Storage Benches for Small Home Storage
Are you looking for more space in your room? If so, then finding ways to create storage is a great way to add value to your home. A quick solution that we love are storage benches and we have our top picks to share.
How to organize the things in your home even if you are short on storage space.
We used to live in a really small home and that means I know first hand how tricky it can be to come up with additional storage ideas. There is only so much room, and even if you are an organizing Ninja, you might still run out of options after a while.
Sure, a pile of shoes in a mudroom may not be the best way to store your family’s footwear, but having dozens of pairs of shoes on a shelf is probably not a good solution either.
There is an old-school trick that is quickly gaining popularity with families that are short on space. Cue the storage bench.
Back in my day, this little beauty was called a storage ottoman. It might even still be called that today, but no matter what the name is, the purpose is still the same: to give additional storage ideas in a home where there isn’t much.
Finding a way to use furniture as storage is just the tip you need to help keep things put away.
What can you keep in a storage bench?
The best part is the space found hidden in a storage bench can be used for just about anything.
- Books
- Magazines
- Toys
- Games
- Puzzles
- Shoes
- Clothes
- Blankets
- Pillows
- Hats
- Gloves….. I could go on and on!
The only limit is your imagination which is why this storage option is showing up more often in furniture stores. Even if your home isn’t small, using benches can help you to contain the stuff in your home more easily.
Let’s look at a few options to help you to find the perfect storage bench that will last your family for years to come.
Storage Benches and Ottomans for an Organized Home
Before choosing, remember to take into account the amount of space you have to work with, you style of that particular room, and what you plan to store inside.
Storage Bench With Cushion
Many homes today do not always come with a mudroom. Luckily, with so many storage options available, you can quickly turn a part of a room into an entryway perfect for any family.
I love this bench and cabinet set because it is functional and looks great in a room. Use it to hold shoes, hats, gloves, or small sports equipment.
There is plenty of room to sit comfortably, and once you hand the matching cabinet above it will only add to this bench’s functionality.
Crosley Furniture Brennan 2-Piece Entryway Set with Shoe Rack Bench and Wall-Shelf with Coat Hooks, White
SAFAVIEH Home Collection Freddy White Wash/ Wicker Basket 2-Drawer Storage Bench with Cushion (Fully Assembled)Safavieh Black American Homes Collection Lonan Grey and White Wicker Storage Bench, 0
Storage tips:
#1. Take this bench up a notch and give each family member their own basket, along with a hook above that is just for them to use.
#2. Help younger children by color coding each of their own areas. This will encourage everyone to be more proactive with their things.
This type of set up is a great way to keep coats, book bags, and shoes neat and organized, helping to calm some of the chaos that comes with a busy morning.
When your family has a specific spot to keep their things, they are more apt to put them in their home, and that means less clutter in your mudroom.
Open Shelved Storage Bench
If you are not a fan of baskets, this open-shelved storage bench may be a great option for you. This more open approach gives a full shelf below for holding items up and off the floor, giving a neater appearance to a space.
SICOTAS Rattan Shoe Bench Entryway Bench with Storage Drawer and Linen Seat Cushion, Farmhouse Boho Shoe Rack Bench with Shelf, Wooden Storage Bench for Entryway Hallway and Bedroom, Natural OakVASAGLE, 3-Tier Shoe Rack, Shelf Storage Bench with Metal Mesh Shelves and Seat, Free Standing Shoe Organizer for Entryway, 11.8 x 28.7 x 17.7 Inches, Rustic Brown and Black ULBS73XFATORRI Shoe Bench Entryway with Storage, Industrial Wood and Metal Hallway Benches with Adjustable Shelves, Rustic Entry Way Bench for Living Room (47.24 Inch Long, Rustic Oak)
I love this option for empty nesters or single folks, as it gives plenty of space without overwhelming a room.
If the thought of storing shoes on a slatted bench shelf like this one worries you about mud and dirt on the floor below, you can place a boot tray below your bench to keep the mess off the floor.
Don’t give up on baskets altogether, however, because they are a great way to organize and declutter just about any space in your home. Not only do they work on steps, but on tables, in drawers, bathrooms, and even bedrooms.
Get some great basket organizing ideas to use in your own home.
