Our Favorite Storage Ottoman

Before you buy, check four things:

Sturdiness. Kids will sit, stand and climb on it, so look for a solid frame and a lid that supports real weight. Lid style. A hinged lid that stays open (or a soft-close hinge) is safer for little fingers than a loose lift-off top. Interior space. Think about what goes inside: a cube fits a few throws or games, while a long bench can hold a toy collection or a row of shoes. Cover material. Faux leather and tight weaves wipe clean; velvet looks nice but shows crumbs and pet hair.

Shape matters too. Cubes and rounds work as footrests and extra seats in a living room. Benches fit at the foot of a bed or by the front door.

The VASAGLE EKHO at the top is the one we chose. Below it are the others we considered: the SONGMICS bench for shoes by the door, the Mangodan 50-inch bench for a big toy collection, and the Furniliving round tufted ottoman for a smaller living room.