I love ottomans. We have 2 in our living room; one large and one small ottoman.
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Both are rectangle; one is a storage ottoman which actually stores quite a bit of stuff. In fact, I think the only type of ottoman I’d consider going forward is one with a storage feature.
Sometimes a compact ottoman is the best option, especially for a chair or if you like each person to have their own footrest while sitting on a sofa. They’re easy to move around the room and offer flexibility for wherever people are sitting.
We did the research and came up with this list of 14 compact ottomans – rectangle, square, round and storage styles. Moreover, we include a more exhaustive gallery for each category (see under the “More” section).
Polyjkl Small Ottoman
This ottoman is great for extra seating, for use as a footstool, or a beautiful accent stool in a living room or bedroom. It also makes a great place for a child to use as seating in their bedroom, although it does not offer any storage option. It’s made of soft, flannel fabric but only comes in the green and gold combination so it may not match with everyone’s decor.
Its structure is very stable and it will not sway. It has plastic foot pads that make it anti-skid and prevent scratches on your floor.
WoneNice Folding Storage Ottoman Cube
This ottoman is a great size for any small room and can be used as a footrest, extra seating, or just as a stool. It’s made of beautiful yet durable faux leather and has an elegant look and feel to it. It allows for some amount of storage for children’s toys, books, and other items which will keep your home looking neat and orderly.
It does fold down flat so you can store it away when you’re not using it. It can even be used for extra seating, storage, or a footrest in an office, college dorm room, or even an RV.
YOUDENOVA 30 inches Storage Ottoman Bench
This foldable ottoman is great for a shoe bench or footrest and provides 80 liters of storage space. It can be used as end of the bed storage or in a living room to store away extra blankets or magazines. It’s made of high-end imitation linen and can even be used as a console table.
It’s an excellent option for people who live in a small apartment or house and can even be used in a camper for extra seating or storage.
HomePop by Kinfine Fabric Upholstered Round Storage Ottoman
This ottoman is decked out in velvet and offers a classic style that will look great in any home or apartment. It’s easy to assemble and can be spot cleaned. It’s available in a variety of colors and offers a removable lid so you can use it easily for storage.
NISUNS OT01 Linen Folding Storage Ottoman Cube Footrest Seat, 12 X 12 X 12 Inches (Linen Gray)
Stylish and functional, this fashionable ottoman can be used as a cube-style ottoman, a footstool, or as a coffee table. It can even be used outdoors when you go fishing or camping. It is foldable and lightweight so it is easy to grab it and take it with you.
It is made of quality PU leather so it is pretty and durable. It offers storage for items, such as books, toys, or blankets so you can keep your living room, family room, or bedroom clutter-free. It is available in several different color options.
Baxton Studio Nox Brown Leather Ottoman
Dark espresso brown bonded leather upholstered ottoman offers a sharp, square design with black fabric lining on the bottom and plastic legs that offer stability. You can use it as an ottoman or for extra seating at your home or office.
COSYLAND Ottoman with Storage Folding Leather Ottoman
This leather ottoman by Cosyland offers storage space and will work well as a footstool comment coffee table, or extra seating for a child’s room. It boasts metal handles on the sides which makes it super easy to move around your house where you need it.
It also folds flat so you can store it away when you do not need it. It can be used in a classroom or a van. It’s made of multi-purpose leather so it is easy to clean and offers a waterproof surface. It will help keep your home organized since it does offer some amount of storage.
BIRDROCK HOME Round Yellow Velvet Ottoman
This round yellow velvet ottoman by Birdrock home is great for use as a footstool, accent table, or extra seating when you have guests over to your home or apartment. It offers extra thick padding which means it’s comfortable to sit on or to rest your feet.
scriptract 6″ Small Footstool PU Leather Ottoman
This ottoman also has a padded seat which makes it nice and comfy when you need extra seating room in your home, apartment, or camper. It can also be used as a footstool so that you can rest your feet and prevent swelling after a long day’s work.
