Animal Print Storage Ottomans for Small Spaces

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An animal print storage ottoman adds pattern and hidden storage in one footprint. The 17 x 13 x 13 in rectangular model holds about 30 L by our planning estimate, and the ALASDO listing states a 400 lb capacity. In the living room example, a 13 in deep ottoman fits the 34 in of floor left after a 14 in gap from the sofa, and its 13 in height sits 5 in below an 18 in sofa seat. Check the lid mechanism, since back-hinged lids need space behind the piece. Heavy storage needs may call for a larger trunk or storage bench.

Why an animal print storage ottoman works in a small space

A storage ottoman consolidates two functions: seating or footrest and enclosed storage. In a studio or one-bedroom apartment, every piece that serves double duty reduces clutter and frees up floor area. An animal print cover adds texture and contrast without installing shelves or hanging art, so the room gains personality in a single purchase.

The neutral base of most animal prints—tan, brown, black, white—coordinates with existing colors. A leopard print reads as a warm neutral, while a cow print brings high contrast. Both blend with solid upholstery better than florals or geometric patterns that might clash.

Storage ottomans also eliminate the need for separate side tables or magazine racks. A 17 in wide rectangular piece holds the same items as a small end table but with hidden compartments instead of open shelves that collect dust. In a multipurpose room—living area by day, guest sleeping space by night—the ottoman stores extra pillows and bedding out of sight during the day.

Measuring your space for an animal print storage ottoman

Start by identifying where the ottoman will sit most of the time. Common placements include in front of a sofa, at the foot of a bed, or between two chairs. Measure the floor area available in that spot: length, width, and the distance to the nearest furniture edge.

For a sofa arrangement, our planning estimate is to position the ottoman 12 to 18 in from the front edge of the sofa. Closer than 12 in makes it hard to stand up; farther than 18 in forces you to stretch to rest your feet. Measure the clear floor space between the sofa and the opposite wall. Subtract 12 in for the gap nearest the sofa and at least 24 in for a walkway on the far side. The remainder is your maximum ottoman depth.

At the foot of a bed, leave at least 24 in between the ottoman and the nearest wall or furniture so you can walk around easily. A twin bed is 38 in wide, a full is 54 in, and a queen is 60 in. An ottoman 17 to 22 in long works well if floor space is tight, or span most of the bed’s width with a longer piece if you have room.

Height matters for function. If you plan to use the ottoman as a footrest while sitting on a sofa, match the height to the sofa seat or go 1 to 2 in lower. Most sofas sit 17 to 19 in high, so a 13 to 18 in ottoman is ideal. Check the lid-opening mechanism; some lids hinge at the back and need clear space behind the ottoman to swing up fully.

Animal print storage ottoman shapes and materials

Rectangular ottomans offer the most storage volume for their footprint. A 17 x 13 x 13 in rectangular box holds about 30 L (see the worked example), while a 39 x 19 x 16 in bench has far more interior room, though its listing does not state a capacity. The long sides align with sofas and beds, and the flat top can serve as an impromptu tray for drinks or books if you add a firm board.

Round ottomans typically measure 14 to 16 in in diameter and 13 to 15 in tall. They hold less, roughly 14 to 20 L by our planning estimate (a 10 to 12 in interior diameter and 11 in interior height), but the curved edges reduce the risk of bruised shins in tight quarters. A round ottoman floats in open floor space more gracefully than a rectangle and most weigh under 4 lb.

Top materials include velvet, linen, and polyester upholstery. Velvet gives leopard and zebra prints a soft sheen and resists light wear, but it shows water spots and pet hair. Linen offers a matte texture that hides minor stains and suits casual rooms. Polyester blends are the most durable and usually machine-washable if the cover is removable.

Frame materials range from engineered wood to solid birch. Engineered wood keeps the weight and cost down but can limit the weight capacity. Solid wood frames generally carry more, which matters if adults will sit on the ottoman regularly. Check the listed capacity: the listings below show 400 lb for the compact box, while the 14 in round does not state one.

Worked example: planning an ottoman for a 10 x 12 ft living room

Imagine a living room 10 ft wide by 12 ft long with a sofa along one 12 ft wall and a small TV stand on the opposite wall. The sofa is 78 in long, 36 in deep, and 18 in seat height. You want an animal print storage ottoman for guests to prop their feet up and to store throw blankets.

First, calculate the available floor space in front of the sofa. The room is 10 ft (120 in) wide. The sofa projects 36 in from the wall, leaving 120 in − 36 in = 84 in of open floor to the opposite wall. Reserve 36 in along the far wall for walkway clearance (our planning estimate based on the 36 in accessible-route yardstick): 84 in − 36 in = 48 in remaining.

Leave a 14 in gap between the sofa and the ottoman so you can stand up comfortably: 48 in − 14 in = 34 in. This is the maximum depth for the ottoman.

Choose a rectangular ottoman 17 in wide by 13 in deep by 13 in tall. The 13 in depth fits within the 34 in budget and leaves 34 in − 13 in = 21 in of slack on top of the 36 in already reserved for the walkway. The 13 in height is 5 in lower than the 18 in sofa seat, a comfortable footrest height.

