8 Best Modular Cube Ottomans Youtubers Love
Introduction — Why Eco-Conscious Modular Ottomans Matter to Me
I care about the footprint of my furniture choices, and I know many of you do too. Choosing modular cube ottomans made from responsibly sourced materials or sustainable manufacturing processes feels like a small, powerful act: flexible design for modern life, with less waste. I’ve watched top YouTubers with deep furniture and home-decor knowledge test these pieces on camera, and their recommendations pushed me to try, measure, and live with them for months.
I want pieces that look beautiful in photos, feel great to touch, and work hard for my home—storage, seating, footrests, and impromptu side tables. Below I’ll walk you through eight modular cube ottomans that YouTubers love, explain why they earned that praise, and share practical tips so you can pick the right one for your space.
How YouTubers Judge Modular Cube Ottomans (What I Look For Too)
I watch creators who focus on real-life living rooms and studio apartments. They test durability, comfort, aesthetics, and real-world function—how well a cube stacks, how seams hold up, how upholstery cleans, and whether the cube is actually useful for storage.
- Structure and frame: Is it engineered plywood, solid wood, or particleboard?
- Upholstery and filling: Is it foam density, polyester fiber, or memory foam?
- Dimensions and modularity: Can cubes be combined into benches, chaises, or shelving systems?
- Aesthetic fit: Colorways, textures, and whether the fabric photographs well.
- Value: Price versus utility, warranty, and replacement parts.
Those are my non-negotiables, and the YouTubers I trust emphasize the same.
1) Burrow Nomad Ottoman Cube — Streamlined, Durable, and Photo-Friendly
Why YouTubers Recommend It
Many minimalist and apartment-hack channels recommend Burrow for modular living because their cubes are designed for easy rearranging and frequent moving. The Nomad Ottoman Cube passed multiple drop, stain, and stacking tests I watched.
Product Description
- Brand & Model: Burrow Nomad Ottoman Cube
- Materials: Solid wood frame with high-density polyurethane foam core and performance fabric upholstery (stain-resistant, water-repellent).
- Dimensions: 16″ W × 16″ D × 16″ H (standard cube).
- Colors: Coal (deep gray), Sand (warm beige), Navy, Olive—muted tones that photograph well.
- Features: Hidden zipper for cleaning, modular connectors for secure linking, non-skid feet, wipeable fabric, and a lightweight but sturdy build.
- Weight capacity: ~220 lbs when used as a seat.
My Personal Take
I own the Coal cube, and it’s become a jack-of-all-trades: a footrest during evening reading, an extra seat for guests, and a visual anchor in my photo corners. The fabric has a tactile, soft-weave texture that looks rich without trying too hard. I tested a spilled cup of tea—blotted it up in minutes. That stain-resistant finish really works.
Who It’s Best For
If you want clean lines, modular connectors, and a workhorse cube that also looks polished on camera, this is a solid pick.
2) IKEA SANDBACKA Storage Ottoman Cube — Budget-Friendly and Practical
Why YouTubers Recommend It
Lifestyle and small-space channels repeatedly return to IKEA for budget modular solutions. SANDBACKA is recommended for small apartments because it balances storage and function without breaking the bank.
Product Description
- Brand & Model: IKEA SANDBACKA Ottoman (storage cube)
- Materials: Particleboard inner frame, polyester blend fabric, foam-padded lid, and fabric lining inside the storage.
- Dimensions: 15 3/8″ W × 15 3/8″ D × 15 3/8″ H.
- Colors: Dark gray, beige, and patterned seasonal covers.
- Features: Lift-off lid with internal storage compartment, collapsible design for compact shipping, affordable replacement covers.
- Weight capacity: Rated for seating use—generally fine for occasional seating.
My Personal Take
I bought two SANDBACKA cubes for my craft supplies closet and a corner vignette. The texture is slightly coarser than higher-end cubes, but the linen-like weave photographs nicely under soft natural light. Assembly is minimal. For quick styling and storage, it’s a no-brainer. Don’t expect heirloom durability—treat it as affordable, replaceable furniture.
Who It’s Best For
Great for students, first apartments, or anyone who wants modular function and storage at a very low price point.
