If a stool doesn’t come with hidden storage then I don’t want it – and these are the 12 most stylish ones I’d happily buy for my own home

Sorry, ugly storage, my entryway deserves better

A bedroom with a patterned upholstered bed and a black and white patterned storage stool next to it
(Image credit: Future PLC/Jon Day)

Even though it’s been a year since I moved into my current flat, I’ve been taking my time decorating it, really thinking about what I want to do with the very small space and what I want to add, tackling one area at a time. My next project is the entryway – or rather the lack thereof. And my first planned purchase to make this happen is a stylish storage stool.

As I was searching through various brands’ offerings, looking for the best small hallway storage idea for my space, I came across a few different storage stool designs that married form and function beautifully. So I thought I’d share them with you so that you, too, can get yourself extra hidden storage space, an additional seat and a pop of colour, pattern or an interesting texture. Even though I’d happily incorporate any of these into my home, I only have space for one so someone else should go and snap up some of the other ones, too.

Personally, I’m planning to go with the Habitat Leo fabric storage ottoman to help me fake a hallway in my studio flat – I’m just deciding between the plum and the blue stripe colourways. But the beauty of all of these storage pouffes is their versatility – they make for a great addition to any living room (especially if you’re in need of small living room ideas), bedroom or hallway.

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I’m so happy to see that brands are coming out with more and more aesthetically pleasing storage solutions that also won’t break the bank, whether that’s stylish shoe storage or storage stools like these. I’m a big believer in making practical everyday pieces beautiful so I’m so here for this!

Sara Hesikova
Room Decor Editor

Sara Hesikova has been Room Decor Editor at Ideal Home since June 2024, starting at the title as a News Writer in July 2023. She is now also the Ideal Home Certified Expert on Furniture, and so far has tried over 300 different sofas.

Graduating from London College of Fashion with a bachelor’s degree in fashion journalism in 2016, she got her start in niche fashion and lifestyle magazines like Glass and Alvar as a writer and editor before making the leap into interiors, working with the likes of 91 Magazine and copywriting for luxury bed linen brand Yves Delorme among others.