6 Best Foot Stools With Storage For Blankets That Look Like Designer Pieces

That stack of blankets draped over the armchair is cozy, but it’s also a visual distraction. The floor space is clear, but when you want to put your feet up, you find yourself pulling a dining chair over. A well-designed home should work for you, seamlessly blending comfort, style, and practicality for the long haul.

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Why a Storage Ottoman is a Smart Home Addition

A storage ottoman, or foot stool, is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture you can own. It’s a triple-duty workhorse: a comfortable place to rest your feet, a discreet storage container for blankets or magazines, and sturdy extra seating when guests arrive. This simple addition is a powerful tool for creating a more organized and functional living space.

From an aging-in-place perspective, its primary benefit is clutter reduction. By providing a designated home for items that often end up on the floor or piled on chairs, an ottoman helps eliminate potential trip hazards. A tidy room is a safer room. Furthermore, it’s a "soft" piece of furniture, reducing the risk of injury from bumping into sharp corners—a common issue with traditional coffee tables.

Choosing a storage ottoman isn’t just a decorating decision; it’s a strategic move. It enhances the usability of your primary living area without requiring a major renovation. It’s an investment in daily comfort and long-term safety, proving that a smart home is not about technology, but about thoughtful design.

Burrow Nomad Ottoman for Flexible Living Spaces

The Burrow Nomad collection is designed for adaptability, and its ottoman is no exception. Its clean lines and simple form factor allow it to blend into nearly any modern or transitional decor. This is an excellent choice for anyone who anticipates reconfiguring their living space or even moving in the future, as its timeless design won’t feel out of place.

What makes it a particularly smart choice is the focus on durable, life-proof materials. The upholstery is inherently stain-resistant, a practical feature that ensures the piece maintains its look with minimal upkeep. The internal storage is ample, and the lid mechanism is often designed for a soft, controlled close—a small detail that adds a touch of quality and prevents slammed lids.

West Elm’s Auburn Ottoman: Timeless Design

For those who appreciate the lasting appeal of mid-century modern design, the Auburn Ottoman from West Elm is a standout. It often features a solid wood frame and tapered legs, which not only provide a classic aesthetic but also contribute to its overall stability. A piece like this isn’t just furniture; it’s an anchor for your room’s design.

The construction here is key. The elevation on solid wood legs makes it easier to clean underneath, a practical consideration for maintaining an accessible and dust-free environment. The firm, upholstered top is comfortable for propping up feet but also stable enough to hold a tray with a book and a cup of tea. It’s a sophisticated piece that balances form and function beautifully.

Christopher Knight Mabel Ottoman: Velvet Luxury

Adding texture to a room is a wonderful way to create a sense of comfort and warmth. The Christopher Knight Mabel ottoman, often available in rich velvet fabrics, does exactly that. It transforms a functional item into a statement piece that feels luxurious and inviting.

While velvet might seem like a purely aesthetic choice, it has practical benefits. The soft, tactile surface can feel wonderful, and the visual depth it adds can make a room feel more complete. When considering a piece like this, balance the beauty with the upkeep. Tufted designs, while elegant, can collect more dust than a flat surface, so it’s a tradeoff between high style and ease of cleaning.

Simpli Home Harrison: The Coffee Table Hybrid

Many of my clients are looking to replace their hard-edged coffee tables, and a large, rectangular storage ottoman is the perfect solution. The Simpli Home Harrison collection frequently includes oversized options that are specifically designed to function as a coffee table. This single change can dramatically improve the safety and flow of a living room.

These hybrid ottomans are built with a focus on stability and surface area. The top is typically firm and flat, making it an ideal platform for a decorative tray to hold drinks and remotes. The benefit is twofold: you get massive amounts of hidden storage for everything from throw pillows to board games, and you eliminate the hazard of sharp, unforgiving corners. It’s a brilliant example of universal design that enhances safety for everyone.

Pottery Barn Tyler: Classic Form and Function

Pottery Barn has built a reputation on classic, durable furniture, and its storage ottomans are no exception. Pieces like the Tyler ottoman are often substantial, with deep storage and robust construction. This is the kind of furniture that feels solid and dependable from the moment it arrives.

The focus here is on long-term utility. The upholstery options are typically hard-wearing fabrics or quality leather, designed to withstand daily use. Pay close attention to the hinge mechanism on these larger pieces. A high-quality, safety-hinged lid that stays open on its own and closes slowly is a crucial feature, preventing pinched fingers and ensuring easy access to the contents inside.

Article Luvvy Ottoman: Modern, Cozy Texture

For a contemporary home, an ottoman like the Luvvy from Article introduces modern texture, often through fabrics like bouclé. This nubby, looped yarn adds incredible visual interest and a cozy, inviting feel. It’s a perfect way to soften a room with clean lines and minimalist furniture.

This style of ottoman isn’t just about looks. The textured fabric can be more forgiving of minor snags or wear than a flat-weave material. Its modern, often legless or low-profile design, creates a grounded, stable footprint. It’s a piece that feels both current and comfortable, proving that you never have to sacrifice style for practicality.

Choosing Your Ottoman: Height and Stability

Beyond aesthetics, two factors are non-negotiable when selecting an ottoman for long-term use: height and stability. These elements directly impact comfort and safety, so they should be your primary filters.

First, the height of the ottoman should be at or just below the height of your sofa or armchair’s seat cushion. This alignment supports proper ergonomics, allowing your legs to rest comfortably without hyperextending your knees or straining your lower back. Before you shop, measure your sofa’s seat height and keep that number handy.

Second, assess the piece for stability. An ottoman should not wobble or feel tippy. If you might use it as a seat or to briefly brace yourself while standing, a sturdy frame is essential.

• Look for solid wood or metal legs that are securely attached to the frame.
• Four corner legs generally offer a more stable base than a central pedestal.
• Gently press on the corners and edges. A well-built ottoman will feel solid and grounded, giving you confidence in its ability to serve you well for years.

Ultimately, the right storage ottoman does more than hide your blankets. It streamlines your space, reduces daily hazards, and adds a touch of personal style. It’s a small, thoughtful choice that supports a larger goal: creating a beautiful, comfortable home that will continue to serve your needs with grace and independence.