Ottoman, Storage Bench or Pouffe? How to Choose Extra Seating and Storage

Ottomans, storage benches and pouffes all add a soft extra seat, and the names are often used interchangeably. But they suit different rooms and jobs. Picking the right one comes down to three questions: where will it go, will people sit on it often, and do you need storage inside?

What’s the Difference?

• Storage ottoman — an upholstered piece with a padded top that typically lifts or opens to reveal storage. Ottomans work as a footrest, an occasional seat or, with a tray on top, a soft coffee table.
• Storage bench — longer and narrower than most ottomans, designed to seat more than one person in a line. Benches are a classic choice for the end of a bed, an entrance hall or beside a dining table.
• High-back bench — a bench with an upholstered back, which gives back support and more visual presence, and usually sits against a wall or the foot of a bed.
• Pouffe — a compact, low seat or footrest without storage, easy to move between rooms.

Choose by Room

At the end of the bed

A bench is the usual choice here: somewhere to sit while dressing, and a place for a throw or tomorrow’s clothes. Bedroom storage benches often hold spare linen and blankets. Measure the width of your bed and choose a bench that sits comfortably within it, then check you still have a clear walkway between the bench and the wall or wardrobe — including room for wardrobe doors to open.

In the lounge

A storage ottoman can double as a footrest, a spare seat when guests arrive and a home for remotes, throws and cushions. Place it within reach of the sofa, leaving enough space to walk around it. If you’re deciding between an ottoman and a traditional table, our guide to coffee table shapes and sizes can help.

At the entrance or in a passage

A bench gives you somewhere to sit and put on shoes. Check the width of the passage so the bench doesn’t block the flow, and that doors can still open fully.

In a dressing area or beside an armchair

A pouffe is compact enough to tuck under a dressing table or beside a reading chair as a footrest, and light enough to move when you need an extra seat.

Seating, Storage or Both?

• If it will be sat on daily, look for a firm, well-padded top and a sturdy frame, and consider a bench long enough for two.
• If storage matters most, ask how the lid opens (lift-off or hinged) and think about what you’ll store: bulky duvets need more depth than throws or shoes.
• If you mainly need a footrest or a movable extra seat, a pouffe may be all you need.
• If you want back support at the end of the bed or in a hallway, consider a high-back bench placed against a wall or the bed.

Fabric and Colour

Because these pieces are touched, sat on and moved often, think practically about fabric and colour. A bold colour, such as red velvet, makes the piece a feature; a neutral or darker tone blends in and is generally more forgiving of everyday use. Consider who uses the room — children, pets and busy entrance halls all put extra demands on upholstery. If you’re unsure, send us a photo of the room and ask which options suit it.

Ottomans, Benches and Pouffes at Luxury Furniture Supplies

Our Storage Bench collection includes:

• The Luxury Storage Ottoman, offered in several colour options.
• The Italian Designer Button Upholstered Ottoman Bench With Storage, with button detailing and hinged storage underneath.
• The Upholstered Storage Bench, a clean, simple design for bedrooms, hallways or dining areas.
• The High End Red Velvet High Back Ottoman Bench, a tall, high-backed bench for the end of a bed.
• The Luxury Italian Red Velvet Storage Ottoman and the Luxury Italian Red Velvet Storage ottoman for statement colour with hidden storage.

For a compact seat without storage, see the Luxurious Italian Quilted Black Velvet Pouffe in our Lounge collection. Ask us to confirm the exact dimensions of any piece before ordering, so you can check it against your bed width or space.

Planning the whole bedroom? Our guide to headboards, bed frames and what a listing includes covers the bed itself. For selected pieces, colour, fabric and size can be discussed through our Furniture Customisation service.

Ottoman and Bench Checklist

• I know where the piece will go: end of bed, lounge, entrance or dressing area.
• I have decided whether I need seating, storage or both.
• I have measured the space, including bed width and walkway clearance.
• I have checked that doors and wardrobes can still open.
• I know what I want to store and have asked how the lid opens.
• I have chosen a fabric and colour that suit how the room is used.
• I have confirmed the exact dimensions with the retailer.

Delivery and Warranty

Nationwide delivery is R500. Gauteng orders above R10,000 qualify for free delivery; Gauteng orders of R10,000 or less, and all orders outside Gauteng, are charged R500. Your furniture is covered by our 6-Month Quality Warranty against qualifying manufacturing defects. See the Delivery & Quality Warranty page for full terms and the Furniture Delivery Areas page for your city.

Ask Us Before You Order

Send us the product link, where it will go and your measurements on WhatsApp (066 087 0705), and we’ll help you check the fit. Or browse the Storage Bench collection.