I’ve talked quite a bit about my little reading and vinyl-listening corner in our bedroom, and as much as I’ve enjoyed it for a while, I’m now pretty much obsessed with this tiny space since it’s been upgraded a full on hobby corner. Between puzzles, coloring, little creative projects, and all the hobbies I continue to collect, I love having a dedicated spot where I can settle in and work on something without laying in bed or resorting to sitting in my office where my work happens. And, the piece that made that possible wasn’t a desk or a craft table. It was a convertible storage ottoman.
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A few months ago, I swapped the smaller storage ottoman I had in this space for a larger version, and while the extra storage was absolutely part of the appeal, there was one feature that really sold me. The lid flips over to reveal a flat tabletop surface. This one detail, but it has completely changed how functional this little corner can be.
Storage Ottoman | Martini Table | Area Rug
Storage Ottoman | Martini Table | Area Rug
I found my ottoman on Wayfair (no surprise there 😉 ) and as always, it came fast and free (reminder — all orders $35+ ship free). It is currently under $100(!!) as of the publishing of this post!
What Is a Convertible Storage Ottoman?
When I say “convertible storage ottoman,” I’m talking about an ottoman that can do more than provide a place to kick up your feet. I don’t know if I made this up or this is an official term, haha. Mine opens for hidden storage, but when I flip the lid over, the underside becomes a solid, flat tabletop. So in the span of a few seconds, it can go from footrest → storage → activity table. I’m always on the lookout for multipurpose furniture, functionality, and hidden storage so this checks all the boxes.
It still looks like a regular upholstered ottoman when everything is put away, so the room doesn’t suddenly feel like a craft space. But when I’m ready to pull out a puzzle, coloring book, or another project, I have an instant work surface right in front of my chair.
Why It Works So Well for Hobbies
Surely you all know by now that I’m living for my analog hobby era (alongside many of you!), but those hobbies also tend to come with stuff. My hobby cart is working great but for activities that are especially nook-specific (or if you prefer a hidden storage “basket” in lieu of a cart), this ottoman setup works SO well.
Storage Ottoman | Martini Table | Area Rug
The storage compartment gives me a place to keep supplies close by without having them sitting out all the time, while the reversible lid gives me an actual surface to use them on. I especially love having this to stash my reading material, blankets, diamond art kits, and cross-stitch. If you’re into more elaborate creating like needlepoint or knitting, YOU NEED A SETUP LIKE THIS. The little corner that was already dedicated to things I enjoy (like reading and listening to records) has evolved into a spot for even more of them.
Bigger vs. Smaller Storage Ottomans
After looking at lots of different convertible storage ottomans, I definitely have a preference for the larger styles when space allows. Obviously, you get more hidden storage, but I think the bigger advantage for hobbyists is actually the larger tabletop surface. If you’re hoping to use yours for puzzles, crafts, games, coloring, or other activities, those extra inches can make a big difference.
Storage Ottoman | Martini Table | Area Rug
That said, bigger isn’t necessarily better for every room, especially if you are working within the confines of a smaller space. A smaller convertible ottoman can be such a smart option beside a chair, in a small reading nook, apartment, bedroom, or anywhere you’re working with a tighter footprint. You still get the benefit of concealed storage and an extra hard surface without needing room for a full-size coffee table or large ottoman. So, when choosing one, I’d think about how you want to use it just as much as where you want to put it. If hobbies and activities are the priority, I’d go as large as your space comfortably allows.
Affordable Convertible Storage Ottomans from Wayfair
In searching for mine, I came across so many affordable storage ottomans with tabletops and trays on Wayfair. And, once I got mine, started using it and appreciating it, I decided I needed to get on my soapbox to share why it’s so amazing and why every hobbyist should consider it an essential.
Storage Ottoman | Martini Table | Area Rug
There’s varying sizes, shapes, and styles in the collage below, so pay attention to the dimensions. Some of the ottoman tops are even divided as trays so you can flip half the top and leave the other half. This could be especially helpful for crafts like beading.
And just as mine did alongside all the furniture pieces I buy from Wayfair, all of the ottomans I included in my roundup qualify for fast, free shipping since they’re over $35.
1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. | 7. | 8. | 9. | 10. | 11. | 12. | 13. | 14. | 15. | 16.
I love that my convertible storage ottoman can be a footrest when I’m reading nad hide hobby supplies when I’m not using them. Flip the lid, and suddenly I have a table for puzzles, projects, games, or whatever hobby I decide to pick up next.
Storage Ottoman | Martini Table | Area Rug
See a video closeup of the workspace top in action on LTK HERE.
If you’re trying to carve out a hobby space of your own, especially if you don’t have room (or don’t necessarily want) a dedicated craft room or hobby table, this may be one of the easiest ways to create one with furniture you’d probably use in the space anyway.
And if you have the room, my vote is definitely for going a little bigger. Because if my ever-expanding hobby collection is any indication, you’ll find a way to use the extra storage.
