40 Ways to Optimise Your Space with a Storage Ottoman

A storage ottoman is a multitasking hero. It gives you somewhere to sit, put your feet up, use as a coffee table, and stash the things you want out of sight but still within easy reach. Whether you live in a compact flat or a spacious house, a storage ottoman is a stylish addition to any room and will help keep clutter at bay.

Here are 40 things you can keep inside a storage ottoman in different rooms to optimise your space.

Bedroom

A storage ottoman in front of your window or at the end of your bed is both decorative and practical. It’s a great spot to sit while putting on your socks, and you can store bedding and wardrobe extras. Use it to store:

1. Bedding and towels

2. Extra pillows and duvets

3. Cushions and throws if you prefer them off the bed while you sleep

4. Hot water bottles

5. Slippers, pyjamas and dressing gowns

6. Off-season clothing like chunky knits or holiday pieces – use vacuum storage bags to fit more in

7. Shoes you don’t regularly wear, like dress shoes, heels, or sandals

8. Accessories like belts, bags, scarves, gloves, and hats

9. Backup toiletries and bathroom essentials (especially handy if you have an ensuite with limited storage) 

Children’s room

A child’s room can fill up fast, and a storage ottoman is an accessible place to keep things organised while giving them (or you) a cushioned seat. Fill it with:

1. Linens and spare pillows

2. Seasonal clothing or items that are worn infrequently

3. Muslin cloths and bibs if you have a baby or toddler

4. Books

5. Toys, puzzles, and games

6. Art and craft supplies

7. School work

Entryway or hallway

It's common for clothing and other outdoor accessories to accumulate in the entryway of a home. A storage ottoman is the perfect place to sit to put your shoes on before you head out and gives you a space to tidy up:

1. Seasonal accessories like hats, gloves, scarves, and sunglasses

2. Umbrellas (let them dry off first)

3. Shoes you wear less often

4. Bags that would otherwise get dropped by the door (double-check there’s no food left festering inside)

5. Pet gear such as leads, jackets, toys, or ball throwers

6. Reusable shopping bags so they’re on hand, and you’re less likely to forget them

Living room

In the living room, a storage ottoman works as a coffee table, footrest, and stool and can hide away:

1. Sofa throws and spare cushions

2. TV remotes, cables, and chargers you want close by but out of sight

3. Game controllers and video games

4. Books and magazines

5. Boardgames, card games, and puzzle books

6. Children’s toys for quick tidy-ups

7. Pet toys

Dining room

A storage ottoman in your dining room can be a comfy everyday dining bench or extra seating for guests. Use it to keep these bits handy:

1. Tablecloths and runners

2. Placemats and coasters

3. Napkins

4. Serving trays

5. Spare tealights or centrepieces you don’t use every day

Home office

A storage ottoman can be a movable window seat or stool in a study. This is particularly useful in a room that might need flexibility so you can WFH, do your hobbies, or host overnight guests. Neatly put away: 

1. Stationery and office equipment

2. Printer paper and tech accessories

3. Notebooks, journals, and folders

4. Documents and instruction manuals

5. Gift wrapping supplies

6. Guest bedding and towels

When choosing a storage ottoman, think about where you’ll put it and how much storage you need. Swyft's models come in various colours and fabrics and three size options. The round Storage 01 Ottoman works well as a stylish coffee table, the rectangular Storage 02 Ottoman fits nicely at the foot of a bed or along a wall, and the compact, round Storage 03 Ottoman is ideal as a stool or when you’re short on space. 

Whichever design you decide is best for your home, a storage ottoman will bring the perfect balance of style and function.