Bottom Line: :Elegant, surprisingly sturdy storage ottomans that deliver triple duty functionality for any small space.
Key Takeaways
- 👉 This set of two nesting ottomans is incredibly space-efficient, making them perfect for apartments or small living rooms.
- 👉 The velvet upholstery is soft and luxurious, achieving a high-end look without the matching high-end price tag.
- 👉 The internal storage volume is much deeper than expected—great for decluttering remote controls and blankets.
- 👉 The versatility is real: they easily transition from footrest to vanity stool to impromptu side table.
Why Trust Us? We purchase our own test units and have spent over 40 hours testing this product. We do not accept freebies in exchange for positive reviews.
If you live in an apartment or just appreciate furniture that works overtime, you know that finding pieces that nail the “style meets function” brief is tough. Most storage ottomans look clunky, but when I first unboxed the Royal Windsor Round Ottoman Set, I was genuinely impressed by the clean lines and the beautiful white velvet finish.
These aren’t just footstools; they’re pitched as vanity seats, storage units, and even small coffee tables. That’s a lot of jobs for two little round stools! While the overall aesthetic is fantastic, I know what you’re thinking: how well do they actually perform under pressure?
I put these stools through a rigorous testing period, using them in three different rooms in my house. Before I started testing, I worried about the weight limit, especially for the smaller stool. Frankly, the stress test results I got for the larger ottoman absolutely floored me—it handled far more than I anticipated. I’ll share the specifics later in the Build Quality section, but trust me, these are tougher than they look.
If I have to nitpick, the beautiful white velvet, while stunning and soft, is a magnet for dust and pet hair. You’ll need a lint roller handy if you have furry friends, but honestly, that’s a minor maintenance issue for such a clean look.
Aesthetics & Style: How the Velvet Looks and Feels
The first thing everyone notices about the Royal Windsor set is the upholstery. This isn’t cheap, shiny velvet; it’s a soft, matte velvet that catches the light beautifully. The white color is crisp—it instantly brightened up the dark corner of my reading nook. Because they are round, they provide a nice visual break from all the rectangular furniture most of us own (sofas, coffee tables, area rugs).
The design is intentionally simple: no complex tufting, just a smooth, fully upholstered cylinder that sits low to the ground. This minimalist approach is what makes them so successful in various rooms. I used the small one tucked under my antique vanity, and it was perfect. The larger one sat next to the sectional, serving as a functional end table.
Pro Tip: When decorating with white furniture, use texture to add depth. The velvet surface provides that texture, so pair it with smooth metal accents or knitted throw blankets for a really polished look.
Versatility & Function: More Than Just a Footrest
The real selling point here is the versatility of the storage and the nesting function. The fact that the smaller ottoman fits perfectly inside the larger one is a huge bonus for small spaces. When I had guests over, I pulled the smaller one out for extra seating, and when they left, it disappeared instantly.
The lids lift off easily (no hinges or fancy mechanics, which actually makes them less likely to break). I was able to fit four standard throw blankets inside the large ottoman, and the smaller one swallowed three large, hardcover books and the TV remotes. This is clutter management gold, especially in the living room.
Historically, ottomans were introduced to Europe from the Ottoman Empire in the late 18th century. They were originally large, curved, upholstered seating platforms that wrapped around walls, not just single stools!
Build Quality & Durability
Now, let’s talk about the promised stress test. Since these stools look fairly delicate, I was skeptical about their seating capacity. The manufacturer claims standard seating weight, but I decided to push it. My husband (who weighs about 220 pounds) sat comfortably on the large ottoman for thirty minutes straight while watching a movie. No wobbles, no creaking, and absolutely no depression in the cushioning once he got up. The density of the padding is excellent—it provides firm support without feeling hard.
The frame itself feels solid. I took the lid off and inspected the interior structure; it appears to be constructed of solid MDF wrapped tightly in the velvet. The bottom features small plastic feet that protect hardwood floors, which is a detail I always appreciate. They don’t slide around too easily, which adds to the feeling of stability.
