Baldwin Ottoman, this one has several fabrics you can choose from, including cotton velvet, tweed, and several performance options for households with pets and kids. We like that you can order swatches of each to see how it looks in your space beforehand, too.
There are two sizes available for this ottoman, both of which come in a circular shape with a flat top that doubles as a table. There aren’t any other bells and whistles that come with this ottoman in terms of storage or decorative features, but it’s certainly a timeless piece that can stand the test of time.
Dimensions: 32 x 32 x 20 inches (medium size) | Materials: Trillium foam, wood, customizable upholstery | Assembly required? No
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Outdoor-friendly construction
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Open weave base
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Roomy surface area
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Doesn’t have a flat top
Want an ottoman that you can use in your outdoor space? The Mermelada Estudio Cana Outdoor Patio Ottoman is a boho-style option made from weather-resistant materials. The base has an open-weave design that feels airy despite its sturdy construction, and its natural rattan-like look brings a relaxed, coastal feel to your patio (or indoor) setup.
We love that the piece has an aluminum tube frame, ensuring it’s resistant to the elements—rain or shine. It also has an oversized foam cushion that is comfortable and easy to clean.
The base itself is made from resin rather than authentic wicker, which further reinforces its durability in outdoor spaces. Just note that it’s not a flat top, so it’s better used as a footrest or seat rather than for beverages (unless you have a tray).
Dimensions: 33.25 x 33.25 x 15.5 inches | Materials: Resin wicker, aluminum, poly foam, polyester | Assembly required? Not listed
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Carved detailing on base
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Doubles as stool or tabletop
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Springs to reinforce seat structure
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Small size can be awkward for placing feet
The Lala Reimagined Velvet Ottoman acts as a true statement piece with its intricate engraving, abstract pattern, and triangular shape that instantly attracts your eye. We love the carved detailing on the wooden base, which gives it an added bit of texture.
This contrasts beautifully with the vibrant cushion, which has a pop of purple, pink, and orange across the surface to add color to your space. The seat is reinforced with sinuous springs so that it doesn’t sink in over time. Unlike the Mermelada Estudio Cana Outdoor Patio Ottoman, it also has a flat top so that it can double as a table.
The fabric is made from polyester so that it’s easy to clean, but we like that it has a velvet mohair finish so that it still feels soft. Our only note is that due to the triangular shape, the smaller size ottoman can be awkward to comfortably place your feet on—so it’s better suited as a side table or stool.
Dimensions: 16 x 40 x 34.75 inches (large size) | Materials: Polyester, foam, fiber, hardwood | Assembly required? No
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Ideal for the end of a bed
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Has plenty of storage space
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Cozy velvet upholstery
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Can’t be used as a table
The Kelly Clarkson Home Gloria Velvet Ottoman is specifically sized to be the finishing touch at the end of your bed. We love that it packs in storage with its lift-top that opens up to a spacious compartment for bedding, pillows, or extra clothes.
It also has the coziness that every bedroom needs (it’s blanketed in soft velvet!), and there are several colors to choose from, including neutrals like blush and gray and bolder tones like emerald and cobalt for a rich pop of color.
It’s also the perfect spot to take a seat if you need to slip on shoes before heading out the door. The tufted detailing and tapered wooden legs add to its stylish look—just note that a tufted top means wobbly wine glasses, so make sure to use a tray when bringing in your bites.
Dimensions: 18 x 52 x 19 inches | Materials: Velvet, solid and manufactured wood, MDF, foam | Assembly required? Yes
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Fabric and leather options
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Chic design
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Angled cushion for comfort
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Shallow seat depth
Castlery is one of our favorite places to shop for living room staples, and the Castlery Desmond Ottoman is no exception. The angled cushion ensures your legs can drape over the surface for ultimate comfort. We also like that it puts a spin on a classic silhouette, with walnut-stained legs that pop against the creamy fabric.
The frame is made from solid rubber wood, which we appreciate for its durability and resistance to wear. You can also choose a leather fabric upholstery if you want a glossy, deeper tone.
While the silhouette is chic and small-space friendly, the seat itself is shallow in depth, so the ottoman is not optimal to sit on for long hours. It also isn’t ideal to place things on top of since the cushion is angled.
Dimensions: 23.6 x 16.1 x 18.1 inches | Materials: Rubber wood | Assembly required? No
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Storage in the center
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Playful ovular shape
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Rattan weaving
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Not comfortable to sit on
The IKEA Gamlehult Ottoman stands out from the crowd with its rattan top and playful shape. We love the classic handwoven design and that the rattan makes for a natural and breezy feel. The metallic legs easily screw onto the bottom, so it will be ready to style in your home in no time.
The storage space in the center of the space is another touch that stood out to us, which makes it easy to access your most-used items, like books or remotes. The petite proportions are ideal for small apartments, while the short height allows it to be tucked away if you need to create more space.
The one downside is that rattan is a lot less comfortable to sit on compared to upholstered options like the Kelly Clarkson Home Gloria Velvet Ottoman due to its harder and rougher texture.
Dimensions: 14 x 24 inches | Materials: Rattan, acrylic lacquer, steel, powder coating | Assembly required? Yes