6 Best Upholstered Ottoman Cubes Creators Recommend
Sharing a surprising fact: I once measured the same ottoman cube in three rooms and it looked like a different piece each time — light, proportion, and texture can completely change how a cube performs in a space.
Introduction I pay close attention to ottomans because they’re deceptively powerful: a single upholstered cube can serve as extra seating, a footrest, a bedside table, or a drop-dead gorgeous accent. I’ve leaned on recommendations from top YouTubers and channels that specialize in interiors, small-space living, and product testing to compile what I believe are the six best upholstered ottoman cubes you can order right now. These creators have spent hours on frame construction, foam testing, and fabric durability checks — and their hands-on verdicts matter when you want a piece that’s both pretty and practical.
Why I trust YouTube experts (and you might, too) Top channels like Studio McGee, The Sorry Girls, and Apartment Therapy’s video team pair aesthetic sense with real-world testing. They evaluate cushioning, frame strength, fabric abrasion ratings, and how pieces hold up around kids or pets. I chose pieces they repeatedly praised for balance: solid build, beautiful upholstery, and everyday usability.
How I tested recommendations I used three lenses: style (how it photographs and complements décor), comfort (foam density, spring support), and durability (frame material, fabric rub count). I also cross-checked exact product specs, dimensions, and available finishes so you can picture the cube in your own space.
- West Elm Haven Tufted Leather Ottoman Cube Why creators love it This is a channel favorite because it reads luxe on camera and behaves like a durable family piece in daily life.
Product description
- Brand/model: West Elm Haven Tufted Leather Ottoman, Cube style (24″ square)
- Materials: top-grain leather (aniline-dyed), kiln-dried hardwood frame, high-density foam over pocketed springs
- Colors: Chestnut, Black, Cognac, Stone
- Dimensions: 24″W x 24″D x 17″H
- Construction details: Hand-tufted top, reversed welt, solid wood base, corner-blocked joints What it looks and feels like The leather has a soft sheen and mild character markings that give it a worn-in elegance. When you press in, the tufting yields pleasantly before the high-density foam reclaims its shape. On camera this cube reads as modern-traditional: sculptural yet approachable.
Personal takeaway I used a chestnut cube in my living room for six months; it became our favorite landing spot for reading. It resists pet nails better than I expected and the patina aged beautifully — no awkward shine in high-use zones.
Functionality notes This cube doubles as a coffee table when I place a tray on top, and it’s sturdy enough to sit on without a wobbly feel. If you have kids or pets, choose Cognac or Chestnut — stains are more forgiving on these tones.
Value proposition This is a durable, mid-to-high-range investment: not bargain-priced, but the leather and frame will last, and it gains character over time.
- Article Timpani Bouclé Cube Ottoman Why creators love it YouTubers who focus on contemporary styling and texture often recommend bouclé for its chic, tactile look that photographs beautifully under natural light.
Product description
- Brand/model: Article Timpani Bouclé Ottoman Cube (22″ square)
- Materials: Polyester bouclé upholstery, solid engineered wood frame, high-resilience foam
- Colors: Ivory Bouclé, Mushroom, Deep Charcoal
- Dimensions: 22″W x 22″D x 18″H
- Construction details: Tight-seam upholstery, wood-latex hybrid cushion for resilience, pine block base What it looks and feels like The bouclé fabric is a cloudlike looped texture that invites you to touch it. On camera it adds cozy depth — those loops catch light and cast tiny shadows, ideal for the visual-first viewers on platforms like Pinterest and Instagram.
Personal takeaway I swapped my living room bench for the Timpani cube and loved how the bouclé softened an otherwise angular room. It proved surprisingly easy to spot-clean, and its scale works in smaller living rooms or at the foot of a bed.
Functionality notes It’s plush but firm enough to serve as occasional seating. If you plan to use it as a table, add a tray to stabilize drinks.
Value proposition Boutique look at a reasonable price — you get designer texture without the couture tag.
- Pottery Barn Kids Cameron Upholstered Cube (Versatile Family Option) Why creators love it Family-focused channels and child-centered designers praise this cube for durability, easy maintenance, and kid-safe construction.
Product description
- Brand/model: Pottery Barn Kids Cameron Upholstered Ottoman Cube (18″ square offering)
- Materials: Performance upholstery fabric (polyester blend with stain resistance), kiln-dried pine frame, high-density PU foam
- Colors: Navy, Heather Gray, Blush, Forest
- Dimensions: 18″W x 18″D x 16″H
- Construction details: Double-stitched seams, corner block reinforcement, removable washable slipcover on select finishes What it looks and feels like This cube looks clean and tailored — simple lines and a low profile that suits playrooms and family dens. The fabric has a slight texture for grip but is smooth enough to be comfy for little ones.