Storage volume: the interior is roughly 15 x 11 x 11 in (accounting for wall thickness). Volume = 15 in × 11 in × 11 in = 1,815 cubic inches. Convert to liters: 1,815 in³ ÷ 61.024 in³/L ≈ 29.7 L, enough for two folded throw blankets and a few magazines (our planning estimate). The listing states a 400 lb capacity, so it can support an adult sitting comfortably.

Who should buy an animal print storage ottoman

Buy one if you need hidden storage and prefer a decorative accent that does not require installation. Renters benefit because an ottoman is portable and leaves no wall holes, unlike floating shelves or cabinets. An animal print chair and ottoman set gives you coordinated seating, but a standalone storage ottoman adds pattern without replacing existing furniture.

Small living rooms and studios gain the most. A single piece provides a place to rest feet, store items, and seat one extra guest when pulled into the conversation area. If your coffee table is too large or blocks traffic, replace it with a lower-profile ottoman that offers storage and a smaller footprint.

Buy a larger bench-style ottoman if you want to seat two people or need high-volume storage. A 39 in wide piece holds multiple blankets, board games, and seasonal items. It works at the foot of a queen or full bed.

Who should skip an animal print storage ottoman

Skip it if your space already has ample closed storage and you do not need a footrest. A bookcase, media console, or storage cabinet might serve you better if vertical storage is the priority. An ottoman occupies floor area; if floor space is tighter than wall space, mount shelves or use a narrow console table instead.

Animal prints are bold. If your room already has several competing patterns, adding another print may feel chaotic, so choose a solid-colored ottoman instead.

If you plan to use the ottoman primarily as a coffee table, note that most storage ottoman lids are padded and slightly soft. A hard-surface table or a separate ottoman with a rigid tray top is better if you write, eat, or work on the surface often.

Heavy storage needs exceed what a compact ottoman can hold. A 17 x 13 x 13 in box stores about 30 L; if you need to stash a dozen throw pillows, yoga mats, or bulky winter coats, you need a larger trunk, storage bench, or cube storage organizer. Measure your items before buying to confirm they will fit inside the interior dimensions.

Common mistakes when choosing an animal print storage ottoman

Ignoring the lid mechanism causes frustration. Some lids hinge at the back and require open space behind the ottoman; others lift straight off. Measure the area behind your planned placement. If the ottoman will sit against a wall or tight to furniture, choose a lift-off lid or a front-hinged design.

Misjudging interior capacity is common because exterior dimensions include wall thickness, padding, and the frame. A 17 x 13 x 13 in outer measurement might have a 15 x 11 x 11 in interior, reducing usable volume by about 37 percent (1,815 cubic inches of interior versus 2,873 cubic inches outside). Always check the listed storage capacity or subtract 2 in from each exterior dimension as a rough guide.

Choosing the wrong height for your primary use makes the ottoman less useful. A 13 in seat height is low for sitting but ideal as a footrest for a standard sofa. An 18 in seat is more comfortable for sitting but too tall to rest your feet comfortably. Measure your sofa seat height and subtract 1 to 3 in for a footrest or match it for extra seating.

Overlooking weight capacity leads to sagging or frame failure. A low capacity is fine for footrest use and storing lightweight items, but not for sitting. If adults will sit on the ottoman regularly, confirm the listing states a capacity that covers them, and note that some listings give none.

Placing the ottoman too close to traffic paths creates a tripping hazard, so leave at least 24 in of clear walkway on at least one side.

Frequently asked questions

What animal print works best in a small living room?

Leopard print in tan or brown tones blends with warm neutrals like beige, cream, and wood furniture. Cow print in black and white offers high contrast and pairs well with modern decor or grayscale color schemes.

How much storage does a typical animal print storage ottoman hold?

A compact rectangular ottoman about 17 x 13 x 13 in holds roughly 25 to 30 L, enough for two throw blankets and a few small items. A round ottoman 14 in in diameter stores roughly 14 to 20 L, our planning estimate.

Can I use an animal print storage ottoman as a coffee table?

You can place a tray or rigid board on top to create a stable surface for drinks and books. The padded lid itself is too soft for setting items directly without a tray.

What is the right height for an animal print storage ottoman footrest?

Match the ottoman to your sofa seat height or go 1 to 3 in lower. Most sofas have a 17 to 19 in seat height, so an ottoman 13 to 18 in tall works well.

Do animal print storage ottomans need to be anchored?

No, ottomans are low, stable pieces that do not tip over under normal use. Anchoring is recommended for tall furniture like bookcases, not for low ottomans 13 to 18 in tall.

Products worth checking

We have not tested these products. Sizes and features come from the Amazon listings as we read them; where a listing does not say, we say so.

Sources checked

• US Access Board ADA Guides Chapter 4
• Amerisleep Mattress Sizes Chart

Specifications come from the Amazon listings as we read them for this guide. Product details and availability can change, so confirm on the product page before you buy.

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