Tired of your ottoman turning into a mysterious black hole where remotes, magazines, and random household items disappear? You’re not alone—most people struggle with keeping their ottoman storage organized, which defeats the purpose of having this dual-function furniture piece in the first place.
In this post, we’ll walk you through simple yet effective strategies to organize your ottoman so it actually enhances your living space instead of adding to the chaos. From categorizing items to using smart storage solutions, you’ll discover how to maximize your ottoman’s potential while maintaining that clean, polished look you’re after.
We’ll also explore how choosing the right ottoman design and features can make all the difference in your organizational success—because sometimes the solution isn’t just about better habits, but having furniture that’s truly built for the way you live.
Start With a Clean Ottoman Surface
Typically, a clean ottoman sets the stage for an organized and inviting living space.
Whether you’ve got a leather or upholstered ottoman, start by removing everything from its surface and thoroughly cleaning it. Vacuum the seams and tufting with a brush attachment, feeling for hidden crumbs or pet hair.
For leather ottomans, wipe with a damp cloth, then dry, and condition every 6–12 months to maintain its suppleness. Spot-clean fabric immediately using manufacturer-recommended solutions, always blotting—never rubbing—stains.
Once clean, place a perfectly sized tray to protect the surface and keep everyday items neatly contained.
Sort and Declutter Ottoman Contents Fast
Let’s break down and clear out your ottoman’s contents with a smart, speedy approach. Empty the ottoman completely and create four strategic piles: Keep, Donate/Sell, Trash, and Relocate. Use small clear bins to group similar items, preventing tangles and making retrieval a breeze.
| Action | Time | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Sort | 15 min | High |
| Declutter | 10 min | Medium |
| Organize | 15 min | High |
Measure internal dimensions to maximize storage potential. Label the outside with a quick inventory, and add silica gel packets to prevent moisture. By systematically tackling your ottoman’s contents, you’ll transform a cluttered catchall into a beautifully organized storage solution.
Choose Storage Bins for Inside Ottoman
Three storage bins can transform your ottoman from a chaotic catch-all into a perfectly organized home hub. We recommend measuring the interior cavity first to ensure ottoman storage bins fit snugly.
Choose stackable, lightweight bins with removable lids for maximum flexibility. Clear labeled bins with handles or cutouts make finding items a breeze.
For delicate objects, add foam dividers to prevent shifting. Opt for sturdy fabric or plastic containers that can withstand repeated use.
The right bins will turn your ottoman into a secret storage powerhouse, keeping your living space tidy and stylish.
Organize Remotes and Small Accessories
Corralling remotes and small accessories can quickly transform your ottoman from a cluttered catch-all into a streamlined storage solution.
We’ve discovered smart ways to keep your storage ottoman organized and functional.
- Use a shallow tray to prevent remotes from sliding when the ottoman becomes a footrest
- Attach a slim side pocket for quick remote access
- Store infrequently used accessories in labeled compartments
Our favorite trick? Designate one spot for the most-used remote, then add a small organizer inside the hidden compartment. This approach ensures everything has its place, making your living room look neat and purposeful.
Style the Top for Daily Living
Typically, the top of an ottoman serves as more than just a storage lid—it’s a prime opportunity to showcase your personal style and create a functional living space. We recommend anchoring the ottoman with an oversized tray to establish a polished look and protect the upholstery.
Arrange items in odd-numbered groupings—stack coffee table books, add a small bowl, and include a taller vase for visual interest. Keep a slim remote caddy and coasters in one corner to manage daily essentials.
A folded throw beneath the tray adds texture, and rotating seasonal accessories keeps the space feeling fresh and intentional.
Keep Essentials Easy to Reach
After styling the top of your ottoman with a curated display, you’ll want to maximize its hidden storage potential. An organized storage ottoman becomes a multipurpose hero in your living space, keeping daily essentials within reach.
- Tuck remotes and chargers in a shallow divider tray
- Roll lightweight throws vertically to save space
- Use a small basket for frequently grabbed items
A non-slip liner helps separate delicate items from heavier objects, while strategically placed baskets corral electronics and accessories. By thoughtfully organizing your ottoman’s interior, you’ll transform it from simple seating to a smart, streamlined storage solution that enhances both form and function.
Maintain Your Ottoman Organization
We know keeping your ottoman organized isn’t a one-time task, but an ongoing process that takes just a few minutes each month.
Quick tidy-up tips like removing unnecessary items and wiping down the interior will help maintain your storage system’s efficiency and cleanliness.
Quick tidy-up tips
Since maintaining an organized ottoman requires consistent effort, we’ve compiled quick tidy-up tips that’ll help you keep your living room looking effortlessly polished.
- Use a shallow tray to corral remotes and decorative items
- Store extra throws inside your storage ottoman
- Implement a weekly cleaning routine
Our top strategy involves limiting tabletop items to three to five pieces and using odd-number groupings.
We recommend rolling a soft cleaning wipe across surfaces weekly and assigning a small basket for everyday essentials like chargers and reading glasses.
Monthly refresh ideas
Typically, monthly refreshes transform your ottoman from a mere storage solution into a dynamic, organized living room centerpiece.
We’ll empty the ottoman storage, rotate and purge contents using the one-year rule, ensuring everything inside remains purposeful. Labeled baskets help categorize items efficiently, making access a breeze.
Check for wear and repair needs monthly—tighten loose components and replace worn elements.
Refresh the surface vignette by swapping decorative items to reflect seasonal changes, keeping the space both functional and visually appealing.
Your ottoman becomes more than furniture; it’s a curated, adaptable living room essential that evolves with your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Organize Clothes in an Ottoman?
We’ll maximize our ottoman’s storage by vertically folding lightweight clothes like T-shirts and socks, using fabric dividers to create compartments, and protecting items with tissue paper to keep everything dust-free and neatly organized.
What Should I Store in My Ottoman?
We suggest storing throw blankets, remote controls, seasonal decor, books, board game pieces, and small electronics like chargers in your ottoman. It’s perfect for keeping living room essentials organized and easily accessible.
Should an Ottoman Be Higher or Lower Than the Couch?
We recommend placing your ottoman 1-3 inches lower than the couch for a comfortable footrest, or matching its height if you’ll use it for extra seating. This ensures ergonomic positioning and visual harmony in your living space.
Are Ottomans Still in Style?
Yes, ottomans are definitely still in style! We’re seeing trendy designs like oversized round styles, tufted leather, and jute poufs that add texture and function to living spaces while providing versatile seating and storage solutions.
In Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully transformed your ottoman from a cluttered catch-all into an organized storage powerhouse. By implementing smart sorting systems, using the right organizers, and creating designated spaces for everything, you’ve unlocked the full potential of this versatile furniture piece. Your ottoman now serves as both a stylish accent and a highly functional storage solution that keeps your living space tidy and serene.
Remember that maintaining your newly organized ottoman is simple with regular weekly tidying sessions and monthly refreshes. These small habits will ensure your system continues working smoothly for years to come. As you enjoy your more organized living space, you might discover you’re ready to upgrade other furniture pieces too.
If you’re inspired to enhance your home with additional storage furniture or considering a new ottoman altogether, our furniture reviews can help you explore well-reviewed options that combine style with smart storage solutions. The right pieces can make all the difference in creating a home that’s both beautiful and brilliantly organized.