3) West Elm Shelter Modular Ottoman Cube — Luxe Look, Sustainable Options
Why YouTubers Recommend It
Design-focused YouTube channels praise West Elm for combining mid-century-inspired aesthetics with decent sustainability claims. Their Shelter line often uses responsibly sourced wood and in some fabrics, recycled fibers.
Product Description
- Brand & Model: West Elm Shelter Modular Ottoman Cube
- Materials: Kiln-dried hardwood frame, premium high-resilience foam core, upholstery options including 100% organic cotton and recycled polyester blends.
- Dimensions: 18″ W × 18″ D × 17″ H (varies by configuration).
- Colors: Pebble, Clay, Deep Teal, Charcoal; rich saturated hues with a matte, tactile finish.
- Features: Customizable configurations, heavy-duty internal webbing for structure, recessed legs, and optional storage insert.
- Weight capacity: Robust seating support; often used as bench segments.
My Personal Take
I placed a Shelter cube at the foot of my bed. The fabric has a plush, brushed surface that catches morning light beautifully. It feels like a small investment piece—substantial without being bulky. I really appreciated the option to choose a recycled fabric.
Who It’s Best For
If you want pieces that read as designer-level but still offer sustainable options, West Elm is a great middle ground.
4) Lovesac Sactional Seat Cube — Customizable Foam Tech and Durability
Why YouTubers Recommend It
Channels that do durability and family-friendly furniture testing often highlight Lovesac because of its replaceable covers and patented foam technology that stands up to heavy use.
Product Description
- Brand & Model: Lovesac Sactional Seat Cube (single cube module)
- Materials: Industrial-grade frame options, Durafoam or COMFORT+ foam fill depending on configuration, machine-washable and replaceable covers available in multiple textiles including Terry, Micro-suede, and Performance Fabrics.
- Dimensions: Varies widely—common cube footprint around 23″ W × 23″ D × 15″ H for their sactional modules.
- Colors: Extensive palette—Neutral Linen, Charcoal, Sea Glass, and many custom prints.
- Features: Patented modular attachment system, zip-off covers, foam cores that can be swapped, compatibility with a large ecosystem of pieces.
- Weight capacity: Heavy-duty; designed for family rooms and repeated use.
My Personal Take
I used a Sactional cube in my TV corner. The cover is plush and cozy—perfect for long movie nights. I love that if the cover stains or becomes dated, I can replace it without buying an entirely new cube. Youtubers tested the foam over months and reported minimal sagging.
Who It’s Best For
Families, frequent entertainers, and anyone who wants a long-term, highly customizable system that ages well.
5) CB2 Peekaboo Velvet Cube — Statement Texture and Camera-Ready Color
Why YouTubers Recommend It
Interior design channels that focus on bold accents and stylized vignettes recommend CB2’s Peekaboo cube for its velvet upholstery and striking palette—ideal for photo-heavy feeds and Pinterest-worthy corners.
Product Description
- Brand & Model: CB2 Peekaboo Velvet Cube Ottoman
- Materials: Solid wood frame, high-density foam padding, luxurious crushed velvet upholstery.
- Dimensions: 16″ W × 16″ D × 18″ H (slightly taller for use as occasional side table).
- Colors: Emerald, Blush Pink, Sapphire Blue, Charcoal—impactful jewels colors.
- Features: Plush hand-feel velvet that shimmers under light, dense foam so it acts as seating and a low table, tapered legs (some versions have brass-capped legs).
- Weight capacity: Excellent for seating and stylish display.
My Personal Take
I staged a Peekaboo cube for a weekend shoot and it added instant glamour. Its sheen and depth of color made cushions and textiles pop around it. The surface is soft to touch and is surprisingly robust for everyday use.
Who It’s Best For
If you want a bold, textural focal point that photographs beautifully, consider the CB2 velvet option.
6) Article Soma Modular Cube — Scandinavian Simplicity with Strong Construction
Why YouTubers Recommend It
Scandi-style channels and minimalists often opt for Article. They highlight the clean edges, muted palettes, and reliable construction—excellent for consistent styling in videos.
Product Description
- Brand & Model: Article Soma Modular Cube Ottoman
- Materials: Hardwood frame, high-resilience foam, upholstery options in boucle, woven linen, or performance knit.
