OTTOMAN CARE & STORAGE GUIDE

Knowing how to store an ottoman when not in use is less about finding somewhere to hide a piece of furniture and more about protecting its upholstery, structure, finish and proportions while keeping it ready for its next purpose. Whether you are temporarily storing a decorative footstool, moving a storage ottoman between rooms or putting an upholstered piece away during a seasonal change, the right approach can help prevent unnecessary wear, trapped moisture, crushing and accidental damage.

An ottoman is often expected to do several jobs at once. It may provide a place to rest your feet, additional seating, a coffee-table alternative or concealed storage. That multi-purpose character is precisely why storage needs to be considered carefully. An upholstered ottoman should not simply be pushed into a damp garage, covered tightly in plastic or placed beneath heavy furniture.

This guide explains how to store an ottoman when not in use, including where to put it, how to prepare the upholstery, how to protect the frame and legs, what to do with storage compartments, how to avoid moisture problems and when a bespoke solution can make storage considerably easier.

HOW TO STORE AN OTTOMAN WHEN NOT IN USE

The safest place for an upholstered ottoman is generally a clean, dry, temperature-stable indoor environment where it is protected from direct sunlight, excessive humidity, dirt and impact. If the ottoman is only being taken out of everyday use temporarily, keeping it inside the home is usually preferable to placing it in an unconditioned shed, damp garage or loft.

START WITH A CLEAN, DRY OTTOMAN

Before storage, remove loose dust and debris from the upholstery using a suitable upholstery attachment. Pay particular attention to seams, buttoning, piping, corners and the area underneath the lid if the ottoman has storage.

If the fabric has been exposed to spills, pet hair or everyday household dust, deal with those issues before putting the furniture away. Storing an item while it is damp or dirty can make the eventual cleaning process more difficult and may leave unwanted odours.

Any cleaning method should be appropriate for the particular upholstery fabric. Avoid saturating upholstered furniture unless the manufacturer specifically recommends a wet-cleaning process. Excess moisture can penetrate beyond the fabric surface and become difficult to remove completely.

CHOOSE A DRY, STABLE STORAGE LOCATION

A spare bedroom, dressing room, dry cupboard with sufficient ventilation or another clean indoor area can be suitable for temporary storage. The important point is not simply whether the space is unused; it is whether the environment is appropriate for upholstered furniture.

Avoid locations where condensation, dampness or significant temperature fluctuations are common. Garages, garden sheds and poorly ventilated outbuildings can expose upholstery and internal components to conditions they were never designed to tolerate.

KEEP THE OTTOMAN AWAY FROM DIRECT SUNLIGHT

Even when an ottoman is not being used, prolonged exposure to strong daylight can affect some upholstery colours. This is particularly relevant for richly coloured, patterned or darker fabrics where gradual fading can become noticeable against less-exposed areas.

If the furniture is being stored temporarily in a room with strong sunlight, position it away from direct rays. A breathable protective cover can also help, provided it does not trap moisture against the upholstery.

DO NOT PLACE HEAVY ITEMS ON TOP

An upholstered ottoman should not become an improvised storage shelf simply because it is temporarily out of use. Heavy boxes, books, equipment or other furniture can place unnecessary pressure on the upholstered top and may affect its appearance over time.

This is especially important for decorative buttoned, tufted or structured upholstery, where pressure applied to specific areas can alter the visual consistency of the surface.

HOW TO PREPARE AN OTTOMAN FOR LONGER-TERM STORAGE

Longer-term storage requires more preparation than simply moving an ottoman into another room. The aim is to minimise dust accumulation, prevent moisture problems and avoid unnecessary pressure on upholstery, hinges, legs and other components.

EMPTY THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT FIRST

If the ottoman has hidden storage, remove everything before storing the furniture. This includes blankets, cushions, clothing, toys, books and other household items.

Leaving stored belongings inside for an extended period can reduce ventilation within the compartment. Textiles should be particularly well dried before they are put away. Never store damp blankets, freshly washed fabrics or anything with residual moisture inside a closed upholstered storage compartment.

Once empty, inspect the internal area for dust or debris and allow it to air naturally before closing the lid for storage.

CHECK THE LID, HINGES AND LEGS

Before putting an ottoman away, check that the lid closes correctly and that any hinges or moving components operate as intended. If the piece has detachable or screw-fixed legs, make sure they are secure before moving it.

Do not drag a heavy ottoman across flooring if it can reasonably be lifted by two people. Dragging can put stress on legs, joints and floor surfaces and may also catch upholstery against sharp edges.

USE A BREATHABLE COVER

A protective cover can be useful for longer storage, particularly where dust is likely to accumulate. However, the cover should allow appropriate air circulation around upholstered furniture.

Avoid wrapping an upholstered ottoman tightly in impermeable plastic for an extended period. If moisture becomes trapped between the plastic and the upholstery, the resulting environment can be far less suitable than the original room.

