Best Square Ottomans: Top Picks for Storage & Style

The SIMPLIHOME Rockwood at $107 is the best overall square ottoman — it pairs a solid wood reversible tray top with interior storage in a true 17-inch cube that doubles as a side table. For tight budgets, the Adeco at $32 delivers the same tray-top and storage combination at a fraction of the cost. If you want a large ottoman that replaces your coffee table, the HUIMO 33-inch at $190 gives you the biggest footprint in this set.

Comparison Table

Best Overall Square Ottoman

SIMPLIHOME Rockwood Cube Ottoman — $107

The SIMPLIHOME Rockwood earns our top pick because it combines three functions in one compact 17-inch cube: footrest, hidden storage, and side table. The reversible cushion flips to reveal a solid wood tray, turning this square ottoman into a stable surface for drinks or a laptop.

The solid wood tray is a genuine differentiator — most reversible tray tops at this size use MDF or plastic. SIMPLIHOME builds this ottoman with upholstered fabric over a hardwood frame, and the hinged lid opens to a storage compartment suitable for remotes, coasters, and small living room accessories.

At 17 inches per side, the Rockwood fits beside armchairs, at the foot of a bed, or between seating in smaller apartments. The cube proportions make it one of the most versatile ottomans available — it works as extra seating in a pinch too. If you need more ottoman options beyond the square shape, our best ottomans guide covers round, bench, and pouf styles.

What we like:

• Solid wood tray top — genuine hardwood, not MDF or composite, provides a stable surface
• True 17-inch cube proportions — fits beside chairs, at bed ends, or between seats

What could be better:

• 17-inch size limits storage volume — holds small accessories but not blankets or pillows
• Upholstered fabric shows wear faster — not wipe-clean like faux leather alternatives

Check the latest price for the SIMPLIHOME Rockwood.

Best Budget Square Ottoman

Adeco Square Storage Ottoman with Tray — $32

The Adeco Square Ottoman at $32 delivers an unusual combination for the price: hidden storage plus a reversible tray top. Most ottomans under $40 offer storage or a tray, rarely both. The dark grey faux leather exterior provides a neutral look that blends into most room styles.

The 17-inch square footprint is compact enough for apartments and dorms. The faux leather surface wipes clean with a damp cloth, which is practical for high-traffic areas. The internal storage compartment holds remotes, chargers, and small household items out of sight.

The trade-offs at this price are expected — faux leather material is thin compared to mid-range options, and the tray top is faux leather rather than solid wood. The 17-inch size also means storage space is limited. For $32 with both storage and a tray, these compromises are reasonable for a square ottoman serving light-duty needs.

What we like:

• Storage and tray top combined at $32 — a feature set typically found on ottomans costing three times more
• Wipe-clean faux leather surface — practical for apartments and dorm rooms

What could be better:

• Thin faux leather material — long-term durability is uncertain compared to pricier options
• 17-inch size limits practical storage — suited for small accessories, not blankets

Shop the Adeco Square Ottoman.

Best Patterned Ottoman

HomePop Ottoman — Burnt Orange Medallion — $60

The HomePop Medallion Ottoman brings visual personality to a room with its burnt orange and cream medallion pattern. Most ottomans in this price range come in solid colors only, making this patterned option stand out for bohemian, eclectic, or globally-inspired interiors.

Beyond aesthetics, it offers hidden storage beneath a hinged lid. The fabric upholstery provides a softer texture than faux leather, making it more comfortable as a footrest or casual extra seat. At $60, it sits in the mid-range sweet spot between ultra-budget and premium models.

The pattern limits versatility — it works well in specific decor styles but clashes with minimalist or neutral palettes. Color accuracy is a noted concern, with the burnt orange appearing more muted or different in person depending on the batch. If patterned fabric doesn’t suit your space, the SIMPLIHOME Rockwood offers a more neutral upholstered alternative.

What we like:

• Burnt orange medallion pattern — adds visual warmth that solid-color ottomans cannot match
• Hidden storage under hinged lid — practical function behind decorative design

What could be better:

• Pattern limits decor flexibility — works best with bohemian or eclectic styles
• Color accuracy varies between batches — actual shade may differ from product photos

Check the HomePop Medallion Ottoman.

Best Mid-Century Modern Ottoman

LUE BONA Tufted Ottoman — $83

The LUE BONA Ottoman targets mid-century modern enthusiasts with its button-tufted upholstery and tapered legs. The tufted detailing adds depth and texture that flat upholstered ottomans lack, giving it a furniture-store appearance at a direct-to-consumer price.

