Best Upholstered Storage Bench
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An upholstered storage bench gives you a padded seat and a hinged lid over a closed interior, so it can hold blankets, shoes or toys while you sit or set down a bag. The best choice depends on where it will go, how much weight the lid must carry, and whether you need it at the foot of a bed or in an entryway. This roundup compares four upholstered benches from our product pack, using only the facts each listing states.
Quick answer
- For a bench at the foot of a bed, look for a length that matches your mattress. The pack lists a 51-inch bench for queen-size beds and a 35.5-inch bench for a standard living area.
- Check the weight limit on the lid. The pack lists 250 pounds, 350 pounds and 400 pounds on different benches, and one velvet bench states it is for queen-size beds.
- Choose a fabric you can clean. Some listings say spot clean, others say wipe with a dry cloth, so match the care to your home.
- Pick a lid with a safety hinge if children use the room, because several listings mention one.
How to choose an upholstered storage bench
Start with the space. Measure the wall or bed where the bench will sit, then add a clear margin for opening the lid. A bench that is too long can block a doorway, and one that is too short can look lost beside a bed. Note the height as well. The seat height of the Amazon Basics bench in our pack is 17 inches, which suits most adults when they sit down or stand up.
Next, look at the storage. Interior size decides what fits. The GRAINELL listing gives an interior of 34.65 by 13.58 by 11.22 inches, which is enough for folded bedding and clothes. A bench that is only 15 inches deep will hold smaller items, and a longer one will fit more. Think about what you will store most often, because a bench is easiest to use when the things you need sit close to the lid.
Then check the weight rating. The lid of a storage bench carries the full weight of anything inside. Listings in this pack give different figures, and each is stated on its own page. Keep the figure in mind if you plan to sit on the bench as well as store items in it.
Sizing and fit
Bench length is the first thing most shoppers compare. The 51-inch bench in our pack is labeled as a queen-size end-of-bed bench, so it is built to sit across the foot of a bed. The 42.13-inch GRAINELL options are shorter, which suits a smaller bedroom or a spot beside a bed. The 35.5-inch Amazon Basics bench is designed for an entryway, living room, family room or bedroom.
Depth matters too. The Amazon Basics listing gives 16.5 inches of depth, and the SONGMICS folding ottoman lists 15 inches. A shallow bench leaves more floor room. A deeper bench gives a more comfortable seat for adults. Compare the depth with the space you have, especially where a bench sits against a wall or under a window.
Materials and build
Most benches in this group pair a wood or engineered-wood frame with a fabric covering. The Amazon Basics listing describes polyester fabric, a wood frame and plastic legs. The GRAINELL bench is described with a wood frame and a diamond-quilted linen-look fabric with decorative buttons. The SONGMICS folding ottoman uses MDF and a linen-look fabric with tufting, along with a double-layer fabric and high-resilience foam.
Frame and leg material affect how the bench feels when it is loaded. A solid wood frame is common among the listings, but check the specific bench. The SONGMICS listing says its MDF panels are reinforced with metal corner guards on the lid. The Amazon Basics listing says the lid has a soft close feature with a child-safety hinge that stops it from slamming shut. Those details help when a bench sits in a busy room.
Who each bench suits
Choose the Amazon Basics bench if you want a no-assembly option for a living room, entryway or bedroom, and you need a clear weight rating of 250 pounds. It is the most straightforward option for a seat that also stores blankets, shoes or seasonal items.
Choose a long end-of-bed bench if your main goal is storage at the foot of a queen bed. The 51-inch velvet bench in our pack is listed for queen-size beds, holds up to 400 pounds, and has a safety hinge. It is the only option here with a bed-length footprint.
Choose a GRAINELL bench if you want a diamond-quilted look in a shorter length. The listings for that bench state a 350-pound capacity and a tool-free assembly with the hardware included. Two versions appear in the pack, so compare the color and listing before you buy.
Choose the SONGMICS folding ottoman if you want a bench that can also serve as a footstool or a low table. It stores flat under a bed when it is not in use, and its listing gives a 660-pound maximum weight and a total volume of 24 gallons. It is a lighter choice for a small room.
Review: Amazon Basics Upholstered Storage Ottoman Bench
This bench is the most complete listing in the pack. It measures 35.5 by 16.5 by 17 inches and weighs 21.5 pounds. The listing gives a weight capacity of 250 pounds and a seat height of 17 inches. It is labeled beige, and the model number is L-402A.
The lid is the main feature. The listing says you lift it to reach the storage area for books, blankets, shoes, seasonal items and more. The soft close lid has a child-safety hinge, which the listing says prevents the lid from slamming shut. The frame is a sturdy hardwood with durable plastic feet and fabric upholstery.