It can be easily cleaned with a damp towel or cloth without damaging it since it is waterproof. It doesn’t offer a lot of storage but it does have a zipper pocket that you can put small things in, such as little toys or a set of keys.
Pouf Ottoman Hand Knitted Cable Style Dori Pouf
This is a different style of ottoman that is referred to as a Macramé Pouf or floor ottoman. It is made of 100 percent cotton braid cord which gives it a very unique and stylish look for your home or apartment. It is sort of a cross between a bean bag chair and a traditional ottoman and offers a cozy place for people to sit or rest their feet. It is handmade and hand stitched which makes it truly a one-of-a-kind option for an accent piece for any room in your house.
CoVibrant Velvet Vanity Stool with Tray Modern Round Storage Ottoman
This gorgeous pink velvet ottoman is great as a vanity stool and would look fabulous in a girl’s bedroom or even in a bathroom with a dressing table. You can even store items such as a tablet, hairdryer, or snacks inside. It can be used as a footstool or coffee table in front of your sofa, or you can use it as a movable tray to hold your drinks or even the TV remote. It is very durable and will hold over 400 pounds. It has adjustable gliders so you can adjust the height without scratching your floor.
B FSOBEIIALEO Storage Ottoman Cube
This velvet tufted ottoman allows for storage space with a lid and is great for a bedroom or living room. It is sturdy and can hold up to 350 pounds. It is comfortable to sit on or to use as a footstool. It folds up when not in use and the storage place offers an option for keeping your house organized by storing away books, shoes, and other items.
ROTOT Unstuffed Pouf Cover Ottoman
This pouf-style ottoman is great as a footrest, table, or extra seating. It has a unique and stylish look that makes it a great accent piece too. It is unstuffed so you can recycle things like old towels, blankets, or clothes to stuff it making it an environmentally friendly ottoman option.
Home Soft Things Super Mink Ottoman Bench
This faux fur ottoman will work great as a vanity chair, shoe bench, or accent piece for your living room or office. It offers a supportive seating option for guests and comes in a variety of color options to match any décor.
Eight FAQs About Ottomans
What is the standard size of an ottoman?
Ottomans come in an array of sizes, shapes, patterns, themes, and colors and the height of an ottoman is usually between 13 inches and 22 inches.
What’s another name for ottoman?
Other names for ottomans include footstool, tuffet, hassock, pouf or pouffe, or in the British Isles, a tumpty.
What is the average height of an ottoman?
The best height for an ottoman height is between 15.5 inches and 22 inches. It should be at least an inch lower than your chair and couch if it will be used as a footstool or coffee table.
Why do you call it an ottoman?
The word Ottoman came from the Ottoman Empire of Turkey in the 1700s. The word was derived from the word Osman that was the name of a tribe’s bey in western Turkey when they declared independence from the Seljuk Turks.
What is the point of an ottoman?
Ottomans provide extra seating. A small, square around Ottoman works great as a seat for one person and many have a top that lifts up so you can store things in them. This is very helpful if you have a smaller living room or family room or if you live in a small apartment in which there isn’t enough space for extra chairs when you have several people over to visit. You can also use an ottoman as a footstool.
How far should an ottoman be from a chair?
An ottoman should be a foot away from a chair so your feet will be able to reach it yet you the person sitting in the chair will have enough space to be able to easily get in and out of the chair.
Can you sit on an ottoman?
Yes, you can sit on an ottoman and it is great to have in a smaller room especially when you have several people visiting at the same time and need the extra seating.
How much lower should an Ottoman be than the chair?
Size is very important when you’re choosing an ottoman and because it should be at least one inch lower than the chair or sofa that you were going to use it with as a footstool or table.
Our Previous List of Favorite Small Ottomans
Related: Ottomans for Man Caves | White Leather Ottomans |
A. Small Rectangle Ottomans
1. Convenience Concepts 5th Avenue Storage Ottoman
A plush, tufted top, wide feet, and smart nailhead trim around the base make this traditional styled ottoman a handsome addition to your living room or den. It provides plenty of soft cushioning on top to put your feet up, and there’s also lots of storage space under the lid. It comes in three neutral colors – blue, gray, or tan – that go with any existing décor.