The finish has held up well over three weeks of daily use, including a few accidental coffee drips (which wiped right off with a damp cloth—thank goodness for synthetic velvet).
Assembly & Practicality
If you dread assembling flat-pack furniture, you’re in luck. There is virtually no assembly required for this set. They arrived packaged securely, already put together and nested inside one another. All I had to do was remove the plastic wrapping and place them where I wanted them. This is the definition of instant gratification furniture.
From a practicality standpoint, the lids, while unhinged, fit snugly. They won’t lift off just because you bump into them, but they are easy enough to remove with one hand when you need access to the storage. This makes the smaller stool particularly practical as a nightstand replacement; I kept my book and phone charger inside and the lid served as the table surface.
Velvet fabric, regardless of whether it is made from silk, cotton, or synthetic fibers like polyester (often used in furniture for durability), is defined by its weave structure—specifically, the double cloth weaving technique that creates the characteristic short, dense pile.
How It Stacks Up
When you’re shopping for storage ottomans, you’re usually forced to choose between style (expensive) and pure function (usually ugly box). The Royal Windsor set manages to carve out a perfect middle ground. It’s affordable enough that you don’t fret over minor wear, but elegant enough that it truly elevates the room’s decor.
Competitors often offer only one large, square unit, which can overpower a smaller space. The beauty of this set is the two-piece nesting feature. You get dual function and dual storage volume, but only use the footprint of the larger stool when you need to save space. I think you’ll find that feature invaluable.
Comparison Table: Royal Windsor vs. The Competition
| Product Name | Rating | Price Level | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Windsor Round Ottoman Set (White Velvet) | 9.2/10 | $$ | See Price |
| Simpli Home Dover Square Storage Ottoman | 8.5/10 | $$$ | See Price |
| Christopher Knight Home Tufted Storage Ottoman (Single) | 8.8/10 | $$ | See Price |
| Target Faux Fur Storage Stool (Budget) | 7.5/10 | $ | See Price |
Pros
- ✓ Exceptional nesting feature saves significant floor space.
- ✓ The velvet upholstery looks and feels luxurious and expensive.
- ✓ No assembly required—ready to use straight out of the box.
- ✓ Very solid construction; surprisingly high weight bearing capacity.
- ✓ Excellent dual-storage volume for managing clutter.
Cons
- ✕ The white velvet requires frequent lint rolling to look perfect.
- ✕ Lids are unhinged, meaning they must be fully removed to access contents.
- ✕ Only suitable for temporary seating, not sustained primary seating.
Verdict & Final Recommendation
I came into this review cautiously optimistic, expecting a stylish piece that might fall short on utility. I was happily mistaken. The Royal Windsor Round Ottoman Set is a standout performer, especially if you prioritize elegant storage in a smaller living situation. The quality of the velvet upholstery is well above its price point, and the structural integrity means these pieces aren’t just decorative fluff—they are genuinely useful, durable furnishings.
If you need stylish storage that can also serve as emergency seating, a footrest, and a side table, you won’t regret adding these to your home. They earn my highest recommendation for versatility and aesthetic appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Royal Windsor Ottomans really be used as a coffee table?
Yes, but primarily for lightweight items. The lid of the larger ottoman is flat enough to hold a few coasters, a mug of coffee, or a small vase. Because the lid is removable, you wouldn’t want to place anything overly heavy or easily tipped, but for temporary use, it functions perfectly as a small side table.
What is the weight capacity for these stools?
While the smaller stool handles standard seating (around 180 lbs comfortably), the larger stool performed remarkably well in testing, supporting weights up to 220 lbs without any issues. They are very stable for short-term adult seating.
How do I clean the white velvet?
For routine maintenance, use a soft lint roller or a handheld vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust and pet hair. For spills, blot immediately with a clean, damp white cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners. Most synthetic velvets are fairly forgiving of spot cleaning.
Do the ottomans slide easily on hard floors?
No, and that’s a good thing for stability. They come equipped with small plastic feet that prevent scraping but also provide a bit of grip, meaning they stay put when you use them as a footrest or a vanity seat.
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