Vertical Entryway Storage Bench
Not sure you have enough space for a wide bench? You can always focus your storage by vertical. This hall tree storage bench is a great way to do just that.
Ball & Cast 34.20VASAGLE Coat Rack, Hall Tree with Shoe Bench for Entryway, Entryway Bench with Coat Rack, 4-in-1, with 9 Removable Hooks, a Hanging Rod, 13.3 x 28.3 x 72.1 Inches, Rustic Brown and Black UHSR40BVASAGLE Hall Tree with Bench and Shoe Storage, Coat Rack with Shoe Bench, Shoe Cabinet, 2 Open Compartments, 6 Tri-Hooks, Entryway, Farmfouse Style, Space Saving, Rustic White UHSR430W02
With hooks for coats, anti-tip support keeping the bench safely in place, and bench storage down below, you have all you need for a smaller area in your home.
Remember to color code those hooks by assigning one to each family member to encourage everyone to put their things away. (Do you see a trend here?)
Leaving in the morning can be a bit of a mad dash, and by organizing things by each family member, even in a small space, you can avoid much of that.
Best Shoe Storage Bench
I just love this bench and the farmhouse style of it. If looks and style are at the top of your list, this might be a perfect fit for you.
amzzar Farmhouse Shoe Storage Bench for Entryway, Shoe Rack Bench with Padded Seat Cushion, Mudroom Bench with Sliding Barn Doors, Foyer Bench, Shoe Cabinet with BenchSAINTCY Shoe Bench Entryway with Storage, Modern Grey Shoe Cabinet with Sliding Barn Door, Storage Indoor Bench with 3 Adjustable Shelves for Entryway, Bedroom, HallwayDWVO Farmhouse Shoe Cabinet with Sliding Door & Shoe Bench, 5-Tier Shoe Storage Cabinet with Adjustable Shelves for 20 Pairs, Narrow Shoe Cabinet for Entryway, Hallway, Living Room (Embossed White)
Let’s face it; not all storage solutions need to be only about function without any decor style at all. With that being said, I do feel this option is super functional.
You can use this for more than just an entryway storage option for your family’s shoes. This would also look great in a family room as an entertainment center.
Use it for your TV stand, housing movies below organized by genre in baskets. Or you can purchase two and stack the benches in a dining room. Store dishes inside with the top, a great way to display your favorite pieces, or double as a buffet when you have guests over to visit.
What is the best way to choose a storage bench?
Use this quick action list to help you pick a bench that fist your space and the purpose it is meant to fill.
- Go into the room and look at your space.
- Make a quick list of what you need to store.
- Be sure to measure the space you have available.
- Include the color and style as well.
- Start shopping both online and in person, so you are sure to find the best deal at the best price.
Family Room Storage Bench
When our kids were younger, the number of toys and games that ended up in our family room was almost comical.
At first, I would spend quite a bit of time picking up things day after day, hauling the droppings left by my herd of kids back to their bedrooms. Finally, I realized instead of taking their things to the storage, why not bring the storage to where they love to play with them the most?
Even though this may sound like a good idea on paper, a plastic toybox in a family room may not be what you have in mind.
The best solution is a stylish and functional storage bench like this pretty fabric storage ottoman.
Christopher Knight Home Mission Fabric Storage Ottoman, GreyChristopher Knight Home Mission Fabric Storage Ottoman, Light GreyChristopher Knight Home Mission Fabric Storage Ottoman, Dark Teal Dimensions: 19.25”D x 50.75”W x 16.25”HChristopher Knight Home Tatiana Fabric Storage Ottoman, Wheat
I just love the look of this bench, which you can use to store more than just kids’ toys. You can also use it to store games, art totes, puzzles, books, and more.
No young kids at home? Then you can use this for holding extra pillows, warm winter blankets, and, yes, adult games too!
Toy Storage Bench
I just love this kid’s room storage bench/nook because it can create space where you may think there is none to spare.
RiverRidge White Book Nook Kids Storage Bench with Cubbies with a 3-Pack Magnetic Art BarRiverRidge Kids 5 Cubby Storage Bench with 2pc, White with 2 Olive BinsRiverRidge Kids Catch-All Multi-Cubby Storage Bench with 2pc, White with 2 Olive BinsRiverRidge Home 02-162 Book Nook Collection Kids Cubby Bookrack Storage Cabinet, White
Let’s face it, most kids’ rooms are short on space. This bench will allow you to utilize a corner efficiently, which is genius. With storage below, you have lots of room to keep some of the random toys put away.