This small ottoman is also built to last. It’s made of a nubby, soft, yet durable linen fabric, with a foam and wood base for sturdiness. You’ll enjoy it for years to come. The eight-tufted top has foam underneath the linen fabric, making it as comfortable as a sofa for hours of movie watching or relaxing.
Overall, this ottoman is 24” long, 18” deep, and 18” high, so it takes up less than two square feet of space on your floor. The interior storage space is 21” long, 15.25” wide, and 9.5” high. You can fit blankets, pillows, or anything else under the lid, making it an excellent double duty piece of furniture.
Pros
- Linen fabric exterior in three colors
- Small footprint, but lots of storage
- Comfortable tufted top
Cons
- Fabric is prone to tear
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2. Fulton Square Cocktail Ottoman Small
Nothing beats the look of leather for class, elegance, and style when it comes to interior decorating, and this handsome ottoman has all that and more. It can also be used as extra seating since it’s comfortable and sturdy enough to support an adult’s weight. You get your choice of either black or brown bicast leather.
This ottoman is also tufted, with a stitched top that adds definition to the leather. The frame underneath is made of birch wood, with four slender but sturdy legs in a tapered minimalist style. This piece is one of those that can add an accent to a room, not to mention being a welcome place to put your feet up.
It’s fairly wide, measuring 36.2” from side to side. That means you could share it with someone else or use it as extra seating. It’s also 36.2” deep, making the top more square than rectangular. But it’s only 15.9” high. This ottoman weighs more than twenty-five pounds, so it is sturdy and will last you for many years to come.
Pros
- Made of tufted black or brown leather
- Traditional style
- Plenty of room to put your feet up
Cons
- No storage
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B. Compact Square Ottomans
1. Homcom Modern Small Faux Leather Ottoman
A pop of bright color and a sleek leather exterior make this modern ottoman a cool accent in your living room. The red is eye-catching, to say the least. This little ottoman is just one of those pieces of furniture that proclaim your style and is both cute and functional, too.
The leather is faux and cruelty-free, while also being soft and comfortable enough to have your feet up for hours of relaxation. Underneath, it’s thickly padded with a foam cushion top. It’s also easy to clean – just wipe down the leather with a damp cloth or towel. It stands up to the rigors of daily living and will last you a long time.
Since it’s small, this ottoman is also lightweight and easy to move. That makes it perfect for apartments or condos or even dorm rooms. It only weighs seven pounds, so can easily be picked up and relocated. As for size, this footrest measures 15.5” wide, 11.5” deep, and 9.5” high.
Pros
- Bright and pretty red color
- Lightweight enough for anyone to move
- Comfortable cushioned top
Cons
- No storage
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2. Mapletown Upholstered Ottoman
Offered in a bunch of both bright and neutral colors, this upholstered ottoman has a single large button tuft in the center. The design actually brings to mind a hot air balloon, since it’s rounded and curved on the top and tapers down to the base. It’s completely upholstered in linen fabric all the way down to the floor. You can select the colors of apple green, black, deep blue, deep red, gray, ivory, sea green, or wine red.
There’s no assembly required for this little footstool. Light in weight, you could easily move it around a room. In size, it’s 17” high, 16.5” wide, and 16.5” deep, giving it a less than two-foot square footprint for your living room.
Whether you’re trying to match this to an existing sofa or have it as a fun accent on its own, this ottoman brightens up the room.
Pros
- Bright colors
- Cute, fun design
- Sturdy linen fabric exterior
Cons
- Comes with a chemical smell that takes time to dissipate
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3. Mendes Upholstered Storage Ottoman
Nailhead trim goes up each of the four sides of this small ottoman, adding a traditional flair to its modern style. The sides curve in towards the middle, and while this does eliminate a bit of the interior storage space, it makes the design stand out more and gives it almost a corset-like shape. They are sturdy enough to have guests sit on them, too.
