I’ve been running our Dorm Shopping Recommendations Facebook group for years now, and one of the top 5 questions every year is about where to find sturdy dorm storage ottomans.
This is a good question, and it can be hard to answer because so many just do not hold up. Since ottomans are often used as a step up to a raised (not lofted, just raised) dorm bed, the ottoman needs to be sturdy enough to withstand the force of a student standing on it and pushing off to get up to their bed. Ottomans are not designed to do this! Dorm storage ottomans have removable tops and hollow middles (hence the storage), which makes it harder for them to withstand the force of stepping up!
Honestly, a good, strong, highly rated step stool is a great option, but I know that college students want to squeeze in storage wherever possible, so you’ll find our tried-and-true, sturdy dorm storage ottomans below.
Oh, and parents, there is another reason students want dorm STORAGE ottomans. If you’re not aware, keep reading….
Here are the many ways a storage ottoman may be useful in a dorm room…
Sturdiness is key. The only true way to determine whether a storage ottoman will hold up is either to read through all the reviews to see whether anyone mentions using one in a dorm room or to rely on the experienced recommendations here.
⬆️ HEIGHT: A typical stair riser is 8″, and most students need the equivalent of 2 steps to reach a 40″ high surface. Therefore, ottomans that are in the 15-18″ tall range are best.
➡️ LENGTH: You may be tempted to buy a longer ottoman to provide more storage, but dorm room space is tight, and you will probably not want to go larger than a square size.
The ottoman material is up to you and your decor preferences, but keep in mind that this ottoman will be used as a step. If your student will diligently take off their shoes before stepping, a sherpa or boucle material will be ok, but for those less likely to be delicate, an easy-to-clean faux leather may be a better option.
Ottomans with feet can sometimes create a tipping hazard. Some have proven ok, but I would avoid them if possible.
Foldable ottomans seem like a good idea because you can move them out of the way, but I promise you, there aren’t many inexpensive, foldable ottomans out there that can withstand being used as a step.
Storage ottomans are often used to store small items that don’t have another obvious home, items to have close at hand when lounging, and some items that student don’t want others or their RA to find…
Things that I don’t recommend storing, but I thought you should know that it does happen:
Simple Plastic Heavy Duty Folding Step Stool
Two-Step Wood Step Stool – 15.6″H x 14.77″W x 17.7″D. 300lb capacity. Slip-resistant foot pads. This is a quality product that will last for years.
Performance Velvet Ottoman – 15.5″H x 15.5″W x 15.5″D. (pictured in teal above). I have this one in our home dorm room in teal. I stand on it to get up to the beds ALL THE TIME. My 200lb son has used it to get up to the beds as well. Great dorm-trend colors available in pink, teal, gray, navy, ivory, etc.
Scalloped Ottoman – 18″H x 18″W x 16.63″D. This one has a weight limit of 225lbs, so I would only use this for students 150lbs or less.
Square Faux Leather Ottoman – 18″H x 17.5″ W x 17.5″D. A nice looking ottoman
Rectangular Threshold Storage Ottoman – 18″ H x 24″ W x 17″ D. Very sturdy and highly recommended by our Dorm Recommendations Facebook group.
Mainstays Square Collapsible Storage Ottoman – 15″ H x 15″ W x 15″ D. One of the few collapsible ottomans that should hold up under stepping force. Sturdy wooden top and available in multiple colors. 200 lb weight limit.
Songmics Square Collapsible Storage Ottoman – 15″ H x 15″ W x 15″ D. I have a sneaking suspicion the ottoman above and this one are closely related. Very similar and the same dimensions. Equally sturdy.
Square Ottoman In A Variety Of Fabrics – 16.5″H x 17.5″W x 17.5″D. Also available at Target and at Kohl’s. It is worth checking each for design availability and price.
Square Ottoman With Reversible Tray Top – 16.9″H x 16.9″W x 16.9″D. Another sturdy option made of wood and engineered wood.
Round Room Essentials Boucle Storage Ottoman – 17.5″H x 17.5″W x 17.5″D. We went into Target recently and tested this one out! It’s super sturdy and is a great price.
Round Mainstays Boucle Storage Ottoman – 17.91″H x 17.5″W x 17.5″D. A favorite 3-tiered look for many college girls. 5 colors. Affordable and sturdy too!
Square Faux Leather Hinged-Lid Ottoman – 15.75″H x 18.5″W x 18.5″D. A more masculine look.
Square Reversible Top Leather Storage Ottoman – 18″ H x18″ W x18″ D. This has been highly recommended in our Dorm Recommendations Facebook group.
Large Round Velvet Ottoman – 16″H x18″W x18″D. Also available in boucle, linen and faux leather. More colors may be available at Wayfair.
Round Better Homes & Gardens Ottoman – 16.5″H x 17.5″W x 17.5″D. I’ve gone to Walmart and jumped up and down on this one myself (don’t worry, I took my shoes off). This is another sturdy choice. At the moment, I only see this in gray, but will update if the ivory/tan color comes back in stock.
One of our group members has the following recommendation to improve sturdiness.
I cut a 1/2” thick plywood scrap to 1” inside dimensions of the top. Attached it with liquid nails and the shortest screw (has to be really short!) I could find that would attach it without it sticking through the cushion on the top. I’ve even stood on it to help her put up Christmas decorations and it’s held up amazingly!
Typically, fully lofted dorm beds have horizontal slats at the ends so students can use them as a ladder to the loft (or upper bunk).
Some students use a combination of stepping onto their desk or dresser, then onto the horizontal slats, or directly onto the bed (for a lower loft).
Some schools provide ladders.
Schools without loftable (adjustable beds with high head and footboards) beds often designate a 3rd-party company that is permitted to loft the bed for you. Please check with that company to determine your ladder options.
If you will have a fully lofted bed, please INSIST on a bed rail from the school or the 3rd party loft provider. If, for some reason, they will not provide one, please plan to bring your own bed rail. For more information on upper loft or upper bunk safety, please visit Rail Against The Danger.
As with all other dorm purchases you are considering, please check your dorm’s rules before purchase. There are a few schools out there that prohibit bringing any outside furniture, including ottomans. This is rare, but the rules are different at every single school!
A dorm storage ottoman is more than just a functional piece of furniture; it’s a small but useful tool to make dorm life a little easier. Whether you’re stepping up to your raised bed, stashing away a few important items, or creating inviting seating for new friends, the right ottoman can do it all.
For more discussion about dorm storage ottomans AND just about every other dorm room essential, please join us in the Dorm Shopping Recommendations & Deal Alerts Facebook group. We also post all of our best dorm and college life tips and solutions on our The Dorm Guide Instagram page.
Dorm IQ is a comprehensive learning series covering all of the questions frequently asked in our Dorm Shopping Recommendations & Deal Alerts Facebook group. The Facebook group is also a great source for prior years’ move-in pictures for decor and organizational ideas.
Our complete Dorm Essentials Guide is available here.
Don’t miss these important tips and tools for dorm and campus safety.
Still have questions? Please comment below, or come ask us in the Dorm Shopping Recommendations & Deal Alerts Facebook group. So much great info in the group along with hundreds, maybe thousands, of move-in pictures from previous years to give you ideas and inspiration.
=> Please share this article with your dorm-bound friends and their parents. I would love for everyone to understand the topics in Dorm IQ before they start dorm shopping!
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