Beyond styling, it functions as a vanity bench seat or entryway accent piece. The fabric upholstery and tufted cushioning provide a comfortable sit, and tapered wooden legs elevate the piece visually and physically — a higher seating position than legless cube ottomans. Internal storage adds practical function to the decorative design.

The fabric attracts pet hair more readily than faux leather surfaces, requiring regular lint rolling. Some units have reported slight leg wobble, which is worth checking during assembly. For mid-century modern spaces, this ottoman delivers strong aesthetic value at $83.

What we like:

• Button-tufted detailing — adds furniture-grade texture and visual depth
• Tapered wooden legs — elevates the piece and matches mid-century modern furniture

What could be better:

• Fabric upholstery attracts pet hair — requires more maintenance than faux leather
• Occasional leg wobble reported — check tightness during assembly

Get the LUE BONA Tufted Ottoman.

Best Large Faux Leather Ottoman

HomePop Luxury Large Faux Leather Ottoman — $103

The HomePop Luxury Ottoman prioritizes size and easy maintenance. The espresso brown faux leather wipes clean with a damp cloth, making this ottoman practical for households with kids or pets. Its larger footprint provides more storage capacity than the 17-inch cubes at the top of this list.

The faux leather exterior is the main functional advantage — spills, crumbs, and paw prints clean up quickly without special products. The hidden storage compartment under the hinged lid handles blankets, pillows, and larger household items that smaller cube ottomans cannot accommodate.

The faux leather develops creases and wrinkles over time, especially under regular seating use. At nearly 30 pounds, this ottoman is heavier than most in this set, making it harder to reposition. If easy-clean maintenance is your priority, our best leather office chairs guide covers similar wipe-clean furniture.

What we like:

• Wipe-clean faux leather — handles spills, crumbs, and pet messes without special products
• Larger storage capacity — fits blankets and pillows that 17-inch cubes cannot hold

What could be better:

• Faux leather creases over time — develops wrinkles under regular use
• Heavy at nearly 30 pounds — difficult to move between rooms

Shop the HomePop Luxury Ottoman.

Best Ottoman with Wood Legs

HomePop Faux Leather Ottoman with Wood Legs — $133

The HomePop Wood Legs Ottoman elevates the standard ottoman with exposed wooden legs and a black faux leather cushion. The combination of warm wood tones against matte black upholstery creates a sophisticated look that works in modern, industrial, and contemporary interiors.

The raised height from wooden legs makes this ottoman more comfortable as a footrest — your feet rest at a natural angle relative to standard sofa seat height. The hidden storage compartment under the cushion provides space for living room accessories. The black faux leather is neutral enough to pair with virtually any sofa color.

The wood leg finish can arrive uneven between units, which is a quality control concern at this price point. Hinge quality on the storage lid has also been noted as less robust than expected. For a more premium wood-and-leather combination, the Christopher Knight Berkeley offers genuine leather construction.

What we like:

• Wood legs add height and elegance — improves footrest ergonomics and visual appeal
• Black faux leather is decor-neutral — pairs with any sofa color or style

What could be better:

• Wood finish varies between units — inconsistent staining reported on some legs
• Hinge quality is underwhelming — lid mechanism feels less durable than expected at $133

Find the HomePop Wood Legs Ottoman.

Best Coffee Table Alternative

HUIMO 33-inch Tufted Storage Ottoman — $190

The HUIMO 33-inch Ottoman is the largest ottoman in this set — its 33-inch footprint rivals a standard coffee table. The tufted upholstered cushion gives it a living-room centerpiece presence, and the oversized storage compartment beneath holds significantly more than any other option here.

At 33 inches, this piece genuinely replaces a coffee table in smaller apartments or open-concept spaces. The tufting adds a tailored furniture aesthetic, and the large flat top surface works for trays, books, and decorative items. The storage capacity is the biggest advantage — throw blankets, board games, and living room clutter disappear inside.

Button tufting quality can be uneven on some units, and the fabric quality is basic for the $190 price point. For comparison, a dedicated coffee table offers more surface stability but zero hidden storage. If you need even more storage, our best coffee tables with storage guide covers furniture designed specifically for dual-purpose use.

What we like:

• 33-inch footprint replaces a coffee table — the largest ottoman in this comparison
• Oversized storage compartment — holds blankets and board games that smaller ottomans cannot

What could be better:

• Button tufting can be uneven — quality varies between production batches
• Fabric quality is basic for $190 — the price primarily pays for size, not material upgrade

Check the latest price for the HUIMO 33-inch Ottoman.