There are four tiny cylindrical feet to stabilize it on the floor, plus a four-tufted soft cushion top to rest your feet. Although small, this little ottoman features plenty of storage to put a blanket, extra remotes, or your headphones. It comes in quite a few pretty colors, like blue stripes, cement, ocean, persimmon, and sand.
In size, this ottoman measures 20” high, 18” wide, and 18” deep. The storage space is 11” high and 11” wide, so almost a foot square. You could get two and use them as a coffee table!
Pros
- Can be used for storage or seating
- Plenty of cute colors
- Unique, fun design
Cons
- Legs could be off balance
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4. Classic Playtime Hannah Upholstered Cube Ottoman Seat
Brighten up a children’s playroom or modern living room with this functional and useful cube ottoman. It’s perfectly square, comes in go-with-anything colors kids would love and is easy to move around, being lightweight. The colors are berry, blue, blush, or navy, to fit either a little girl’s or boy’s room. You can tuck these in the corner of a room or use them as impromptu seating.
This ottoman is also sturdy enough to be a stool, for a little one to reach a higher shelf or climb up to a grown-up’s sink height. Its square design makes it stable, and it has a durable hardwood frame. The fabric is tough to stand up to play. The sides are soft enough to withstand kids bumping into them.
In size, this ottoman is a perfect cube, measuring only 14” on each side. It’s for kids 3 years of age and older only.
Pros
- Cute, small size
- Sturdy and strong
- Durable for kids
Cons
- No storage included
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5. SONGMICS Faux Leather Folding Storage Cube Ottoman
Bring traditional, go-anywhere style to your home with this fun faux leather cube ottoman. It’s perfectly square, measuring $15 on all three sides, and can hold the weight of an adult for extra seating. There’s plenty of storage beneath the box like a top, so feel free to tuck in a blanket, extra pillows, or movie night accessories.
With the faux leather, you get your choice of three colors – beige, black, or brown. It could fit into any décor style, from a dorm room up to high-end elegance. It ships flat and only takes a few minutes to assemble, but can also be folded flat and tucked away when not in use. Use the flat surface as an extra coffee table to set down a tray or magazine to read.
The faux leather covering this ottoman is durable, resistant to water or straining along the rims, and is double-stitched to ensure no tearing or coming apart at the seams.
Pros
- Excellent amount of storage
- Neutral faux leather colors
- Folds flat when not in use
Cons
- MDF frame, not as durable as hardwood
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C. Round Ottomans
1. Faux Leather Small Brown Ottoman
Designed to look and feel like a small stool, this ottoman is handsomely designed with brass nail head trim and a stitched wedge shape on its round top. The leather is faux, so it’s both animal-friendly and durable, and it has a nice grain that showcases different shades of brown, from cinnamon to mahogany. Three sturdy dark brown legs keep it high off the ground, too.
You’ll be able to not just put your feet up on this ottoman, but use it as an impromptu coffee table or extra seating. It weighs only 13 pounds, so anyone can move it easily around the living room or den. It’s compact enough to fit in well in small apartments, condos, or homes.
This ottoman measures a generous 17” in diameter and is only 15” high. It’s a perfect combination of usefulness and timeless design style.
Pros
- Handsome traditional design
- Lightweight
- Comfortable and sturdy
Cons
- No storage space
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2. Domani Swivel Ottoman Small
A bright pop of cheerful color makes this cylindrical ottoman a welcome addition to your living room. It almost looks like a piece of candy due to its color and shape. You get your choice of four modern colors – graphite, onyx, orange, or snow. The base is made of a high shine chrome that gives it that mid-century modern retro look from the atomic age.
There are four button-tufts on top for added design, and the sides are perfectly smooth. This also swivels completely all the way around, perfect for use as a surface for a tray or board game. The outside is faux leather and the frame is made of metal, so it’s nice and durable.