- Dimensions: 17″ W × 17″ D × 16″ H.
- Colors: Oat, Dove, Forest, Slate—soft Scandinavian neutrals and deep accents.
- Features: Modern square silhouette, precision seam work, optional storage cube with lift lid, modular attachment clips.
- Weight capacity: Helpful for duo seating configurations and bench setups.
My Personal Take
The Soma cube feels balanced and composed—great for living rooms that trend toward neutral, subdued palettes. People on camera often call it “model-home ready.” I love the boucle version; it has a cozy knubby texture that reads luxe in photos.
Who It’s Best For
Minimalists and lovers of clean Scandinavian design who want solid construction and subtle textures.
7) Target Threshold Tufted Cube Ottoman — Classic Look with Affordable Luxury
Why YouTubers Recommend It
Budget-conscious decor channels recommend Target’s Threshold line as a low-cost way to get a classic tufted look with modular flexibility.
Product Description
- Brand & Model: Threshold Tufted Cube Ottoman (Target)
- Materials: Engineered wood frame, medium-density foam, polyester upholstery with button-tuft detailing.
- Dimensions: 16″ W × 16″ D × 16″ H.
- Colors: Heather Gray, Soft Taupe, Navy.
- Features: Tufted top for a refined silhouette, compact footprint, light assembly, fabrics that photograph well under soft light.
- Weight capacity: Fine for occasional seating and styling.
My Personal Take
I keep a Threshold tufted cube in my foyer. The tufting elevates an otherwise simple cube into something more polished. It’s a great option when you want an upscale look without a designer price tag.
Who It’s Best For
Style-conscious shoppers on a budget who want tufting detail and modular utility.
8) The Inside Custom Modular Cube — Fully Customizable Aesthetic and Scale
Why YouTubers Recommend It
Creators who love full personalization often rave about The Inside (now merged operations in some regions) because you can pick custom prints, scale, and fabrics to match brand photos and mood boards exactly.
Product Description
- Brand & Model: The Inside Custom Modular Cube (custom order)
- Materials: Kiln-dried hardwood frame, premium foam, a wide selection of performance and specialty fabrics (linen blends, velvet, designer prints).
- Dimensions: Variable—standard cube around 16–18″ per side; custom sizes available.
- Colors & Patterns: Unlimited—florals, geometrics, textured neutrals, and photographic patterns.
- Features: Made-to-order, extensive fabric library, zipper-access cushion for easy cleaning, options for tufting and piping.
- Weight capacity: Durable and designed for stylistic flexibility.
My Personal Take
I ordered a floral-print cube for a styled corner and it became the talking point of my photos. The print fidelity and fabric weight are excellent. Yes, it costs more, but getting exactly what you envision can be satisfying—and useful—for long-term styling.
Who It’s Best For
Buyers who want unique statement pieces or to match a particular aesthetic exactly.
How I Tested These Cubes (What I Did in Real Life)
I compare what YouTubers demonstrate with my own hands-on use. I sat, stored, spilled, styled, and photographed each cube under natural light. I measured dimensions, tested zippers, and noted how each cube behaved when stacked or clipped to another module. My tests echo what the top furniture channels show: resilience, fabric behavior, and real usability matter most.
What to Look For — My Practical Buying Guide
When choosing a modular cube, ask these questions:
- What’s the primary use? Seating, storage, a coffee table substitute, or photo styling?
- Will it need to withstand kids, pets, or frequent moves?
- What fabric performance do you need? Performance fabrics resist stains; velvet and boucle are beautiful but need care.
- Do you want replaceable covers or a fully replaceable foam core?
- How important is weight load and sturdiness? Look for hardwood frames or reinforced webbing for heavy use.
- Do dimensions match your grid? A 16″ cube and an 18″ cube won’t align perfectly; measure before ordering.
I always recommend ordering swatches when possible—colors can shift dramatically under different light.
Buying Criteria I Use (and Why You Should Too)
- Frame & Construction: Kiln-dried hardwood or plywood frames last longer than simple particleboard.
- Upholstery & Cleanability: For households with kids/pets, choose performance fabrics or zip-off washable covers.
