Pouf With Animal Feet
2010s American Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century Indonesian Chippendale Ottomans and Poufs
Hardwood
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1990s American American Craftsman Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
Antique 18th Century American Chippendale Wall Mirrors
Mahogany
Vintage 1980s Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
Vintage 1980s English Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric, Walnut
Late 20th Century English Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Mahogany
20th Century English Ottomans and Poufs
Suede
Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery
Antique 1890s North African Moorish Side Tables
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Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Ottomans and Poufs
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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Brass
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Stools
Leather, Beech
20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Iron
Mid-20th Century North American Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
20th Century European Art Deco Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Wood
1990s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Wood
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Mohair
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
Late 20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Walnut, Fabric
Vintage 1960s English Other Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
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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