This little ottoman measures 19” wide, 18” deep, and is 17.25” high. It weighs less than twenty pounds, so you can move it easily.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Metal frame for durability
- Top is cushioned and comfortable
Cons
- No storage space
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3. Belleze Modern Button Tufted Accent Storage Ottoman
Whether you choose beige or gray, this neutral-colored ottoman could fit into either contemporary or traditional décor. It has a soft cushioned top with button tufts, a round shape, and plenty of inner storage for a living room, den, or even as vanity seating.
In size, this ottoman measures 17” high and 17 ¾” in diameter. The interior storage space is 10” high and 14” in diameter. The outside is made of durable fabric for easy cleaning, and the four legs are the only assembly. The solid wood frame will last longer than MDF, so you’ll have this for years!
Pros
- Nice neutral color choices
- Well made of solid wood and fabric
- Plenty of storage
Cons
- Lid slides off easily
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D. Storage Ottomans
1. Belleze Modern Button Tufted Accent Storage Ottoman
Whether you choose beige or gray, this neutral-colored ottoman could fit into either contemporary or traditional décor. It has a soft cushioned top with button tufts, a round shape, and plenty of inner storage for a living room, den, or even as vanity seating.
In size, this ottoman measures 17” high and 17 ¾” in diameter. The interior storage space is 10” high and 14” in diameter. The outside is made of durable fabric for easy cleaning, and the four legs are the only assembly. The solid wood frame will last longer than MDF, so you’ll have this for years!
Pros
- Nice neutral color choices
- Well made of solid wood and fabric
- Plenty of storage
Cons
- Lid slides off easily
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2. Zosia Tufted Foldable Storage Cube Ottoman
This ottoman looks like a boxed present, with its tufted top, pretty fabric exterior, and interior storage space. You can choose from baby blue, midnight blue, or light gray to go with any décor style. The upholstery is a soft and durable polyester blend, making it easy to clean, while the frame is of sturdy MDF.
This ottoman is a cube, so it’s 15.7” on all sides, with about 15.5” cube sized storage space in the interior. One of its best features is it weighs less than eight pounds, so anyone can move this. Comfy and small, you’ll find so many uses for this little ottoman.
Pros
- Very lightweight and portable
- Lots of storage space
- Can be used for extra seating
Cons
- Doesn’t fit casters
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3. Belham Living Noelle Storage Ottoman with Nailheads
A cute and contemporary footstool shape, this ottoman has slanted sides like an upside-down pyramid, handsome nailhead trim, and four trim, sturdy feet. The golden yellow color could fit into many types of decorating styles, and the fabric is a linen blend.
One nice feature is the frame is wood, so that makes it durable for many years of use. It also has storage! The exterior approximately measures 17.72” on each side, but it’s a little less than that since it’s not perfectly square. It’s only 15 pounds in weight.
Pros
- Neutral yellow color
- Plenty of storage
- Wood frame and linen blend fabric
Cons
- Assembly required
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4. Dorel Living Storage Ottoman
Durable faux leather upholstery in your choice of espresso or black and storage make this ottoman both functional and decorative. The top is attached and lifts up, so it won’t slide around. This ottoman is solidly built, and the top is both cushioned and flat enough to set a tray on it. The four thick and sturdy legs keep it balanced, and it won’t tip over.
This ottoman measures 17.8” tall, with a 17.5” square top, so it doesn’t even take up two cubic feet of space. The storage space is 16” square and 9” high. It weighs less than twenty pounds, too.
Pros
- Plenty of storage
- Sturdy and durable
- Handsome faux leather
Cons
- Not recommended for extra seating
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E. Conclusion
When you’re shopping for a small ottoman, you want more than just a soft spot to put your feet up. It’s a great, useful piece of furniture, so you’ll appreciate extra features like sturdy legs, interior storage, and there’s even one that swivels.
Ottomans can also be used for extra seating, but check the weight capacity first. How about you get two and put them next to each other as an impromptu coffee table?
No matter what design style you have in your living room, from traditional elegance to funky modern, you’ll find a small ottoman to match your sofa and fit right in!