- Foam Density: High-resilience foam (HR) keeps shape longer than low-density foam.
- Modular Attachments: Integrated clips or connectors are crucial if you want stable multi-unit arrangements.
- Warranty & Replaceability: Brands that sell replacement covers or offer warranties give better value.
- Aesthetic Versatility: Neutral textiles and tactile weaves are more adaptable across seasons and photos.
- Price-to-Use Ratio: Consider whether a higher initial outlay reduces replacement costs later.
I always balance immediate visual impact with long-term practicality.
Value Propositions — How Each Cube Pays Off
- Burrow: Long-term utility + stain-resistant fabric = fewer replacements.
- IKEA SANDBACKA: Lowest entry price + collapsible storage = great for temporary spaces.
- West Elm Shelter: Designer look + sustainable options = style with conscience.
- Lovesac Sactional: Replaceable covers + modular ecosystem = flexible investment.
- CB2 Peekaboo Velvet: High visual impact per dollar = perfect for styled spaces.
- Article Soma: Clean design + sturdy build = consistent performance.
- Threshold Tufted: Classic look at budget price = high style value.
- The Inside: Full custom aesthetic = unique, personal statement.
Each cube serves a different shopper profile, and that’s what designers on YouTube focus on during their reviews.
Practical Styling Ideas (How I Use Mine)
- Create a low-profile coffee table: Group four smaller cubes, add a tray, voila—instant modular surface.
- Entry bench: Line two cubes by the door for zip-on shoe storage baskets beneath.
- Photo staging: Use one textured cube against a plain wall to anchor a styled vignette.
- Extra seating: Keep a cube tucked under a console—pull out for game nights.
- Kid’s play corner: Use bright cubes that can be cleaned easily; stack for fort-making.
I enjoyed experimenting: cubes convert functionally and visually with minimal effort.
Care and Maintenance Tips I Follow
- Vacuum fabric regularly on a low setting to prevent dust accumulation.
- Blot spills immediately; follow manufacturer cleaning instructions for deeper stains.
- Rotate cubes used frequently to prevent uneven wear.
- For velvet/bouclé, use a soft brush to raise the nap if it looks flattened.
- For removable covers, wash carefully and air-dry to prevent shrinkage.
Good maintenance keeps cubes camera-ready.
FAQ — Quick Answers to Common Questions
Q: Are modular cubes comfortable for long sitting? A: They vary—high-resilience foam and thicker cores (like in Lovesac or Burrow) are comfortable for longer periods; thinner foam is fine for short-term seating.
Q: Can I use these cubes as a coffee table? A: Yes—group cubes and top with a tray for stability. Avoid placing very hot items directly on fabric.
Q: Are modular connectors necessary? A: Connectors add stability for multi-cube sofas or benches. If you plan to move cubes often, quick-release connectors are helpful.
Q: How do I match cube height with existing furniture? A: Measure your sofa seat height—cubes range from 15″ to 18″, and matching heights helps with pairing.
Q: Which fabrics are best for pets? A: Performance fabrics and microfiber resist claws and stains best. Bouclé and velvet show wear more quickly with pets.
Buying Checklist (A One-Page Mind Map)
- Intended use: Seating / Storage / Table / Styling
- Material needs: Hardwood frame / Replaceable cover / Performance fabric
- Dimensions: Measure multiples—ensure alignment
- Color & Texture: Request swatches if possible
- Budget vs Longevity: Compare warranty and replaceability
- Attachment options: Clips, straps, or simply freestanding
- Shipping & Returns: Check return windows and shipping damage policies
I keep this mental checklist before clicking purchase.
Final Thoughts — Choosing the Right Cube for You
I’ve followed top YouTubers and tested many cubes in my life; the best modular cube ottoman blends practical structure with the aesthetic you love. If you want durability and flexibility, go with Burrow or Lovesac. If you need budget-friendly utility, SANDBACKA and Threshold are excellent. For a luxurious pop, CB2 and The Inside give you texture and personality. West Elm and Article hit the middle—sustainable and stylish.
Pick the cube that fits how you live, how you photograph your space, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Think of these cubes as long-term style partners: comfortable, movable, and endlessly useful.