Ottoman Storage Box Ideas: 9 Ways to Use a Blanket Box in the Bedroom and Beyond

An ottoman storage box, often called a blanket box, looks like a bench and works like a chest. With a padded lid, a fabric handle and a generous space inside, it earns its place in nearly any room. The classic position is the foot of the bed, but it is far from the only one. Here are nine practical ways to use one, with tips on getting the most from the space.

Why a storage box?

Most homes run out of storage before they run out of space. A box gives you a closed, tidy compartment and a seat in one piece of furniture. Our ottoman storage boxes are upholstered with a softly padded lid, an easy-lift fabric handle and a large internal compartment for bedding, blankets, pillows, towels and clothes. They come in a wide choice of fabrics and colours, and are designed to coordinate with many of our headboards and beds.

1. At the foot of the bed

This is the classic spot. A box at the foot of the bed holds spare blankets and a throw for cold nights, and gives you somewhere to sit to put on shoes. Choose a width that matches the bed for a neat line. See the guide on headboard styles to pick a matching headboard.

2. Guest linen in the guest room

Keep a clean set of sheets, a duvet cover, a spare pillow and a towel in the box, so a guest room is ready in minutes. It saves carrying linen across the house. Our single bed spare room ideas guide has more on setting up a room for visitors.

3. Under a window

A box under a window makes a cushioned seat with storage underneath. Measure the sill height and the space needed to open the lid, which lifts upwards, so keep the area above it clear.

4. In the hallway

A narrow box beside the front door holds shoes, gloves, scarves and umbrellas, and gives you a place to sit while you put on shoes. Check that the lid has room to rise and that nothing is hung where it will catch the lid.

5. In a dressing area

In a dressing area or walk-in wardrobe, a box stores off-season clothes, spare bags or folded jumpers. The padded lid is useful for sitting to dress. Add breathable storage bags inside, so clothes stay fresh.

6. Living room blanket storage

In a living room, a box holds throws, cushions and board games, and doubles as extra seating or a side table with a tray on top. Choose a fabric colour that matches your sofa.

7. Children’s room and toys

A box keeps toys out of sight and prevents mess. The lid is padded, which is gentler than a hard chest, but always supervise children around lids and do not let them climb inside.

8. Extra storage for an ottoman bed

If you already have an ottoman storage bed, a box at the foot adds even more space for things you use more often. Keep seasonal items in the bed and everyday blankets in the box.

9. A coordinated look with your headboard

A box in the same fabric as the headboard ties the bedroom together. Several of our boxes pair with headboards in matching designs, so the bed and the foot of the bed look planned. See the Knightsbridge ottoman blanket storage box with its cube-panel design, the Windsor ottoman blanket storage box for traditional rooms, or the Chesterfield ottoman blanket storage box.

How to choose the right box

• Width: choose a box in the same width as your bed. Our boxes come in sizes to match Single to Super King beds.
• Style: pick a design that matches your headboard or sofa.
• Fabric: velvet for a soft, rich finish; textured weaves for a relaxed look. Check the swatch on the product page.
• Clearance: allow enough room above and in front of the box to lift the lid comfortably.

Packing tips

• Keep items dry and clean before you pack them.
• Use breathable bags for textiles, and avoid sealing natural fibres tightly.
• Put heavier items at the bottom and soft items on top.
• Do not store food, wet items or chemicals inside.

Care

Vacuum the fabric with an upholstery attachment, blot spills straight away and keep it out of long direct sun, which can fade colours. Check the care information on the product page.

Choosing between a box and other storage

A storage box suits some jobs better than others. Here is how it compares:

• Versus a chest of drawers: a box holds bulky, soft items better, but it is harder to find small things. Use it for blankets, not socks.
• Versus an ottoman bed: a box adds storage without changing the bed. It is a good choice if you already have a bed you like. See our ottoman beds.
• Versus a bench: a bench has no storage. A box is a bench with a hidden compartment.

Styling a blanket box

• Add a tray on top for a lamp or books, if the box is used as a side table.
• Layer a throw over the end for texture, which also hides wear.
• Match or contrast. Matching the headboard looks polished; a contrasting colour adds interest.
• Keep the top clear if you use it as a seat.

Safety and practical points

• Do not let children climb inside or play with the lid.
• Do not store food or damp items.
• Keep the box away from radiators and direct sun.
• Check there is room above the box to lift the lid.

Sizing: which width to choose

Choose a box that matches your bed width for a neat finish. For a double bed, a box slightly narrower than the bed also looks good. For a narrow hallway, choose a slim box that does not block the way. Measure the space and check each product page for the exact dimensions. See our measuring guide.

Choosing a fabric for the room

The right fabric depends on where the box will live. In a bedroom, soft velvet matches the bed and feels luxurious. In a hallway or children’s room, a textured fabric hides scuffs better. Check each product page for the swatch and colour range, and see our fabric guide for help choosing.

Three finished looks

Classic hotel style

A buttoned or panelled box in a deep colour at the foot of a neutral bed, with a folded throw across the top.

Calm and minimal

A plain box in a soft neutral that matches the headboard, with nothing on top.

Bold and layered

A box in a rich colour that contrasts with the bed, with a textured throw and cushions. This works best in a larger room.

Common questions

Can I sit on an ottoman storage box?

The lid is softly padded, so it works well as a seat for everyday use. Check the product page for details.

What can I store in a blanket box?

Blankets, bedding, pillows, towels, folded clothes and similar soft items.

Does it match my bed?

Our boxes are designed to coordinate with many of our headboards and beds, and you choose the fabric and colour.

Every box is handmade in the UK, with free delivery to mainland UK in 5 working days. See the full bed range for matching pieces.