Pink Pouf Pillow
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Ottomans and Poufs
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Wool, Foam
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Pillows and Throws
Wool
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Sheepskin
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern More Carpets
Wool
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Books
Foil
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Figurative Sculptures
Acrylic
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Hardwood
2010s American Modern Dining Room Chairs
Bouclé, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Side Tables
Marble, Travertine
2010s American Minimalist Benches
Fiberglass
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
20th Century Moroccan Bohemian Pillows and Throws
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and...
Brass, Metal
2010s French Modern Chairs
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Metal, Brass
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
2010s American Modern Table Lamps
Steel, Brass, Silver Leaf
2010s American Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Chrome, Nickel, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Vases
Murano Glass
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
2010s American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Tribal Pillows and Throws
Wool
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Tribal Pillows and Throws
Wool
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Tribal Pillows and Throws
Wool
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Tribal Pillows and Throws
Wool
Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery
Early 20th Century French Ottomans and Poufs
Linen
2010s American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Tribal Footstools
Wool
Finding the Right ottomans-poufs for You
Antique and vintage ottomans and poufs add comfort and style to any living room, game room, home office or minimalist lounge space. An ottoman is a short seat or footstool that is also often used to store items. A pouf is similar, but it’s typically more petite than an ottoman, usually without the storage space inside.
When one thinks of the Ottoman Empire, it’s easy to overlook the iconic seat named for the region. The ottoman — originally an upholstered seat or small bench without a back or arms — was a family’s main seating furniture, a way to merge floor seating with cushions and mats. It wasn’t until they were brought to Europe from Turkey, during the 18th century, that it became popular to join ottomans with other pieces of furniture, such as at the base of a chair. Eventually, these footrests were transformed into storage furnishings to organize quilts and blankets or other textiles. Furniture makers crafted their ottomans with lids that revealed a hidden cupboard, which rendered them both comfortable and practical.
Poufs, which appeared in France during the 1840s, are also of the low-platform seating variety. These versatile furnishings have been made available in all manner of shapes and sizes over time, and depending upon their firmness can be used as a side table should an occasion call for an extra one. However, your average ottoman is almost always firmer than a pouf, and even if the plush pouf in your living room feels sturdy, it’s probably not the best surface for your early-evening cocktail.
Both ottomans and poufs can help create an inviting and warm atmosphere in your living space. For the smaller rooms that are characterized by a casual feel, a shaggy or woven wool pouf might be a better choice, as it’s likely to be more compact and floor-cushion-like than an ottoman. The latter are often larger and more table-like and are comparatively a good fit for a more formal room such as a library or a study. Today, you might find that an ottoman works well in your bedroom, where there isn’t room for a sofa, or perhaps it can serve as a reliable perch in front of your vintage vanity table.
Whatever your seating needs are, find a collection of antique, new and vintage ottomans and poufs in varying styles on 1stDibs that include neoclassical, Industrial and mid-century modern. From the bright colors and bold patterns deployed by Milan-born designer Lorenza Bozzoli to the classy leather furnishings created at family-run Brooklyn, New York, atelier Moses Nadel, there is an endless range of these lovable low stools that merge seamlessly with most decor.
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