The OTTO Story

We’re inspired to create products based on our own experience. New ideas come to us all the time! Products we would find useful in our own home. Products we think our kids and friends would love, too. But in reality, the path from idea to product takes time, testing and experience. OTTO Storage Stool is a good example of how our patience and perfectionism led us – eventually – to what we think is a great product.

We’ve always loved ottomans – the ultimate in flexible and portable furnishings. But traditional ottomans can sometimes look stuffy and, dare we say it, old-fashioned. We wanted to modernize the ottoman concept and make it multi-functional, fun and appealing to all ages. What’s more, we wanted a product that is designed and made in the USA, yet still affordable. The result? OTTO!

Great products don’t happen overnight, even for our experienced Otto Storage homeware designers. We conducted extensive market research and then spent three years perfecting our idea – from initial design to final production. We tested and tweaked the OTTO design again and again until we decided it was finally ready – with the right material, colors, strength and durability.

We are proud to have made the effort to have OTTO produced right here in the USA. Could we have taken the typical route and sourced it abroad? Of course. But it makes us happy to know that by using an American manufacturer, our family business is supporting other American Business owners. And because we sell our products directly through our website rather than a middle man, our prices are still very affordable.

Just like design ideas, product testing is also based on our experience. If we love it in our home, we think you will, too. We’re already hearing from friends and family about the many practical uses they are finding for OTTO. We’d love to hear more. Let us know in the comments below how and where you would be using yours.