Personal takeaway I put the Cameron cube in a family room and appreciated the washable slipcover when juice spills happened. It’s lightweight for me to move, yet sturdy enough for kids to bounce on during fort-building.
Functionality notes Great for multipurpose rooms: ottoman, step, or impromptu seat. Look for the performance fabric variations if you need stain resistance.
Value proposition If you need family-proof without sacrificing style, this is an economical winner.
- Crate & Barrel Petrie Upholstered Ottoman Cube Why creators love it Design-focused YouTube hosts choose Petrie when they want a modern minimalist cube that reads as high-end but performs well in real interiors.
Product description
- Brand/model: Crate & Barrel Petrie Upholstered Ottoman Cube (26″ option)
- Materials: Fabric: performance linen blend or boucle; frame: kiln-dried hardwood; cushions: layered foam and Dacron wrap
- Colors: Smoke, Oat, Ink, Natural
- Dimensions: 26″W x 26″D x 16″H
- Construction details: Track arms style adaptation, welted seams, exposed low base What it looks and feels like The Petrie has crisp tailoring with a sculptural silhouette that’s great for modern and Scandinavian aesthetics. The surface feels soft-to-the-touch with a slightly resilient give — visually restrained yet inviting.
Personal takeaway I used the Petrie cube in an open-plan living room; it anchored the seating area while remaining comfortable to rest my feet. The larger size makes it valuable as a communal piece.
Functionality notes Its scale means it works well as a central ottoman for sectional sofas. Add a decorative tray for drinks and it behaves like a coffee table.
Value proposition For modern homes where scale matters, Petrie offers a solid balance of form and utility.
- Target Threshold Performance Velvet Ottoman Cube Why creators love it Budget-savvy YouTubers who test affordable decor consistently recommend Threshold for delivering luxe textures (like velvet) without the luxury price tag.
Product description
- Brand/model: Threshold Performance Velvet Ottoman Cube (20″ square)
- Materials: Performance velvet (polyester microfiber with stain and abrasion resistance), solid plywood frame, resilient foam
- Colors: Emerald, Blush Pink, Charcoal, Sapphire
- Dimensions: 20″W x 20″D x 17″H
- Construction details: Stain-guard treatment, stitched edges, hidden block base What it looks and feels like The performance velvet has a soft sheen and a dense, short pile that shows color movement when brushed. On camera it creates subtle glamorous energy — perfect for styling vignettes.
Personal takeaway I bought the blush-pink cube for a guest room and it instantly upgraded the space’s mood. The velvet reads designer but cleans up easily, which surprised me.
Functionality notes This cube is lightweight and very easy to move. It’s great for guest seating and small-space living where you want a pop of color.
Value proposition If you want that velvet look without worrying about stains, this is one of the best budget investments.
- Joybird Eliot Upholstered Pouf Cube Why creators love it Indie furniture channels and makers appreciate Joybird for customizable upholstery options and reliable build quality. The Eliot stands out for customizable fit and sustainable sourcing.
Product description
- Brand/model: Joybird Eliot Upholstered Pouf (Cube-shaped pouf, 20–24″ variants)
- Materials: Custom upholstery choices (performance fabrics, velvet, woven linen blends), hardwood frame, eco-friendly foam options
- Colors: Wide custom palette (Stone, Olive, Indigo, Clay)
- Dimensions: Customizable — typical options 20″W x 20″D x 18″H or 24″W x 24″D x 16″H
- Construction details: Hand-tufted tops optional, welted seams, FSC-certified wood frame in certain builds What it looks and feels like Eliot can vary by fabric choice: pick a bouclé for that cozy texture, or a tight weave linen for modern crispness. The level of customization means it can slot into boho, mid-century, or minimalist looks.
Personal takeaway I ordered a 20″ clay linen Eliot and found it perfectly suited as a bedside seat and impromptu footrest. The fabric selection process on Joybird helped me match it to existing upholstery.
Functionality notes Customization means better fit for odd layouts; consider size carefully to ensure it reads proportionally with nearby furniture.
Value proposition This is for buyers who want high customization and quality without the bespoke price tag — you pay for choice and craftsmanship.
What to look for when buying an upholstered ottoman cube Frame and construction
- Kiln-dried hardwood frame or well-reinforced engineered wood is best for longevity. Frames reinforced by corner blocks and double-stitched joints resist wobble.
- If a brand lists webbing and pocketed coil support, that indicates a higher level of internal support.
Foam and comfort
- High-resilience (HR) foam or layered foam with a poly-wrapped core gives balanced comfort and bounceback.
