We don't have a closet either. I definitely think a coat stand is out, because your one-year-old would probably try to climb it, or at least yank on the coats. We have some hooks for our coats, and a little table with a box on it for the hats and gloves. I'd get a storage ottoman like you suggested for your coats and hats; and if you decide on a longer ottoman to stash the coats I do NOT think that would look "dorm room" at all!

Another tip, if you don't already do this, is to only keep coats in active use by the doorway. Keep off season coats elsewhere, like the basement. P