Setup is simple because the listing says no assembly is required. The care guidance is to wipe with a dry cloth, and the listing says to spot clean as needed. The bench suits an entryway, living room, family room or bedroom. For a bench at the foot of a bed, a longer model is a better fit.
The listing does not describe the seat’s padding or its suitability for a particular number of people, so judge comfort in person if it matters. Keep the lid closed when you are not using it to keep dust off the fabric.
Other benches compared
The 51-inch velvet bench is the longest option in the group. Its listing says it holds up to 400 pounds, has a solid wood frame and stool legs, and includes a safety hinge lid. The listing describes it for bedrooms, living rooms, entryways and cloakrooms. The brand field on the listing is not clear from the pack, so read the listing before you order.
The GRAINELL 42.13-inch bench has an interior of 34.65 by 13.58 by 11.22 inches. Its listing describes an engineered wood frame, a diamond-quilted upholstered top with decorative buttons, and a built-in handle for lifting the lid. A second GRAINELL listing in the pack gives a 350-pound capacity and a dark gray color.
The SONGMICS folding ottoman measures 15 by 30 by 15 inches. Its listing describes a folding design that you set up by inserting the bottom panel, a linen-look fabric with tufting, and an FSC-certified wood top. It states a total storage volume of 24 gallons.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying a bench for a bed without measuring the bed width and the clearance for the lid.
- Choosing a fabric that stains easily in a busy entryway.
- Ignoring the weight rating when you store heavy items such as books or bedding.
- Assuming all benches have a safety hinge. Read the listing, because some state it and others do not.
- Placing a bench where the lid will hit a wall or a door when it opens.
FAQ
What size upholstered storage bench fits at the end of a queen bed?
The pack lists a 51-inch bench labeled for queen-size beds. Check the bed frame width and leave room at each end so the bench does not hang over the edges.
How much weight can an upholstered storage bench hold?
The listings in our pack state different figures. The Amazon Basics bench lists 250 pounds, the velvet end-of-bed bench lists 400 pounds, and the GRAINELL listings state 350 pounds. The SONGMICS folding ottoman lists 660 pounds. Use the figure on the listing you choose.
Do these benches need assembly?
It depends on the bench. The Amazon Basics listing says no assembly is required. The GRAINELL listing says assembly is tool-free with all hardware included. The SONGMICS listing says it is easy to assemble in seconds by inserting the bottom panel.
Are upholstered storage benches safe for children?
Some listings mention a safety or child-safety hinge, including the Amazon Basics bench and the velvet end-of-bed bench. A safety hinge helps keep the lid from closing on fingers, but an adult should still supervise children near any lid.
How do I clean the fabric?
Care instructions vary. The Amazon Basics listing says spot clean as needed and to wipe with a dry cloth. The SONGMICS listing says to wipe with a dry cloth. Test any cleaner on a hidden patch first.
Bottom line
Pick the bench by length first, then check the weight rating and the lid design. For a queen bed, choose the 51-inch velvet bench. For a living room or entryway, the 35.5-inch Amazon Basics bench with its 250-pound rating and no-assembly setup is the simplest choice. Choose the GRAINELL benches for a shorter quilted look, and the SONGMICS ottoman if you want a folding, footstool-style bench.
If you are weighing other storage seats, read Best Cabinet Storage Bench: Size, Seat and Storage and Best Shoe Bench Storage: How to Choose by Space and Shoe Count.
Products compared
Amazon Basics Upholstered Storage Ottoman Bench, 35.5 Inch, Beige
A bench-style storage ottoman in beige for an entryway, living room, family room or bedroom. The listing gives 35.5 by 16.5 by 17 inches, a weight capacity of 250 pounds, and a seat height of 17 inches. It has a soft close lid with a child-safety hinge and needs no assembly.
End of Bed Storage Bench, Queen Size, 51 Inch, Velvet Beige
A velvet tufted bench with arms, sized at 51 inches for queen-size beds. The listing says it holds up to 400 pounds, has a solid wood frame and stool legs, and includes a safety hinge lid. It lists bedroom, living room, entryway and cloakroom use.
GRAINELL 42.13 Inch Storage Ottoman Bench, Upholstered Tufted Bedroom Bench
A 42.13-inch bench with an interior of 34.65 by 13.58 by 11.22 inches. The listing describes an engineered wood frame, diamond-quilted linen-look fabric with decorative buttons, and tool-free assembly with all hardware included.
SONGMICS 30 Inch Folding Storage Ottoman Bench, Load 660 lb
A folding ottoman measuring 15 by 30 by 15 inches with a 660-pound maximum weight. The listing describes a linen-look fabric with tufting, MDF panels reinforced with metal corner guards, foam for comfort, and an FSC-certified wood bench top. It can serve as a storage box, footstool or coffee table.