The cover should also be clean before use. A dirty cover simply transfers dust and particles to the furniture underneath.

PROTECT THE FLOOR AND LOWER COMPONENTS

If the ottoman is being stored on a hard floor, check that its feet or base are not sitting directly against moisture-prone surfaces. For a temporary move, a clean protective layer beneath the piece can help reduce contact with dust and grit.

Do not place the ottoman on an unstable stack of boxes or other improvised supports. The safest storage position is normally a stable, level surface appropriate for the furniture's weight and construction.

ALLOW SPACE AROUND THE FURNITURE

Do not wedge an ottoman so tightly between boxes, wardrobes or other furniture that the upholstery is compressed. It should remain accessible enough to remove without scraping its sides or catching corners against surrounding objects.

Good storage planning is particularly important for larger ottoman benches. Their footprint may be substantial, and their upholstered sides can be vulnerable to repeated contact with surrounding furniture.

WHERE SHOULD YOU STORE AN OTTOMAN?

The best storage location depends on how long the ottoman will be stored, the construction of the piece and the conditions in the available room. In most domestic situations, a dry indoor space is preferable to an exposed or poorly controlled storage area.

SPARE BEDROOMS AND DRESSING ROOMS

A spare bedroom can be a practical option because it is usually part of the home's normal indoor environment. If the ottoman is not being used for several weeks, position it where it will not obstruct doors, wardrobes or normal circulation.

A dressing room can also work well for smaller footstools and ottomans, particularly where the furniture is being rotated seasonally.

UNDER-USED LIVING AREAS

If the ottoman is simply being removed from the main seating arrangement temporarily, you may not need to store it in another room at all. Moving it to an under-used corner of the same room can reduce handling and make it easy to bring back when required.

This is especially practical for pieces that complement the room visually even when they are not being used as seating or a footrest.

LOFTS, GARAGES AND SHEDS

These areas require considerably more caution. A loft may experience significant temperature changes, while garages and sheds can be exposed to damp, dust, condensation and airborne contaminants.

If an upholstered ottoman must be placed in such an environment, assess the actual conditions rather than assuming that a cover alone will provide sufficient protection. If the area regularly experiences dampness or condensation, it is not an appropriate long-term environment for valuable upholstered furniture.

Good furniture storage protects the material first. The location should be chosen for its environmental conditions, not simply because it has spare floor space.

WHAT SHOULD YOU PUT INSIDE A STORAGE OTTOMAN?

A storage ottoman can remain useful even while it is serving as furniture. When the piece itself is not being used frequently, its internal compartment can provide valuable hidden storage, but the contents should be selected carefully.

SUITABLE ITEMS FOR OTTOMAN STORAGE

Clean, dry and relatively lightweight household items are generally the most practical choices. Depending on the size and construction of the ottoman, this might include spare throws, cushions, seasonal accessories, children's soft toys or other items that benefit from being kept out of sight.

The key principle is to avoid overfilling the compartment. The lid should close naturally without excessive pressure, and stored items should not interfere with hinges or the inside of the lid.

• Clean and completely dry throws
• Spare cushions and soft furnishings
• Seasonal accessories
• Children's soft toys and lightweight games
• Guest bedding where the compartment provides sufficient room
• Other clean household textiles appropriate to the storage space

ITEMS TO AVOID STORING INSIDE

Avoid putting damp textiles, wet shoes, food, liquids, leaking containers or strongly scented products inside an upholstered storage ottoman. These items can introduce moisture, odours or contamination into an enclosed compartment.

Sharp objects should also be avoided because they can damage the internal lining or upholstery when the contents are moved.

DO NOT OVERLOAD THE COMPARTMENT

Storage capacity is not simply about how much can physically fit inside. You should leave enough room for the lid to close without forcing it and ensure that the contents do not become compressed against moving parts.

For larger storage ottomans, organise contents so that frequently accessed items remain easy to remove. This reduces repeated rummaging and unnecessary movement of the lid.

BESPOKE VS READY-MADE OTTOMAN STORAGE

For some homes, the most effective storage solution is not simply finding somewhere to put an existing ottoman. It is choosing an ottoman whose dimensions, proportions and function have been planned around the room from the beginning.

This is where bespoke furniture can be particularly useful. A made-to-measure ottoman can be considered in relation to available floor space, the height of surrounding furniture, required storage capacity and the overall interior scheme.

WHEN CUSTOM SIZING MAKES SENSE

Custom sizing becomes particularly valuable when an ottoman needs to occupy a defined space. A piece that is slightly too deep may interfere with circulation, while one that is too small can look visually disconnected from a substantial sofa or bed.

Before requesting a bespoke quotation, measure the intended location carefully. Consider the full footprint, surrounding clearance, the height of nearby seating and whether the lid needs to open fully.