Best Premium Ottoman

Christopher Knight Home Berkeley Ottoman — $287

The Christopher Knight Berkeley is the only genuine leather ottoman in this comparison, and the material quality justifies the premium price. Unlike faux leather alternatives that develop creases and wear patterns, real leather develops a patina that improves with age. The brown leather finish brings warmth and character that synthetic materials cannot replicate.

The solid construction is immediately apparent — this ottoman weighs significantly more than fabric or faux leather options, and the frame feels rigid with zero wobble. The hidden storage compartment is well-lined and functional. For leather living room furniture pairing, this piece complements leather sofas and recliners in traditional and transitional spaces.

At $287, this ottoman costs two to three times most alternatives. Leather color can vary between individual units due to natural dye variation in genuine hide. For households prioritizing real materials and long-term durability, the Berkeley is the only option here that will improve aesthetically over years of use.

What we like:

• Genuine leather construction — develops a rich patina over time, unlike faux leather
• Heavy, solid frame with zero wobble — construction quality matches the premium price

What could be better:

• $287 is steep for an ottoman — costs two to three times most alternatives in this set
• Leather color varies between units — natural dye variation means no two pieces are identical

Shop the Christopher Knight Berkeley.

Buying Guide: How to Choose a Square Ottoman

Size Matters More Than You Think

Square ottomans range from compact 17-inch cubes to oversized 33-inch coffee table replacements. A 17-inch cube works as a footrest beside a single chair. A 33-inch model fills the center of a seating arrangement like a traditional coffee table.

Measure your intended space before buying. Factor in leg room — an ottoman placed too close to a sofa makes it impossible to stretch your legs. Leave at least 12-18 inches between the sofa edge and the ottoman front.

Tray Top vs. Standard Cushion

Tray-top square ottomans like the SIMPLIHOME Rockwood and Adeco offer dual functionality — flip the cushion for a flat surface. This matters if your ottoman doubles as a side table for drinks or a laptop. Standard cushion tops are softer and more comfortable as footrests but lack a stable surface.

For living rooms where the ottoman serves as a coffee table substitute, a tray top is worth prioritizing. For bedrooms and entryways where the ottoman is primarily decorative or a vanity seat, a standard cushion is sufficient.

Material Determines Maintenance

Faux leather wipes clean and handles spills — ideal for homes with children and pets. Upholstered fabric like the LUE BONA provides softer texture and tufting detail but attracts hair and requires spot cleaning. Genuine leather like the Christopher Knight Berkeley costs more upfront but ages better than any synthetic material.

Choose material based on who uses the space daily. A household with a golden retriever needs different ottoman material than a formal living room that sees guests twice a month.

Storage Capacity vs. Footprint

Every square ottoman in this comparison offers hidden storage, but capacity scales with size. A 17-inch cube holds remotes and small accessories, while the 33-inch HUIMO swallows throw blankets and board games.

Match your storage expectations to the ottoman’s actual interior dimensions — exterior width does not equal interior volume due to padding and frame thickness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best square ottoman with a tray top?

The SIMPLIHOME Rockwood at $107 and the Adeco at $32 both offer reversible tray tops. The SIMPLIHOME uses solid wood for its tray surface, while the Adeco uses a matching faux leather flip-side — both convert from footrest to occasional side table depending on which way you flip the cushion.

What is the best square ottoman for storage?

The HUIMO 33-inch ottoman at $190 offers the largest interior storage in this set thanks to its oversized footprint. The HomePop Luxury Faux Leather at $103 also provides generous storage with the advantage of a wipe-clean exterior. For context on storage-optimized furniture, our best dressers guide covers pieces built specifically for high-volume storage.

Can a square ottoman replace a coffee table?

Yes, larger models like the 33-inch HUIMO and the HomePop Luxury work as coffee table replacements. Tray-top models add a stable surface for drinks. The main trade-off is surface stability — ottoman cushions shift under heavy items in ways that fixed coffee table tops do not.

What is the best budget square ottoman under $40?

The Adeco at $32 is the best value under $40 — it combines hidden storage with a reversible tray top. Features usually found on ottomans costing three times as much. The faux leather exterior wipes clean and the 17-inch cube fits beside chairs, at bed ends, or in apartment corners.

Which square ottoman material is easiest to clean?

Faux leather models like the HomePop Luxury and HomePop Wood Legs ottomans wipe clean with a damp cloth. Fabric and patterned ottomans require spot cleaning or lint rolling, especially in homes with pets. Genuine leather needs periodic conditioning but resists spills better than fabric over the long term.

Do square ottomans require assembly?

Most arrive fully assembled or need minimal setup. The Adeco and LUE BONA require attaching legs, which takes under 10 minutes. Larger models like the HUIMO may need basic frame assembly.

None in this comparison require power tools.