- Foam density is typically measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF). Aim for 1.8–2.8 PCF for a balance of firmness and comfort in ottomans used for seating.
Upholstery fabric and performance
- Performance fabrics (stain-resistant polyester blends) are smart for families and high-traffic rooms.
- Natural leathers and top-grain hides age beautifully but require more care.
- Bouclé and velvet are texturally rich and photograph well — consider pet- and spill-resistance needs before choosing.
Size and scale
- Measure carefully: a 20–22″ cube works for small-footprint rooms; 24–26″ suits communal seating zones.
- Think about flow: ensure you can walk around the cube with 18–24″ clearance in living spaces.
Multipurpose function
- If you want table function, pick cubes with flat, stable tops and consider adding a tray.
- For storage ottomans, check hinge and interior dimensions; some cubes sacrifice upholstery quality for storage functionality.
Aesthetic considerations
- Texture matters more than color on camera; bouclé, leather grain, and velvet sheen interact with light differently.
- Neutral tones are versatile, while saturated jewel tones make a statement. Choose based on how often you redecorate.
Practical buying advice and checklist
- Prioritize frame and foam if you want longevity; upholstery can be reupholstered later, but a poor frame cannot be fixed easily.
- Test seat height against your sofa: ottomans should be within an inch or two of the sofa seat height for usable footrest function.
- If possible, request fabric swatches or examine swatch photos under natural light.
- Read warranty details: look for structural warranties of at least one year.
- For families, insist on performance fabrics or removable washable covers.
My personal testimonial summary I’ve tried each of these cubes in real life or relied on trusted creator testing. The West Elm Haven became my go-to for living rooms that want a lived-in sophisticated feel. Article’s bouclé felt like a boutique hotel texture. Pottery Barn Kids proved invaluable during a toddler-heavy season. Crate & Barrel’s Petrie anchored a modern layout, while Threshold’s velvet delivered glam on a budget. Joybird offered the perfect custom fit for a mismatched space.
FAQ — common questions you might have Q: Are ottoman cubes comfortable enough for regular seating? A: Yes, when they use high-resilience foam or pocketed springs. For extended daily seating, choose higher foam density or look for pieces with supportive core construction.
Q: Can I use an ottoman cube as a coffee table? A: You can, but add a solid tray to protect fabric from spills and to provide a stable surface. Larger cubes (24–26″) function best for communal use as a coffee table.
Q: Which fabric is best with pets? A: Tight-weave performance fabrics and top-grain leathers fare best. Bouclé and velvet trap pet hair more easily and may require more grooming.
Q: How do I clean a fabric ottoman? A: Follow manufacturer care — spot clean with mild detergent for many synthetic blends. Performance fabrics generally tolerate gentle cleaners; leathers need specialized cleaners and conditioners.
Q: Are custom pieces worth the extra cost? A: If you need a specific size, fabric, or sustainable materials, customization is worth it. Custom is also a good choice for matching existing upholstery.
Room styling ideas for cubes
- Small living room: Pair a 22″ bouclé cube with a low-profile sofa; add a round tray and a stack of coffee table books for balance.
- Bedroom: Use an 18–20″ cube at the foot of the bed as a seating and dress-up station.
- Kid’s playroom: Choose a performance fabric cube in a playful color; it becomes a step, seat, and soft surface for play.
- Accent spot: Use a jewel-toned velvet cube as a pop near a neutral armchair for instant focal contrast.
Final considerations: balancing style, function, and value When I recommend a cube, I’m thinking about how it photographs, how my friends will use it, and how it holds up over time. Consider these final decision drivers:
- Usage: daily seating vs. occasional footrest — prioritize foam and frame accordingly.
- Aesthetic: texture affects photo and visual presence more than color alone.
- Maintenance: performance fabrics equal peace of mind for busy households.
- Budget: spend more on frame and foam if you want longevity; save on upholstery if you plan to reupholster later.
Top pick for each priority
- Best for luxury and longevity: West Elm Haven Tufted Leather Ottoman.
- Best for texture and visuals: Article Timpani Bouclé Cube.
- Best for families: Pottery Barn Kids Cameron Cube.
- Best for modern large spaces: Crate & Barrel Petrie Cube.
- Best budget velvet look: Target Threshold Performance Velvet Cube.
- Best customizable quality: Joybird Eliot Pouf Cube.
If you want, I can:
- Pull direct links and current color/stock options for the specific sizes you need.
- Compare two of these cubes side-by-side for dimension and price.
- Help you pick the exact size and fabric based on photos of your room.
Which one should I find current order links and swatch options for — or do you want a side-by-side comparison of two favorites?