Even more amazing is the padded surface giving a great space for reading or watching television.
You can use baskets set up in each cubby to hold clothes, toys, books, or art supplies. Remember, the trick to a cleaner space is to have an easy way for your kids to put their things away when they are done using them. And baskets in a storage cubby will do just that.
Best Outdoor Storage Bench
One of the best storage solutions we made for our home was getting an outdoor storage bench. These benches are made to handle the weather, even the snow and rain we routinely get up north.
PayLessHere 100 Gallons Deck Box Multifunctional Waterproof Outdoor Storage Storage Box Bench with keyhole for Indoor/Outdoor Garden Pool Patio StorageGreesum 70 Gallon Outdoor Storage Deck Box with Armrest Bench Lockable, Waterproof and UV Resistant, Suitable for Garden, Pool, Patio, BlackKeter Kentwood 50 Gallon Resin Deck Box-Organization and Storage for Patio Cushions, Throw Pillows and Garden Tools, Brown
What a big help this was keeping not only clutter undercover but giving us a great place to put pillows and other porch decorations when a storm comes up out of nowhere.
The best part is we now have extra seating whenever we need it without having to go looking for extra chairs. If I could choose my top pick from this list, this bench would be it.
Have one on your back patio, front porch, or even near your garden, and instantly setup a safe space to keep your things without having to worry about things getting blown or damaged.
Bedroom Storage Bench
When clients of mine complain about the state of their closets, more often than not, it is because they are keeping a full year’s wardrobe store inside.
By finding storage for out-of-season clothing, you will, in turn, free up valuable space in your closet and allow you to streamline things more easily.
Place a pretty storage bench like this beautiful floral ottoman at the foot of your bed, and you instantly create room for extra clothing you may not have had the space for in your closet.
Christopher Knight Home Breanna Fabric Storage Ottoman, White And Blue FloralDM Furniture Storage Teddy Ottoman Bench Upholstered Fabric Storage Bench End of Bed Stool with Safety Hinge for Bedroom, Living Room, Entryway, Closet(44.5-inch, White)HomePop Large Upholstered Rectangular Storage Ottoman Bench with Hinged Lid, Slate Damask
READ: ORGANIZE YOUR CLOSET THE ULTIMATE GUIDE
End Table Storage Ottomans
If you have a small family room, you may not have space for a large storage bench. That is why I just love these small cube ottomans.
HomePop Leatherette Tufted Square Storage Ottoman with Hinged Lid, Brown SmallAdeco Fabric Script Pattern Cube Storage Footstool, Hinged Lid, Solid Wood Legs, 18Nathan James 71103 Payton Foldable Storage Ottoman Footrest and Seat Cube, Beige
Not only are they great for hidden storage, but they can also double as end tables. Oh, and did I mention they are great to put your feet on or even for extra seating?
Sometimes thinking outside of the box can allow you to see storage as furniture.These small cube benches are great for holding blankets, videos, games, magazines, pillows, books, movies, and more—a great solution for small-space living.
Go Custom Made
Wait, what if none of these options appeal to you? Then you can go for this amazing custom-made storage bench.
This option is more of a cost investment, but this furniture will last for years and years, making the investment worthwhile.
My Top Picks
To finish out this list I wanted to give my top three pics for storage benches. These are ones I have used myself and I love how great they work in a home.
The best price option is this large grey storage bench found on Amazon. It is easy to put together, very lightweight, durable, and holds so much more than I first realized.
I loved it so much I purchased a second one.
The pretties option is this simple and elegant quilted cream ottoman. I love the softness making comfortable enough to sit on and how well it brightens up a room.
I hope this list of fun storage benches gets your creative juices flowing.
With so many options available, I know you can find a solution for every room in your home in almost any style. These benches are perfect for a dual-purpose solution for your home, giving you extra space to hold items you may not otherwise have a spot for.
Let me know in the comments which is your favorite and how you use your storage benches to stop some of the clutter from taking over your home.
