SIMPLIHOME 44" Wide Transitional Rectangle Storage Ottoman Bench - Distressed Grey Taupe Vegan Faux Leather, Open Bottom Design for Living Room & Bedroom | Perfect for Extra Seating, Blanket Storage & Footrest in Small Spaces

This is the perfect solution to a fairly specific problem: having a firm bench for changing shoes when coming into the house from outdoors as well as stashing small outdoor items like gloves, scarves, and masks out of sight. Several things it's not: it's not for lounging (it's quite firm, very supportive for bending over to change shoes, but not a place to relax); it's not fine furniture (it looks great, but if you're a detail fanatic you might not be pleased with small imperfections in finish and upholstery); it's not a huge storage bin (it's inside storage space is shallow, ample for small soft items and maybe shoes, but it won't swallow bigger stuff -- check the dimensions -- and boots have to go on the shelf). We got the "linen-look" upholstery and are completely satisfied. The lift mechanism for access to the storage bin works flawlessly and easily, but note that it requires an inch or so of clear space behind the bench to pivot into so the bench can't be shoved tight to the wall. It's heavy enough that it stays put in use and doesn't slide around when you're trying to tie your shoes. Assembly tip: leave the fasteners slightly loose until the whole thing is together, then go around again for the final tightening (it needed a little play for everything to line up right). The bench happened to be a perfect fit for the space available at our front door, so for us it's a very attractive and economical solution, exactly the right choice.