WHY PROPORTION MATTERS

An ottoman should relate visually and practically to the furniture around it. A large sofa can make a very small footstool appear insignificant, while an oversized storage bench can dominate a compact room.

Proportion also affects usability. The correct height can make a footstool more comfortable to use, while the correct depth and width can help an ottoman function as seating without disrupting movement through the room.

THE PRACTICAL BENEFITS OF A WELL-DESIGNED BESPOKE SOLUTION

• Better use of available floor space
• More appropriate proportions for the surrounding furniture
• Greater control over upholstery and visual coordination
• Improved integration with an existing interior scheme
• Useful solutions for awkward or unusually shaped spaces
• Greater control over the balance between seating and storage
• A more coherent appearance across a carefully designed room
• The ability to plan the furniture around its intended daily use

COMMON OTTOMAN STORAGE MISTAKES TO AVOID

The biggest storage problems are usually preventable. Most come from treating an upholstered ottoman like an ordinary hard storage box rather than a piece of finished furniture.

WRAPPING IT TIGHTLY IN PLASTIC

Impermeable wrapping can trap moisture. Even if the furniture appears dry when covered, changes in temperature can create condensation inside a poorly ventilated covering.

STORING IT IN A DAMP ENVIRONMENT

A dry-looking garage or shed is not necessarily a suitable storage environment. If condensation regularly forms on surfaces, or the space has a history of dampness, upholstered furniture is better kept elsewhere.

STACKING OBJECTS ON THE UPHOLSTERED TOP

Temporary storage often turns into accidental long-term storage. Boxes placed on an ottoman can compress the upholstery, mark the fabric or create unnecessary pressure on the frame and lid.

FORCING THE LID CLOSED

If the compartment is full, do not force the lid. Overpacking can strain hinges, distort stored textiles and prevent the furniture from functioning as designed.

IGNORING THE FABRIC

Different upholstery fabrics respond differently to friction, sunlight, cleaning and handling. Before long-term storage, check the appropriate care guidance for the specific material rather than applying a generic cleaning method.

FORGETTING HOW THE OTTOMAN FITS THE ROOM

When moving a large ottoman out of its usual position, it is easy to forget its orientation and relationship with nearby furniture. Taking a quick photograph before moving it can make repositioning much simpler later.

A SIMPLE STORAGE CHECKLIST

• Remove all contents from the storage compartment.
• Clean loose dust and debris from the upholstery.
• Ensure the fabric and stored area are completely dry.
• Check the lid, hinges, legs and visible structure.
• Choose a clean, dry indoor storage location where possible.
• Keep the furniture away from direct sunlight.
• Use a clean, breathable protective cover for longer storage.
• Do not place heavy objects on top.
• Do not overfill the internal storage compartment.
• Leave sufficient space around the ottoman for safe removal.
• Record its original position if it will later return to the same room.

CHOOSING AN OTTOMAN THAT IS EASY TO LIVE WITH

Good ottoman design should make storage easier rather than creating another object that has to be managed. When buying a new piece, think beyond colour and appearance. Consider how often it will move, what it will store, how the lid will open, where it will sit and whether its proportions will continue to work if your room changes.

CONSIDER THE OTTOMAN'S PRIMARY JOB

If the main purpose is foot support, a compact footstool may be sufficient. If the furniture must also store blankets, provide occasional seating and act as a visual centrepiece, a larger storage ottoman or bench may make more sense.

Choosing based on the primary job prevents the common mistake of buying more furniture than the room can comfortably accommodate.

MEASURE THE SPACE BEFORE ORDERING

Measure the available width and depth, then consider the clearance required around the furniture. For a lift-up storage design, think vertically as well as horizontally because the lid needs room to open.

In a bedroom, for example, an ottoman at the foot of the bed should not interfere with opening wardrobes or walking around the bed. In a hallway, the key issue may be maintaining a comfortable passage width.

THINK ABOUT UPHOLSTERY IN CONTEXT

Fabric choice affects both appearance and everyday practicality. A plain neutral upholstery can integrate quietly with an existing scheme, while a floral, geometric, damask, animal or other patterned fabric can turn an ottoman into a statement feature.

When choosing a fabric, consider the room's lighting, existing colours and expected level of use. A material that looks one way under showroom lighting can appear different in natural daylight or warm evening illumination.

PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

A well-designed ottoman should not become obsolete simply because the room changes. Neutral proportions, adaptable placement and useful storage can allow a piece to move from a living room to a bedroom, dressing area or other suitable part of the home when circumstances change.

This is one reason bespoke dimensions can be worthwhile for customers with unusually specific requirements. The furniture can be planned around the actual space rather than forcing the space to accommodate an arbitrary standard size.

LEAD TIME: 10 - 14 WORKING DAYS