The Ultimate Guide to Stylish and Functional Lift Top Ottomans

Lift top ottomans are the perfect blend of style and functionality. With their unique lift-able lid that opens to reveal spacious storage, they allow you to conveniently tuck away blankets, books, toys and more. When closed, they become an elegantly tufted ottoman that works as a footrest, extra seat or coffee table. Some lift top ottoman models take the versatility even further by including a removable tray that transforms the surface into a serving area for snacks and drinks.

This comprehensive guide will walk through everything you need to know about these multi-purpose furniture pieces. You'll learn about the many benefits lift top ottomans offer, what features to look for when shopping and tips for incorporating one seamlessly into your home's decor. Read on to explore the possibilities of this stylish storage solution.

What is a Lift Top Ottoman?

A lift top ottoman is an ottoman that has a hinged lid that can be lifted up to access a storage compartment inside. The lid is securely connected to the ottoman frame with hinges, allowing it to stay in place when shut but easily lift open when needed.

Lift top ottomans come in two main styles:

• With Tray Top - These ottomans have a removable tray that sits flat on the lid when closed. The tray provides a convenient surface for placing drinks, books, remotes or other items you want close at hand.
• Trayless - These versions have a simple upholstered lid that opens to reveal the interior storage. There is no extra tray top.

The storage compartment inside a lift top ottoman is typically large enough to hold blankets, extra pillows, toys, arts and craft supplies, board games and more. The lift mechanism makes it easy to access all your stored items in seconds. When not being used for storage, these ottomans still provide extra seating, a footrest or coffee table.

Benefits of Lift Top Ottomans

Convenient Storage Solutions

One of the biggest benefits of lift top ottomans is the ample storage space they provide. The lift-up lid hides away all sorts of items, from extra throws and pillows to children's toys to entertainment accessories. Having a dedicated storage piece like this helps reduce clutter in living rooms, bedrooms, nurseries and other high-traffic areas of the home.

Lift top ottomans offer storage that is easily accessible whenever you need it. Simply lift the hinged lid and retrieve items with no hassle. As an added bonus, the storage compartment often includes interior organizational features like fabric dividers to keep contents tidy.

Multi-Purpose Furniture

Another advantage of lift top ottomans is their incredible versatility. While offering valuable storage, they also pull triple duty as:

• Extra Seating - The flat upholstered top provides an extra spot to sit when you have guests over or just want to kick up your feet.
• Footrest - Position in front of a favorite chair or sofa to prop up tired feet.
• Coffee Table - With its low profile and large surface area, a closed lift top ottoman can be used as a casual coffee table.

For added functionality, some lift top ottomans include removable trays or flip-top table-height lids. This allows you to convert the surface into a serving area in seconds - no extra furniture needed! The versatility of one piece that can replace a storage chest, ottoman, coffee table and tray saves both money and space.

Stylish Design for Any Decor

Although incredibly practical, lift top ottomans have an elegant look that enhances any room's style. Their upholstered exterior and classic ottoman shape lend a touch of sophistication that complements both traditional and modern decor. They come in a range of shapes like rectangles, squares and circles and sizes from small accent to large statement.

You can find lift top ottomans covered in various materials too, like genuine leather, faux leather, soft woven fabrics, velvet or tapestry upholstery. Many designs incorporate detailed tufting, intricate stitch patterns and metal nailhead trim for added visual appeal. With so many options, it's easy to select a look that aligns with your existing furnishings and achieves the aesthetic you desire.

What to Look for When Buying a Lift Top Ottoman

If you've decided a lift top ottoman is right for your home, here are a few key factors to evaluate when selecting the perfect model:

Size

Lift top ottomans come in a range of sizes to suit different spaces:

• Small - 15" L x 15" W x 16" H - Perfect for small spaces like apartment living rooms
• Medium - 30" L x 30" W x 18" H - Provides ample storage and seating for most areas
• Large - 40" L x 40" W x 20" H - Maximum storage with a statement silhouette

Measure the area where you plan to place your lift top ottoman. Make sure to leave enough clearance to open the lid fully. Also consider what you intend to store inside. The larger the ottoman, the more items it can hold.

Materials

Lift top ottomans come with upholstery options including:

• Leather - Very durable and easy to clean but more expensive
• Faux Leather - Also durable with leather-like look but costs less
• Velvet - Luxuriously soft with rich depth but may show wear
• Fabric - From dainty patterns to modern textures, huge variety

The frame is usually made of sturdy hardwood or metal for lasting use. Consider material options not just for appearances but also durability and easy care.

Design Details

Look for these design details when selecting a lift top ottoman:

• Tufting - Deeply padded buttons add plushness and visual interest
• Removable trays - Convenient for serving then tuck away inside
• Flip top - Some lids flip up for easy access without lifting
• Storage organizers - Built-in compartments keep contents tidy inside

Also note the shape, wood finish for any exposed legs, and availability of different upholstery colors. You want to choose an ottoman that melds function, comfort and your personal style.

Tips for Styling Your Lift Top Ottoman

Lift top ottomans work beautifully in a variety of rooms. Consider these tips for integrating one seamlessly:

• In a living room , use as a coffee table or place near a sofa or chairs as a footrest.
• In a bedroom , position at the foot of the bed for a design accent and storage.
• In an entryway , provide seating for pulling on shoes while stashing accessories inside.
• In a nursery , store toys and books conveniently by the rocking chair.

Coordinate the ottoman upholstery with your existing furniture and area rug for a cohesive feel. Layer on trays, baskets or decorative pillows to complement the room's color palette and textures.

Place standing lamps or small side tables behind the ottoman to create an anchoring furniture focal point. Floating in an open space, lift top ottomans become striking standalone statement pieces.

Change up your ottoman's look seasonally by switching pillows and trays to colors that reflect the current season. Their adaptable style makes it easy to redecorate on a whim.

With their ideal blend of style, versatility and storage, it's easy to see why lift top ottomans are quickly becoming a popular furniture choice for savvy homeowners. They enable you to declutter your space in a decorative way while enjoying extra seating and surface area.

This comprehensive guide outlined the many benefits of lift top ottomans, including key features to look for if purchasing one. From their spacious storage compartments to their stylish designs, lift top ottomans are a multi-functional accent piece ideal for nearly any room. Now that you're a lift top ottoman expert, you can shop for the perfect model to suit your home and decor style.